mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to milky with iron staining (yellowish/brown); Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (though water-worn here); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen has been eroded from its parent rock and rounded by water transport (fluvial or beach action) over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, and as a component in concrete. Tumbled specimens are used in jewelry and home decor. High-purity quartz is vital for electronics and semiconductors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically and physically resistant to weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles while other minerals break down into clay.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial till. For collectors, look for clarity or interesting inclusions.