mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to opaque
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in a wide variety of environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. This specific specimen appears to be a water-worn or rounded pebble, likely weathered from a vein and transported by water.

Uses & applications

Industrial use in glassmaking, abrasives, and electronics. Small pebbles like this are commonly used in landscaping, gravel, and construction aggregates.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically and physically resistant to weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles long after other minerals have eroded away.

Field identification & locations

Identifiable by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds, beaches, and soil worldwide. Essential for collectors starting with basic mineral identification.