metamorphic
Rounded quartzite pebble
Quartzite, composed predominantly of quartz (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale tan to cream, matte and fine-grained with a rounded, water-worn surface. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a trigonal crystal structure; the pebble’s original grains are fused, so distinct cleavage is absent. Exact identification is uncertain from the image alone.
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Physical properties
Pale tan to cream, matte and fine-grained with a rounded, water-worn surface. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a trigonal crystal structure; the pebble’s original grains are fused, so distinct cleavage is absent. Exact identification is uncertain from the image alone.
Formation & geological history
Forms when quartz-rich sandstone is recrystallized under heat and pressure; quartzite occurs in rocks of many geological ages. Its smooth shape suggests transport and abrasion by water.
Uses & applications
Quartzite is used as aggregate, paving and building stone; attractive pieces may be kept as natural decor or collected.
Geological facts
Quartzite is usually harder than the steel blade of a pocketknife and tends to fracture through grains rather than around them.
Field identification & locations
Look for a hard, dense, quartz-rich rock with a sugary or fused-grain texture; common in riverbeds, beaches, and quartzite outcrops worldwide. A scratch test and close inspection would help distinguish it from quartz-rich river stones of other types.
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