Quartzite Pebble

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Creamy white to pale tan with subtle iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65

Formed through the regional metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. High heat and pressure compressed the individual sand grains into a dense, crystalline mass. The rounded shape indicates it was later eroded and smoothed by water transport in a river or beach environment.

Commonly used as construction aggregate, decorative landscaping stone, and in glassmaking due to high silica content. Smoothed pebbles like this are often sold for home decor or meditation stones.

Quartzite is so durable that it can withstand millions of years of exposure to elements that would dissolve most other rocks. It is harder than steel and will easily scratch glass.

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and its interlocking crystalline texture compared to the grainier look of sandstone. It is found globally in mountainous and coastal regions where ancient tectonic activity occurred.