sedimentary

Rounded quartz-rich pebble

Likely quartzite or quartz-rich sandstone pebble; SiO₂-dominant

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Off-white, smoothly water-worn, fine-grained, dull to weakly sugary luster, with no visible cleavage; quartz hardness ~7 Mohs and specific gravity ~2.65. The image does not resolve grain texture well enough to distinguish quartzite from massive quartz or silicified sandstone.

Identified August 8, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich sediment or metamorphosed sandstone, then rounded by erosion in a river, beach, or glacial environment; its precise geological age cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Common pebbles are mainly used for landscaping, craft pieces, and educational collections; attractive quartzite may be polished for décor, but this specimen has little commercial value.

Geological facts

The smooth shape reflects prolonged abrasion, while faint gray-brown staining likely comes from iron oxides or surface soil. A glass-scratching test can support quartz identification, though it may damage the specimen.

Field identification & locations

Common in quartz-rich river gravels, beaches, and glacial deposits worldwide. Look for translucent quartz grains, granular fracture, and resistance to scratching; acid reaction would indicate carbonate rather than quartz.