sedimentary
River Pebble
Quartzite / Weathered Sedimentary Rock
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale (if quartz-based); smooth, rounded texture; reddish-brown color; dull to sub-vitreous luster; cryptocrystalline structure; no distinct cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale (if quartz-based); smooth, rounded texture; reddish-brown color; dull to sub-vitreous luster; cryptocrystalline structure; no distinct cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through mechanical weathering, transportation, and water-erosion of parent rock over thousands to millions of years in riverbeds or coastal environments.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, decorative garden features, aquariums, and sometimes in masonry or crafts.
Geological facts
Water-worn pebbles are smoothed through the process of abrasion as water carries them along riverbeds, tumbling them against other rocks and sand grains.
Field identification & locations
Commonly found in and around riverbeds, lake shores, and beaches worldwide. Look for smooth, water-worn shapes and solid mineral composition for identification.
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