mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to creamy white, Luster: vitreous to waxy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to creamy white, Luster: vitreous to waxy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in various geological environments including cooling magma and hydrothermal veins; this specific specimen has been eroded and rounded by water transport over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Industrial use in glassmaking, construction aggregate, and as a common decorative landscaping stone or filler.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These small tan pebbles are often called 'citrine quartz pebbles' in common parlance if they have iron-oxide staining, though they are usually just colored quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of visible cleavage, and smooth, rounded surface from weathering. Common in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and gravel pits.
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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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic