
mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to creamy white, Luster: vitreous to waxy, Crystal structure: trigonal (hexagonal), Cleavage: none, Specific gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to creamy white, Luster: vitreous to waxy, Crystal structure: trigonal (hexagonal), Cleavage: none, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins, then weathered and transported by water (rivers or coastal action) over thousands of years to create its rounded shape.
Uses & applications
Industrial use in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as construction aggregate. High-quality specimens are used in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which likely originated from Slavic roots meaning 'hard'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and smooth, rounded exterior from water erosion. This specific small pebble is a common find in riverbeds and gravel deposits 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
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic