mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white to translucent color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white to translucent color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in various geological environments, commonly weathering out of igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks and rounded by water transport in rivers or beaches over millions of years
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, decorative stone, glass manufacturing, electronics, and lapidary work
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally resistant to weathering, which is why quartz pebbles are extremely common in riverbeds and beaches
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and resistance to acid; found globally in virtually all types of geological environments
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic