mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, smoky, or translucent brown; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, smoky, or translucent brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, smoky, or translucent brown; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. These rounded pebbles are typically the result of mechanical weathering and transport in rivers, streams, or coastal environments over thousands of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, as an abrasive in sandblasting, in glass manufacturing, and as decorative gravel. Higher quality quartz is used in jewelry and electronics (piezoelectricity).
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Because of its hardness and chemical stability, it persists as pebbles long after other minerals have weathered away.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its ability to scratch glass, its lack of cleavage, and its translucent appearance. Widespread globally in riverbeds and on beaches.
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Other mineral specimens
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