mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Creamy white to pale yellow, translucent; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline in this beach-worn form); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Creamy white to pale yellow, translucent
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified July 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes or as a primary mineral in igneous rocks. This specific specimen is a water-worn river or beach pebble, smoothed over centuries by hydraulic action and abrasion.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for decorative landscaping, gravel, or as a pocket stone. High-purity quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, and abrasives.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These rounded shapes are 'nature's tumblers,' where waves or river currents smooth jagged edges into ovoid shapes.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass and metal) and lack of visible grains. Found globally on beaches and in riverbeds. Collectors look for high clarity or unique internal inclusions.