mineral
Quartz pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to translucent with amber staining; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- white to translucent with amber staining
- Luster
- vitreous (glassy) to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to translucent with amber staining; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. This specimen shows signs of water-worn weathering, typical of alluvial or sedimentary transport.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as decorative gravel or gemstones.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is extremely resistant to both chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as small pebbles while other minerals dissolve.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel nail), lack of cleavage, and glassy appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and soil worldwide.
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Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous