sedimentary
River Pebble
Quartzo-feldspathic rock fragment
Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on mineral content; color ranges from tan, yellowish, to grey; luster is dull to vitreous; smooth, water-worn, rounded texture.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore River Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness varies from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale depending on mineral content; color ranges from tan, yellowish, to grey; luster is dull to vitreous; smooth, water-worn, rounded texture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the continuous mechanical weathering, erosion, and transport of parent rocks (such as granite, quartzite, or sandstone) along riverbeds and streams over thousands to millions of years.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, gardening, decorative stone pathways, and general construction aggregates.
Geological facts
The smooth, rounded shape of a river pebble is caused by abrasion as it is tumbled and rolled along the streambed by water currents, colliding with other rocks.
Field identification & locations
Found abundantly in riverbeds, lake shores, and ancient alluvial deposits worldwide. Identified by its rounded, water-worn shape and smooth exterior.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Generic Pebble / Rock Fragment
Lithic fragment / Weathered rock
sedimentary
Sedimentary Sandstone
Arenite (Sedimentary Rock)
sedimentary
Banded Siltstone / Mudstone Pebble
Siltstone / Argillite
sedimentary