sedimentary

Quartz-rich pebble

Likely quartzite or quartz-rich sandstone; exact identification is uncertain from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rounded, tan-brown pebble with a dull to slightly waxy surface and fine granular texture. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and trigonal crystal structure; the specimen shows no visible cleavage.

Identified October 13, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Quartz-rich pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Rounded, tan-brown pebble with a dull to slightly waxy surface and fine granular texture. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and trigonal crystal structure; the specimen shows no visible cleavage.

Formation & geological history

Likely weathered from a quartz-rich rock and rounded by transport in water; its age cannot be determined from the image. Quartzite forms when sandstone is metamorphosed, while sandstone forms by burial and cementation of sand.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as landscaping or decorative stone; this small pebble has little commercial or jewelry use.

Geological facts

Quartz-rich pebbles are durable and resist chemical weathering, so they often accumulate in riverbeds and beaches.

Field identification & locations

Look for a hard, gritty or glassy surface and abundant quartz grains; a scratch test and fresh broken surface can help distinguish quartzite from sandstone. Similar pebbles occur in streams, beaches, and gravel deposits worldwide.