sedimentary
Pebble
Lithic fragment / Sedimentary clast
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness varies generally 5-7 on Mohs scale depending on mineral composition, color ranges from grey to dark green or brown, dull luster, amorphous or cryptocrystalline structure, no distinct cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness varies generally 5-7 on Mohs scale depending on mineral composition, color ranges from grey to dark green or brown, dull luster, amorphous or cryptocrystalline structure, no distinct cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the weathering and erosion of larger rock formations, followed by transport via water or wind where rounding occurs over long periods in riverbeds or beaches.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, decorative ground cover, construction aggregate, and educational geology collections.
Geological facts
Small rounded stones like this are often referred to as clasts in geology and can travel miles downriver, becoming smoother and more rounded due to abrasion.
Field identification & locations
Found abundantly in riverbeds, lake shores, and gravel deposits worldwide. Field identification relies on observing its smooth, water-worn shape and compact size.
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