mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent grey; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent grey
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn)

Identified July 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent grey; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Formed from cooling magma (igneous) or precipitation from hydrothermal fluids. This specific specimen is a water-worn river pebble, likely millions of years old, shaped by mechanical weathering and transport in water.

Uses & applications

Used in landscaping, construction aggregates, glass making, and as a component in silicon production. Tumbled versions are used in hobbyist jewelry or decor.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically very stable, which is why it often survives as pebbles long after other minerals have weathered away.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass, lack of reaction to acid, and lack of cleavage planes. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and soil.