mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or off-white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (smooth from water wear); Crystal Structure: Trigonal (not visible in pebble form); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, beige, or off-white
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (smooth from water wear)
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: Tan, beige, or off-white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (smooth from water wear); Crystal Structure: Trigonal (not visible in pebble form); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from igneous or metamorphic activity, then weathered and transported by water in rivers or coastal environments, rounding the edges through erosion.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, as a component of concrete, or as a decorative 'worry stone' when naturally polished and rounded.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Rounded pebbles like this one are often found in fluvial (river) deposits and can be millions of years old.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of visible grains or pores. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial till.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock