mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tan, white, and translucent gray; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (weathered); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Tan, white, and translucent gray
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (weathered)

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of magma or from hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen is a water-worn pebble, meaning it was eroded from its parent rock and rounded by transport in a river, stream, or coastal environment over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Raw quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a common component in construction aggregate.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which has Slavic origins. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles after other minerals have dissolved.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage, and translucent appearance. It is found globally in almost all geological environments, especially in riverbeds and beaches.