mineral

Quartz Pebble

Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Mohs hardness: 7; Color: milky white to off-white; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy when weathered; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7
Color: milky white to off-white
Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy when weathered

Identified July 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness: 7; Color: milky white to off-white; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy when weathered; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or as a primary constituent of igneous rocks like granite. This specific specimen has been rounded by fluvial (water) or glacial transport, likely deposited in a riverbed or shoreline.

Uses & applications

Industrial use in glassmaking, abrasives, and electronics. Small polished pebbles are used in landscaping, aquariums, and as pocket stones.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its high hardness and chemical resistance allow it to survive erosion longer than most other minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its lack of clear cleavage planes. Milky white quartz is commonly found in gravel pits, riverbeds, and beaches worldwide.