Quartz Pebble

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.

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.

Commonly collected as a beach pebble or landscape stone; microcrystalline and macrocrystalline quartz varieties are used in lapidary art, jewelry, and industrial abrasives.

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.

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.