mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, pale beige to light pinkish-tan color, waxy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, smooth water-worn surface, non-magnetic, specific gravity approximately 2.65.

Identified July 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, pale beige to light pinkish-tan color, waxy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, smooth water-worn surface, non-magnetic, specific gravity approximately 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed through crystallization in igneous pegmatites or hydrothermal veins, subsequently eroded and rounded by transport in water environments such as rivers, stream beds, or ocean beaches over thousands to millions of years.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in landscaping, decorative rock arrangements, tumbling for hobbyists, and industrially as a source of silica for glassmaking and silicon metal production.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's surface. Water-worn pebbles often feature fractures stained with iron oxide, which gives them yellowish or reddish-brown highlights along micro-cracks.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife), lack of cleavage, smooth rounded pebble shape, and translucent to opaque waxy texture. Found universally in riverbeds, gravel pits, and coastal areas.