mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, beige, or milky white due to inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Tan, beige, or milky white due to inclusions
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the crystallization of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen has been smoothed and rounded through erosion in a riverbed or coastal environment.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in construction as aggregate, in glassmaking, as an abrasive, and in the manufacturing of electronics and watches (piezoelectric properties).

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which likely has roots in Slavic words meaning 'hard'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for rounded, smooth textures in stream beds or gravel pits. Milky varieties are common in glacial drift.