mineral
Quartz pebble
Quartz (Silicon dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness: 7; Color: typically clear, white, or pale hues (often stained by iron oxide); Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: trigonal (often weathered to rounded shapes); Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7
- Luster
- vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7; Color: typically clear, white, or pale hues (often stained by iron oxide); Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: trigonal (often weathered to rounded shapes); Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Highly resistant to physical and chemical weathering, making it a very common constituent of sand, gravel, and stream deposits.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in industry for glassmaking, abrasives, foundry sand, and in the manufacture of silicon and electronics. Gem varieties are used in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its high durability allows it to survive long periods of transport in rivers and streams, resulting in rounded pebbles like the one shown.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and glassy luster. Very common in many geologic environments, including stream beds and gravel deposits in Oklahoma.
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