mineral
Quartz Beach Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, translucent white to grey color, vitreous to waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, trigonal crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz Beach Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, translucent white to grey color, vitreous to waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, trigonal crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed originally in hydrothermal veins or igneous pegmatites. The specimen has been weathered, eroded, and rounded by water action along a coast or riverbed over thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected as a beach pebble, used in lapidary work, tumbling, decorative landscaping, and as an abrasive or glassmaking raw material.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Beach pebbles often feature natural polishing from continuous wave and sand action.
Field identification & locations
Look for a smooth, rounded surface with translucent to milky white interior and micro-fractures typical of wave-worked quartz. Widely found on coastal beaches and river beds globally.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock