mineral
Quartz pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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 More mineral →
Explore Quartz pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
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.
