sedimentary

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) Pebble

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale beige, tan, whitish grey. Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous. Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline aggregate). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale beige, tan, whitish grey
Luster: Dull to sub-vitreous

Identified July 25, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through mechanical weathering and stream or beach erosion of quartz-rich igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks, creating a well-rounded pebble over time.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as construction aggregate, landscaping gravel, river rock decor, and for stone tumbling.

Geological facts

Quartz pebbles are among the most resistant rocks to chemical and physical weathering, allowing them to survive long transport distances in rivers and oceans.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its rounded shape, hardness (scratches glass, cannot be scratched by steel knife), and resistance to acid. Found abundantly in riverbeds, lakeshores, and glacial deposits worldwide.