mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 on Mohs scale, translucent milky to yellowish color with slight iron staining, vitreous to waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, specific gravity around 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, translucent milky to yellowish color with slight iron staining, vitreous to waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, specific gravity around 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary environments, subsequently weathered, eroded, and rounded into a smooth pebble by water action in riverbeds, lakes, or coastal areas.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected as a beach pebble or landscape stone; microcrystalline and macrocrystalline quartz varieties are used in lapidary art, jewelry, and industrial abrasives.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. Rounded pebbles like this one demonstrate the high resistance of quartz to chemical and physical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass easily, cannot be scratched by a steel knife), lack of cleavage, smooth stream-worn texture, and translucent waxy appearance. Found worldwide in stream beds, river gravels, and beaches.
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Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral