mineral
Quartz Pebble in Arkosic Sand
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale tan, cream, yellow-brown, whitish. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal System: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale tan, cream, yellow-brown, whitish
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale tan, cream, yellow-brown, whitish. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal System: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the weathering, erosion, and transport of silica-rich igneous rocks (such as granite or pegmatites) or quartz veins. Commonly found in alluvial, fluvial, or saprolitic soil deposits.
Uses & applications
Quartz in sand and gravel forms is widely used in construction aggregates, landscaping, water filtration, and glass manufacturing. Individual stream-rounded quartz pebbles are collected as general natural mineral samples.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's continental crust. Its high resistance to both physical abrasion and chemical weathering allows it to survive long-distance transport in rivers and streams, forming coarse sand and gravel deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, translucent appearance, and rounded to sub-rounded pebble shape embedded within coarse quartz-feldspar sand. Abundant worldwide in stream beds, river valleys, and alluvial plains.
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