mineral

Brown Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Mohs hardness: 7; Color: Translucent to opaque brown; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/massive); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7
Color: Translucent to opaque brown
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness: 7; Color: Translucent to opaque brown; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/massive); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specific specimen has been water-worn and smoothed by alluvial processes (river or beach erosion).

Uses & applications

Used as decorative gravel, in landscaping, and as a common specimen for beginner rock hounds. High-purity quartz is used in glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Brown coloring in quartz often comes from iron oxide inclusions or natural radiation during formation.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife) and its translucent edges. Frequently found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and along coastal beaches worldwide.