sedimentary
Quartz Pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white to pinkish color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system when unweathered, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white to pinkish color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system when unweathered, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through intense weathering and hydraulic action, where softer minerals erode away leaving highly durable quartz accumulated in riverbeds or beaches.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, decorative gravel, glassmaking, and abrasive materials.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and durable minerals in Earth's continental crust, capable of surviving multiple cycles of erosion and deposition.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its resistance to scratching by steel and smooth, water-worn shape found globally in alluvial deposits.
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Sandstone or Siltstone
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Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
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