mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Off-white, yellowish-tan, grey with iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Off-white, yellowish-tan, grey with iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through weathering and erosion of quartz-bearing rocks such as granite or pegmatites. The rounded shape indicates transport and tumbling by river, stream, or beach wave action over time.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as decorative gravel, in land scaping, aggregate in concrete, or collected as a simple beach/river pebble.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's surface and is highly resistant to both chemical weathering and physical abrasion, which is why quartz pebbles dominate riverbeds and gravel beaches worldwide.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, translucent appearance, and rounded water-worn shape. Found in streams, rivers, beaches, and glacial till across the globe.