mineral
Quartz (River Pebble)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Brownish-tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Brownish-tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (when polished)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Brownish-tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through crystallization of igneous melt or hydrothermal veins, later weathered and water-worn in a riverbed or alluvial deposit.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as tumbled stones for decoration.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. This specific specimen shows signs of mechanical weathering (rounding) from water transport.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common in stream beds, beaches, and glacial till 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
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary