mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, clear, or off-white with a vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, clear, or off-white with a vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through crystallization from silica-rich solutions or cooling magma, frequently found as water-worn pebbles in stream beds, beaches, and sedimentary deposits due to its high resistance to weathering.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics, engineered stone countertops, and as decorative landscape gravel or lapidary specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Because it resists chemical and physical weathering longer than almost any other mineral, it survives erosion to form widespread quartz sand and pebbles.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its inability to be scratched by steel (hardness 7) and its conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly every geological environment.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
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Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral