mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, tan, and yellowish-cream; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, tan, and yellowish-cream
- Luster
- Waxy to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, tan, and yellowish-cream; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specific specimen has been Rounded and smoothed by water erosion in a river or beach environment over thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Common industrial uses include glass making, abrasives, and as a source for silicon. Polished pebbles are used for landscaping, aquariums, and decorative accents.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which originally meant 'hard'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for it in riverbeds, beaches, and gravel deposits worldwide. It is a fundamental indicator mineral for geological surveys.
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