mineral

Quartz Pebble (Iron-Stained Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Yellowish-brown to tan due to iron oxide staining, translucent to sub-translucent. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal microcrystalline structure. Cleavage: None, fractures conchoidally.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or secondary deposition. The rounded, smooth shape indicates erosion and polishing through stream, river, or ocean water movement over time.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected as river rocks or beach pebbles, used in decorative landscaping, lapidary art, or as educational mineral samples.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. Iron oxide inclusions or coatings give milky quartz a warm orange, yellow, or reddish-brown tint.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, smooth stream-worn texture, and warm translucent color. Extremely common along riverbeds, beaches, and gravel deposits worldwide.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

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Schist

Metamorphic

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary