sedimentary
Quartz Pebble (Tumbled / River Pebble)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness: 7, Color: Off-white to pale tan with faint iron-oxide veining, Luster: Smooth/sub-vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline, Specific Gravity: ~2.65
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Quartz Pebble (Tumbled / River Pebble) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness: 7, Color: Off-white to pale tan with faint iron-oxide veining, Luster: Smooth/sub-vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline, Specific Gravity: ~2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through weathering and erosion of quartz-bearing rocks (like granite or quartzite), rounded by wave or river action into a natural stream/beach pebble.
Uses & applications
Used for decorative landscaping, pocket stones, tumbling practice, and rock collections.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's surface and resists mechanical and chemical weathering extremely well, which allows these smooth pebbles to survive for thousands of years in riverbeds and on coasts.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (scratches glass), smooth water-worn oblong shape, off-white color, and faint yellowish iron-staining along micro-fractures. Commonly found along rivers, streams, and ocean beaches worldwide.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary