mineral
Quartz (Gravel Pebble)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in nearly all geological environments, particularly igneous and metamorphic rocks, through crystallization from magma or hydrothermal precipitate. Found globally in all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Raw industrial quartz is used in glassmaking, abrasives, and electronics (piezoelectric properties). Rounded pebbles are used in landscaping and as aggregate in construction.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Small, rounded pebbles like this are often the result of long-term weathering and transport by water in rivers or beaches.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it can scratch glass), its lack of cleavage, and glassy appearance. Common in riverbeds, beaches, and soil worldwide.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous