metamorphic
River Stone (likely Quartzite or Limestone)
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) or Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, beige, or off-white; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Finely crystalline or granular; Surface: Smooth, rounded, and water-worn.
- Hardness
- 3-7 Mohs
- Color
- Tan, beige, or off-white
- Luster
- Dull to waxy
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore River Stone (likely Quartzite or Limestone) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-7 Mohs; Color: Tan, beige, or off-white; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Finely crystalline or granular; Surface: Smooth, rounded, and water-worn.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphic transformation of sandstone (quartzite) or the lithification of calcium-rich sediments (limestone), later smoothed by water erosion in a riverbed or coastal environment.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, decorative rock gardens, aquarium decor, and sometimes as a base material for painting or crafts.
Geological facts
The rounded shape is a result of fluvial abrasion, where the rock is tossed against other stones in a moving body of water over many years.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinctive oblong shape and smooth texture. Often found in riverbeds, glacial tills, or on beaches. Porosity and hardness vary based on whether it is carbonate or silicate based.
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