mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to tan
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when worn)

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specimen is water-worn, likely tumbled in a stream or river bed over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Industrial uses include glass making, abrasives, and electronics. Small pebbles are used in landscaping or as decorative stones.

Geological facts

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. It is extremely resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as smooth pebbles after other minerals have eroded away.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. In the field, look for smooth, translucent to opaque rounded stones in wash-outs or riverbeds.