Mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cream, tan, or milky white; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline in pebbles); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Cream, tan, or milky white
- Luster
- Waxy to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cream, tan, or milky white; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline in pebbles); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed via igneous processes or hydrothermal veins, later eroded and rounded by water action in rivers or coastal environments. Quartz can be found in rocks from almost any geological era.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics, as an abrasive, in construction aggregates, and as tumbled stones for decorative use or jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Rounded pebbles like this one are often referred to as 'river stones' and have been smoothed over thousands of years by water transport.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), waxy luster when wet, and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in stream beds, beaches, and glacial till.
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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