mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white to off-white color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, no true cleavage with conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.

Identified July 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white to off-white color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, no true cleavage with conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed via crystallization in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments; water-worn and rounded into a pebble through mechanical weathering and transport in rivers, streams, or coastal beaches.

Uses & applications

Used in landscaping, decorative aggregates, abrasives, and sometimes tumbled or carved for lapidary purposes.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant and durable minerals in Earth's continental crust, making up a large percentage of beach sand.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and resistance to chemical weathering. Found worldwide in stream beds, beaches, and glacial deposits.