mineral
Quartz Pebbles
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 on Mohs scale; luster varies from waxy to vitreous; colors range from opaque white (milky quartz) to brownish-gray; no cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale; luster varies from waxy to vitreous; colors range from opaque white (milky quartz) to brownish-gray; no cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed from molten magma cooling at various temperatures or precipitated from hydrothermal veins. These specific specimens are river-worn or weathered pebbles found in alluvial deposits.
Uses & applications
Raw quartz is used in the glass and ceramics industry, for abrasives, and as a material for clocks and electronics (piezoelectric). Tumbled versions are used in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz, traditionally called rock crystal, is colorless and transparent.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds, beaches, and gravel pits worldwide.
More like this
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