
mineral
Quartz Pebble (Chalcedony/Agate variety)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, translucent milky white; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, beige, translucent milky white
- Luster
- Waxy to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, translucent milky white; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the precipitation of silica from groundwater in cavities of other rocks or as water-worn debris in sedimentary environments. Common in all geological eras, often found in alluvial deposits.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry (tumbled stones), industrial abrasives, glass making, and as decorative landscaping gravel.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. This specific specimen appears to be a water-worn river pebble, naturally polished by the action of water and sand over time.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent 'glow' when held to a light. Extremely common in riverbeds and beaches 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