mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to light tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (though not visible in this water-worn state); Conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to light tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn)
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to light tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (though not visible in this water-worn state); Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling magma or precipitation in hydrothermal veins. This specimen shows significant rounding, suggesting it was transported by water in a river or coastal environment, contributing to its smooth, ovoid shape.
Uses & applications
Industrial use in glassmaking and electronics (when pure); used in construction as aggregate; common in landscaping and as a pocket stone for collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its high hardness and chemical resistance allow it to survive long-term erosion that destroys other minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its ability to scratch glass and smooth, waxy surface. It is ubiquitously found in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial till worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock