sedimentary
Quartz Pebble
Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to translucent white; Luster: Dull/Waxy (weathered); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan to translucent white
- Luster
- Dull/Waxy (weathered)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to translucent white; Luster: Dull/Waxy (weathered); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from the weathering of quartz-rich igneous or metamorphic rocks. This specific specimen is a water-worn clast, likely shaped by river or beach erosion over thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, decorative gravel, and as a raw material for glass manufacturing and silicon production. Smooth pebbles are also popular for crafts and terrariums.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Because of its high chemical and physical resistance to weathering, it often remains as pebbles long after other minerals have dissolved.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its ability to scratch glass and its rounded, smooth texture from tumbling in water. Found globally in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and along coastlines.
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