mineral

Quartz Pebble (Yellow/Iron-Stained Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-brown, tan, or orange-brown due to iron oxide impurities; Luster: Vitreous to waxy/sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline or massive quartz aggregate); Cleavage: None, fractures conchoidally; Specific Gravity: ~2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to waxy/sub-vitreous

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz Pebble (Yellow/Iron-Stained Quartz) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through silica precipitation in hydrothermal veins or sedimentary deposits, subsequently weathered, eroded, and rounded into a smooth pebble by stream, river, or beach action.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected as river rocks or landscaping stone; smaller rounded quartz pebbles are used in tumbling, lapidary projects, and ornamental gravel.

Geological facts

Yellow to brown staining on microcrystalline quartz and quartzite is caused by limonite or hematite coatings that seep into microscopic pores and fractures over long periods of weathering.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its smooth, water-worn texture, hardness of 7 (will scratch glass and steel), and lack of cleavage. Found abundantly in riverbeds, gravel pits, and beaches 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)

mineral

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