mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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)
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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
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary