mineral
Quartz (Iron-Stained Quartz Pebble)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to orange-brown due to iron oxide staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Fracture: Conchoidal. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale yellow to orange-brown due to iron oxide staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to orange-brown due to iron oxide staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Fracture: Conchoidal. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, or hydrothermal environments. This pebble shows significant water-worn rounding and surface weathering typical of riverbed or stream sediments.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected as a rockhounding sample, used in decorative landscaping, lapidary tumbling, and industrial applications for silica.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust. Iron oxide compounds like limonite or hematite easily seep into micro-fractures, giving clear quartz a yellow-orange appearance.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its ability to easily scratch glass (hardness 7), conchoidal fracture, and lack of true cleavage. Extremely common in gravel bars, rivers, and beaches worldwide.
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