mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white and yellowish-brown coloration due to iron staining, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white and yellowish-brown coloration due to iron staining, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through crystallization from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma. Over long periods, weathering breaks down quartz-bearing rocks, and water transport in rivers or ocean surf tumbles and rounds the fragments into smooth pebbles.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, decorative stone, glassmaking, electronics, and lapidary work as a tumbled gemstone.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and durable minerals in Earth's continental crust. Its high resistance to chemical weathering allows it to survive millions of years of transport, frequently forming smooth pebbles on beaches and in riverbeds.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness (it easily scratches glass and steel cannot scratch it) and lack of cleavage. Found worldwide in virtually all geological environments.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral