mineral
Quartz (River Pebble)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Grayish-white, translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Grayish-white, translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous/Waxy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz (River Pebble) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Grayish-white, translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or crystallization from magma. This specific specimen has been rounded and smoothed by water erosion in a fluvial (river) environment.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in construction as aggregate, in glassmaking, and as an abrasive. Polished pebbles are used in landscaping and aquariums.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically very stable, which is why quartz pebbles often remain long after other minerals have weathered away.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (can scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and rounded 'river stone' shape. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock