mineral

White Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to opaque
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes or igneous crystallization from magma. This specific specimen has been water-worn and smoothed by alluvial or coastal erosion, likely over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Used in landscaping, high-purity silica production for glass and electronics, as an abrasive, and frequently collected as 'worry stones' or decorative garden stones.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The white color is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth, which scatter light.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial till globally. Collectors value it for its smooth texture and pure white aesthetic.