igneous
Quartz Vein in Granite Pebble
Granitic rock with Quartz (SiO2) vein intrusion
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Off-white/milky quartz contrasting with speckled greyish-green granitic matrix. Luster: Vitreous on quartz, dull to sub-vitreous on weathered matrix. Structure: Massive quartz vein intersecting medium-grained crystalline igneous rock.…
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous on quartz, dull to sub-vitreous on weathered matrix
Identified More igneous →
Explore Quartz Vein in Granite Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Off-white/milky quartz contrasting with speckled greyish-green granitic matrix. Luster: Vitreous on quartz, dull to sub-vitreous on weathered matrix. Structure: Massive quartz vein intersecting medium-grained crystalline igneous rock. Smooth, rounded pebble shape due to stream or wave erosion.
Formation & geological history
Formed in deep crustal environments where magma slowly crystallized into granite. Hydrothermal fluids rich in silica later filled fractures within the granite, forming the milky quartz vein. Subsequently eroded, weathered, and rounded by fluvial or marine action.
Uses & applications
Primarily collected as a decorative river stone, landscape element, or educational specimen demonstrating geological contact zones and hydrothermal vein filling.
Geological facts
Veins like this are common pathways for hydrothermal fluids, which can sometimes deposit valuable ores such as gold, copper, or silver along with quartz.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by the stark contact zone between the coarse, crystalline granitic texture and the milky white quartz band. Look for similar river pebbles in gravel bars, stream beds, and glaciated regions worldwide.
