mineral
Quartz (River Pebble)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Brownish-tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Brownish-tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (when polished)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Brownish-tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through crystallization of igneous melt or hydrothermal veins, later weathered and water-worn in a riverbed or alluvial deposit.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as tumbled stones for decoration.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. This specific specimen shows signs of mechanical weathering (rounding) from water transport.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common in stream beds, beaches, and glacial till worldwide.
More like this
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
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral