metamorphic
Quartzite pebble
Quartzite, composed predominantly of recrystallized quartz (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale gray-beige, opaque, and rough-grained with a subdued vitreous sheen; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, with no cleavage and a specific gravity near 2.65. The image suggests a naturally worn pebble, though exact identification requires close examination.
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Physical properties
Pale gray-beige, opaque, and rough-grained with a subdued vitreous sheen; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, with no cleavage and a specific gravity near 2.65. The image suggests a naturally worn pebble, though exact identification requires close examination.
Formation & geological history
Forms when quartz-rich sandstone is deeply buried and recrystallized by heat and pressure, typically during regional metamorphism; its age depends on the source rock and metamorphic event.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative stone, aggregate, paving, and sometimes in countertops or landscaping; this unworked pebble is mainly a collecting specimen.
Geological facts
Quartzite’s interlocking quartz grains make it notably hard and resistant to weathering; it can be mistaken for quartz-rich sandstone.
Field identification & locations
Look for a hard, sugary or interlocking texture and grains that do not readily scrape away; common in mountain belts and river or beach gravels. A small ordinary pebble is typically worth about $1–$10 USD.
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