metamorphic

Quartzite pebble

Quartzite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: ~7 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, grey, pinkish, or whitish; Luster: vitreous to grainy; Crystal structure: massive, granular; Cleavage: none, conchoidal fracture

Hardness: ~7 on Mohs scale
Color: tan, grey, pinkish, or whitish
Luster: vitreous to grainy

Identified September 1, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Hardness: ~7 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, grey, pinkish, or whitish; Luster: vitreous to grainy; Crystal structure: massive, granular; Cleavage: none, conchoidal fracture

Formation & geological history

Formed through metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone, where heat and pressure cause the quartz grains to recrystallize and fuse together. Often found in riverbeds or beaches where they have been smoothed by water action over time.

Uses & applications

Used in construction, as decorative stone, and in some industrial applications due to its hardness and durability. Small pebbles are often collected or used in landscaping.

Geological facts

Quartzite is so tough that it often breaks across the quartz grains rather than around them. The pinkish hue in some pebbles comes from trace amounts of iron oxide.