mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, translucent white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (though eroded here); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Tan, beige, translucent white
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal veins or cooling magma. This specific specimen is a water-worn river pebble, likely millions of years old, shaped by fluvial erosion which smoothed its edges.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, grit for abrasives, and as decorative gravel. High-purity quartz is used in electronics and clocks.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which means 'hard'.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds, beaches, and mountainous regions worldwide. Look for a waxy luster when wet.