mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/Translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (though rounded here), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/Translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (though rounded here), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling silica-rich magma or hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen has been secondary-weathered and smoothed by water action in a river or coastal environment.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in glassmaking, abrasives, and as a concrete aggregate. Small rounded pebbles are frequently used in decorative landscaping and aquarium substrata.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically very stable, which is why it often remains as pebbles long after the host rock has weathered away.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in almost all geological environments, particularly in beach and river deposits.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous