mineral
Quartz Pebble
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to creamy white (cloudy/milky), Luster: greasy to vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (though water-worn), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to creamy white (cloudy/milky), Luster: greasy to vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (though water-worn), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes or igneous crystallization within veins. This specific specimen has been chemically and physically weathered and rounded by water transport (fluvial or beach action) over thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in industry for glass making, abrasives, and as a component in concrete. Tumbled pebbles like this are often used for decorative landscaping or aquarium gravel.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. This pebble is a 'tough' survivor mineral, meaning it has outlasted other softer minerals during the erosion process.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass and steel) and lack of cleavage. Look for a waxy or sugary texture on the surface in riverbeds, fields, or beaches worldwide.
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Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous