mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Creamy white to pale yellow; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when river-worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Creamy white to pale yellow
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when river-worn)

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous rocks like granite. This specific specimen is a 'river rock' or 'tumble-polished' pebble, smoothed over thousands of years by water erosion in a high-energy environment like a stream or beach.

Uses & applications

Common quartz pebbles are used in landscaping, as aggregate in construction, and occasionally in glassmaking. Smooth specimens are often collected as 'worry stones' or used in home decor.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These rounded shapes are often called 'clasts' by geologists. Their smooth texture is the result of 'abrasion'—the process of rocks bumping into each other in moving water.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass and steel) and lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and along coastlines globally. Collectors look for clarity or unique mineral inclusions.