mineral
Quartz (Small Pebble)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: White, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: White, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling magma or hydrothermal veins; extremely resistant to weathering, allowing it to survive as small pebbles in many environments through different geological ages.
Uses & applications
Industry: Silicate glass production, electronics (piezoelectric). Construction: Aggregates. Collecting: Generally low value for small tumbled pebbles.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as small white pebbles in stream beds and soil.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (can scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Found globally in almost all geological settings, particularly riverbeds and beaches.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
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](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic