mineral

Quartz River Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Creamy white to pale yellow; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (especially when wet); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Creamy white to pale yellow
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (especially when wet)

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Creamy white to pale yellow; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (especially when wet); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal veins or as a constituent of igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specific specimen has been shaped and smoothed by fluvial erosion in a river or coastal environment over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative landscaping stone, in aquarium decor, as a basic lapidary material, or as a pocket stone. Large deposits are used for industrial silica.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. River-worn pebbles like this are often referred to as 'river glass' or 'river gold' by hobbyists due to their smooth, tactile nature.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and along coastlines globally.