mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tans, whites, or clear; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Tans, whites, or clear
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered)

Identified July 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tans, whites, or clear; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal veins or as a primary constituent of igneous and metamorphic rocks. These specimens were smoothed into rounded pebbles through mechanical erosion in rivers, streams, or coastal environments.

Uses & applications

Used in manufacturing glass, ceramics, and abrasives. Historically used for stone tools; commonly used today in landscaping and construction.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These specific shapes are the result of thousands of years of tumbling in water, which wears down the sharp edges of crystalline quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for a translucent to transparent appearance when held to light. Found globally in almost any riverbed or beach.