sedimentary

Rounded quartz-rich beach pebble

Likely quartzite or quartz-rich sandstone; predominantly quartz (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; pale gray-white, fine-grained, and sugary to dull satin luster. Rounded by abrasion, with no visible cleavage; quartz grains form a compact granular structure. The yellow-brown patch may be iron-oxide staining.

Identified August 11, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely derived from weathered quartzite, sandstone, or quartz vein material and rounded by stream or wave transport. Its original rock may be hundreds of millions to billions of years old, but the pebble’s present shape is geologically recent.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected as a beach or river pebble and sometimes used decoratively in landscaping, crafts, and lapidary work. It has little commercial value unless unusually attractive or proven to be a rarer material.

Geological facts

Quartz-rich pebbles resist chemical weathering and can survive long transport, producing smooth, durable surfaces. The photograph cannot reliably distinguish quartzite from quartz-rich sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Look for strong resistance to scratching by a steel knife, abundant quartz grains, and absence of fizz with dilute hydrochloric acid. Common worldwide in beaches, river gravels, and glacial deposits.