mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, translucent to opaque gray and off-white coloring, trigonal crystal system, specific gravity around 2.65.

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, translucent to opaque gray and off-white coloring, trigonal crystal system, specific gravity around 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed via chemical precipitation or igneous crystallization, subsequently eroded and rounded by water transport along rivers or coastal shorelines.

Uses & applications

Commonly used for lapidary tumbling, aquarium decoration, landscaping gravel, and as a source material for silicon production.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's continental crust and is extremely resistant to both chemical and mechanical weathering, allowing it to survive long transport in riverbeds and ocean shores.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and smooth water-worn appearance. Found along gravel bars, river beds, and ocean beaches worldwide.