mineral

Rounded quartz-rich pebble

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly milky quartz or quartzite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale cream to white, opaque, with a dull-to-glassy luster and irregular granular texture; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The rounded shape indicates natural abrasion or tumbling.

Identified August 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely weathered from quartz-bearing igneous or metamorphic rock and rounded in a stream, beach, or sediment deposit; its exact geological age cannot be determined visually. If quartzite, it formed by metamorphism of sandstone.

Uses & applications

Common quartz pebbles have little commercial value but are used in landscaping, crafts, educational collections, and aggregate. Quartzite is used as decorative stone and construction aggregate.

Geological facts

The image is slightly out of focus, so mineral identification is provisional; cream coloration may reflect iron staining or surface weathering. A steel file should not scratch quartz, while quartz can scratch ordinary glass.

Field identification & locations

Common in river gravels, beaches, glacial deposits, and quartz veins worldwide. Look for glassy fracture, lack of cleavage, and resistance to scratching; acid testing is unnecessary.