mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when river-worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (when river-worn)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when river-worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen is a water-worn river pebble, shaped by mechanical erosion over thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as decorative landscaping stone.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is clear, but impurities like milkiness are caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in river beds, beaches, and gravel pits worldwide.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
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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](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic