mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent with iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specimen is water-worn, smoothed by transport in a river, stream, or beach environment.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, and electronics. Polished river pebbles are common in landscaping, home decor, and as aquarium substrate.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its extreme resistance to chemical and physical weathering allows it to survive as pebbles long after other minerals have eroded away.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its ability to scratch glass, lack of cleavage, and smooth, rounded surface indicating water erosion. Found globally in almost every geological setting.