mineral

Quartz pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: translucent yellowish to pale brown; Luster: vitreous to waxy (water-worn surface); Crystal structure: trigonal; Cleavage: none; Fracture: conchoidal

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: translucent yellowish to pale brown
Luster: vitreous to waxy (water-worn surface)

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: translucent yellowish to pale brown; Luster: vitreous to waxy (water-worn surface); Crystal structure: trigonal; Cleavage: none; Fracture: conchoidal

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary environments as primary quartz crystals, then eroded, transported by water, and naturally rounded into a stream or beach pebble over thousands to millions of years.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected as river or beach stones, used as decorative aggregate, landscaping, lapidary polishing, and general rock tumbling projects.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant and resistant minerals on Earth's surface, which allows it to survive long transport in rivers and ocean shores where softer minerals wear away.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its harness (can scratch glass), lack of cleavage, translucent appearance, and rounded beach/river-worn surface texture. Commonly found in stream beds, lake shores, and gravel deposits worldwide.