mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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)
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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.
