
sedimentary
Grey River Pebble (Greywacke / Basalt)
Stream-rounded silicate rock pebble
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark grey with faint white veinings. Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous when dry. Structure: Fine-grained, microcrystalline to clastic matrix. Cleavage: None (conchoidal to uneven fracture).
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Dark grey with faint white veinings
- Luster
- Dull to sub-vitreous when dry
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Grey River Pebble (Greywacke / Basalt) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark grey with faint white veinings. Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous when dry. Structure: Fine-grained, microcrystalline to clastic matrix. Cleavage: None (conchoidal to uneven fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed through the erosion, mechanical weathering, and stream transport of fine-grained sedimentary rock (like greywacke or shale) or fine-grained igneous rock (like basalt). The rounded shape is caused by natural water attrition over time.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, river rock gardens, aquarium decor, and aggregate in construction.
Geological facts
Smooth pebbles like this are natural indicators of ancient or present watercourses, such as rivers, streams, and beaches, where water flow naturally grinds sharp rock fragments into smooth oval shapes.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its smooth, water-worn exterior, rounded edges, and uniform fine-grained grey texture with fine calcite or quartz veinlets. Commonly found along riverbanks, gravel bars, and coastal beaches.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Mudstone
Argillite / Siliciclastic sedimentary rock
sedimentary