mineral

White Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to waxy when water-worn; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to waxy when water-worn

Identified March 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or through the cooling of magma in igneous veins. This specific specimen has been further shaped by fluvial or coastal erosion, which tumbled it into a smooth, oval pebble over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Used industrially in glass making, abrasive blasting, and as a component in concrete. In jewelry, it is often tumbled or used as a base for white cabochons. Frequently used in landscaping and interior decor.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky white quartz gets its color from tiny pockets of gas or liquid trapped within the crystal during its formation. It is highly resistant to chemical weathering.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial till. This specimen's high degree of rounding suggests it was transported over a long distance by water.