mineral
Quartz pebble with iron staining
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white or colorless but stained yellow/orange/brown by iron oxides (limonite/goethite). Vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture. Often found as rounded pebbles due to weathering.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white or colorless but stained yellow/orange/brown by iron oxides (limonite/goethite). Vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture. Often found as rounded pebbles due to weathering.
Formation & geological history
Formed initially as igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary vein deposits. The rounded shape indicates transport and weathering by water (river or beach environment).
Uses & applications
Commonly collected as a lapidary material for tumbling. Industrial uses for quartz include glassmaking and abrasives.
Geological facts
Iron staining is a very common surface or internal feature in quartz pebbles found in soils or riverbeds.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The orange staining is characteristic of iron.
