mineral

Quartz Pebble (with probable iron staining)

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Yellowish-tan to translucent, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified May 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Yellowish-tan to translucent, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms through hydrothermal activity in veins or as a constituent in igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specimen is water-worn, likely from a stream or coastal environment. Small pebbles can range from millions to billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Small unrefined pebbles are mostly used in landscaping, road construction, or as decorative gravel; polished versions are used in jewelry and crystal healing.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Yellow hues in quartz often come from microscopic iron hydroxide inclusions like limonite or goethite.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and rounded shape from fluvial erosion. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits worldwide.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral