mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; white, translucent, or yellowish color; vitreous luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.

Identified July 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; white, translucent, or yellowish color; vitreous luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the weathering and prolonged water-action (erosion) of quartz-bearing rocks like granite or quartzite, where resistant quartz grains are rounded into pebbles in rivers or coastal environments.

Uses & applications

Used in landscaping, decorative gravel, tumbling, and as raw material for glassmaking and silicon production.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and is exceptionally resistant to chemical weathering, allowing pebbles to survive vast distances of transport.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and smooth water-worn shape found frequently in riverbeds and beaches worldwide.