mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, translucent to clear white/gray color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, specific gravity ~2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, translucent to clear white/gray color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, specific gravity ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary constituent in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Naturally rounded and smoothed through water action and erosion in riverbeds or coastal environments.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, glass manufacturing, electronics (silicon source), abrasives, and as decorative river rocks or pocket stones.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Look for a translucent pebble that scratches glass easily and leaves no streak. Very common in riverbeds, beaches, and soil worldwide.
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