mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white/translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered); Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to off-white/translucent
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered)

Identified July 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white/translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered); Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)

Formation & geological history

Formed from the cooling of silica-rich magma or precipitation in hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen appears to be a water-worn or weathered fragment typically found in sedimentary deposits or riverbeds.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a common decorative stone or landscaping gravel.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles after other minerals have eroded away.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. It is found globally in almost all geological environments and is a primary component of sand.