sedimentary

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White to off-white, sometimes yellowish due to iron staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to off-white, sometimes yellowish due to iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified August 2, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation and rounding of quartz grains or fragments by water action in streams, rivers, or beach environments over geological timescales.

Uses & applications

Used in landscaping, decorative stone, aggregate in construction, and by amateur rock collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant and durable minerals in the Earth's crust. Its high resistance to chemical and physical weathering allows it to survive long transport distances in rivers and oceans, leaving behind durable pebbles like this.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass easily), lack of cleavage, and smooth, water-worn shape. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits worldwide.