mineral
Quartz Pebble (Iron-Stained Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow, tan, to pale amber; Luster: Vitreous to slightly waxy/greasy; Crystal System: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal to uneven fracture); Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Honey-yellow, tan, to pale amber
- Luster
- Vitreous to slightly waxy/greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-yellow, tan, to pale amber; Luster: Vitreous to slightly waxy/greasy; Crystal System: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal to uneven fracture); Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Originally crystallized in igneous pegmatites or hydrothermal veins, then released through weathering and smoothed into a rounded pebble by tumbling in riverbeds or coastal wave action over thousands to millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected for rock tumbling, lapidary cabochons, decorative landscape gravel, aquarium stone, and educational specimens.
Geological facts
The warm yellowish-orange coloration is typically caused by micro-inclusions of iron oxides (such as limonite or goethite) that seeped into surface micro-fractures during fluvial transport and weathering.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its hardness (will easily scratch glass and cannot be scratched by a steel nail), lack of cleavage planes, translucent body, and curved conchoidal fractures where chipped. Abundant in gravel bars, riverbeds, and beaches worldwide.
