mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale, Color: White to translucent with yellowish or brownish iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to greasy on worn surfaces, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified August 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through crystallization from silica-rich solutions or magmas, and subsequently weathered, transported, and rounded by wave action on a beach or riverbed over thousands to millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used in landscaping, decorative items, manufacturing of glass and electronics, and as a common find for amateur rock collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust. Its high resistance to chemical and mechanical weathering allows it to survive long transport distances, often leaving it as the dominant mineral in beach sand and river pebbles.

Field identification & locations

Easily identifiable in the field by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and typical conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in almost all geological environments, particularly beaches, riverbeds, and alluvial deposits.