mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White to translucent tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (weathered); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White to translucent tan
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (weathered)

Identified July 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White to translucent tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (weathered); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes or igneous crystallization, then weathered and rounded by water transport (fluvial or marine action). These can range from millions to billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Used as garden aggregate, in glass manufacturing, as a source of silicon, and as common pocket stones or tumbled decorative rocks.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Rounded pebbles like this are often referred to as 'river stones' or 'sea glass' equivalents when naturally polished by water.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage planes. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits. Common in almost all terrestrial environments.