sedimentary

Rounded quartz-rich pebble

Likely quartzite or quartz-rich sandstone; exact identification is uncertain from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale gray-beige, rounded, granular surface with a dull to slightly sugary luster. If quartzite, hardness is about 7 Mohs; if sandstone, hardness varies with cement and grains; crystal structure is mainly quartz.

Identified October 7, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Rounded quartz-rich pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely a weathered pebble rounded by water or abrasion, derived from quartz-rich bedrock. Its age cannot be determined from appearance alone.

Uses & applications

Primarily a natural-history or collection specimen; quartz-rich rocks may be used as aggregate or decorative stone.

Geological facts

The rounded shape suggests transport and abrasion, but does not establish whether the original rock was sandstone or quartzite.

Field identification & locations

Look for visible sand-sized grains and grains that rub off to distinguish sandstone from interlocking, fused quartz grains in quartzite. Quartz-rich pebbles occur in river, beach, and glacial deposits worldwide.