metamorphic

Rounded quartz-rich pebble, likely milky quartz or quartzite

Quartz (SiO₂); possibly quartzite, a metamorphosed quartz sandstone

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale gray-white, fine-grained, with a dull to weakly vitreous luster and no obvious cleavage. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; quartzite is typically very hard, dense, and resistant to scratching.

Identified September 13, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Pale gray-white, fine-grained, with a dull to weakly vitreous luster and no obvious cleavage. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; quartzite is typically very hard, dense, and resistant to scratching.

Formation & geological history

Likely formed from silica-rich rock and later rounded by stream, beach, or glacial transport; quartzite may be hundreds of millions to billions of years old depending on source terrain.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector, teaching, or decorative specimen; quartzite is also used as aggregate, road stone, and building stone. It has little gemstone value unless unusually clear or attractive.

Geological facts

The grainy appearance may indicate quartzite rather than a single quartz crystal. Its rounded shape reflects mechanical weathering and transport after formation.

Field identification & locations

Common in river gravels, beaches, glacial deposits, and erosion-resistant mountain terrains worldwide. A steel file or glass-scratch test can help confirm quartz hardness, but testing may mark the specimen.