mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to dull (weathered); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull (weathered)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to dull (weathered); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); 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 specific specimen has been smoothed and rounded into a pebble by fluvial or glacial erosion over thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, construction aggregate, glass making, and as pocket stones or aquarium gravel.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its durability allows it to survive long-distance transport in rivers, which is why it is the primary component of most beach and river sand.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and along coastlines globally.
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Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
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Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic