mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Tan/Cream/White, Luster: Dull to waxy when unpolished, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (not visible in pebble form), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Tan/Cream/White, Luster: Dull to waxy when unpolished, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (not visible in pebble form), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed primarily in igneous and metamorphic rocks, this specimen has been weathered and eroded over time, rounded by the action of water in a river or coastal environment.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, road construction aggregate, and as a source of silica for glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. This specific rounded shape, known as a 'river rock', takes decades or centuries of water abrasion to form.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of visible cleavage. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits.
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