metamorphic
Rounded brown pebble, possibly quartzite
Undetermined; quartzite is a tentative visual identification
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTan-brown, rounded and weathered, with a dull to slightly granular surface. If quartzite, it is mainly interlocking quartz (Mohs hardness ~7; trigonal crystals), but hardness and composition cannot be confirmed from the image.
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Physical properties
Tan-brown, rounded and weathered, with a dull to slightly granular surface. If quartzite, it is mainly interlocking quartz (Mohs hardness ~7; trigonal crystals), but hardness and composition cannot be confirmed from the image.
Formation & geological history
A water-worn pebble may have been rounded in a stream or on a beach; quartzite forms when quartz-rich sandstone is metamorphosed. Its age and exact origin cannot be determined from appearance alone.
Uses & applications
Common pebbles are mainly decorative or collectible; quartzite is also used as aggregate, building stone, and sometimes for ornaments.
Geological facts
The pebble’s smooth, rounded shape suggests abrasion during transport, while the visible surface alone is not enough to identify its mineral composition confidently.
Field identification & locations
Check for a granular texture and whether it scratches glass without being scratched by a steel knife; these can support, but not prove, quartzite. Common pebble localities include riverbeds and beaches.
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