mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Translucent white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 Mohs
Color: Translucent white to tan
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Translucent white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through crystallization of igneous melt or hydrothermal activity. This specimen has been rounded and smoothed by water erosion in a fluvial (river) or coastal environment over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Common quartz pebbles are used in landscaping, as aggregate in construction, and in glass manufacturing. Tumbled specimens are popular for beginner rock collections.

Geological facts

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. It is extremely resistant to chemical weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles while other minerals dissolve.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and soil. Collectors look for clarity or inclusions.