mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Translucent white to tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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 white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed via igneous or hydrothermal processes, then eroded and rounded by water action in a river or beach environment. Standard quartz is found in all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Industrial uses include glassmaking, abrasives, and electronics. Small polished pebbles are used in landscaping, aquariums, and home decor.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Over time, physical weathering turns larger quartz veins into rounded river stones like this one.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds, glacial tills, and beaches worldwide.
More like this
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