mineral

White Quartz Pebble

Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to off-white; Luster: vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: none; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: white to off-white
Luster: vitreous to waxy

Identified June 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to off-white; Luster: vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: none; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in many environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. It is often concentrated through mechanical weathering and transport in streams or shorelines, where it is rounded into pebbles over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Used industrially in glass manufacturing, abrasives, and as construction aggregate. High-purity quartz is used in electronics and clocks. Rounded pebbles are popular for decorative landscaping.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically stable and resistant to weathering, which is why quartz pebbles often remain long after other minerals have eroded away.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white or translucent appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and gravel pits globally.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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