metamorphic

Rounded brown river pebble, likely quartzite

Quartz-rich quartzite; exact identification requires examination beyond the photo

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, rounded, brown to tan, with a subtle granular texture and no obvious cleavage. If quartzite, hardness is about 7 Mohs, luster dull to vitreous, and specific gravity about 2.6–2.7; crystal structure is interlocking quartz grains.

Identified October 13, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely worn by water from a quartz-rich rock; if quartzite, it formed when sandstone was metamorphosed under heat and pressure. Its age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Primarily a natural collectible or decorative pebble; quartzite is also used as aggregate, paving, and building stone.

Geological facts

The rounded shape and smooth surface indicate prolonged abrasion during transport, commonly in a stream or on a shore.

Field identification & locations

Quartzite is typically hard and scratches glass; a fresh broken surface often reveals fused-looking quartz grains. Quartz-rich pebbles occur worldwide in riverbeds and beaches.