mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Off-white/cloudy with tan inclusions, Luster: Vitreous to greasy (when weathered), Crystal System: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Off-white/cloudy with tan inclusions, Luster: Vitreous to greasy (when weathered), Crystal System: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed via hydrothermal activity or crystallization from cooling magma. This specific specimen is a water-worn or weathered pebble likely eroded from a larger quartz vein and transported by fluvial processes.
Uses & applications
Industrial use in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a common decorative landscape stone.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is clear, but tiny inclusions of air or fluid create the 'milky' appearance seen in this pebble.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife (hardness) and the lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and mountain ranges globally.
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Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
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