mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to light brown (due to iron inclusions); Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Tan to light brown (due to iron inclusions)
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified May 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen is a water-worn river pebble, shaped by fluvial erosion over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as abrasive media, in landscaping, as a construction aggregate, and as a source of silica for glass and electronics. Polished versions are used in jewelry and pocket stones.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. River-worn pebbles like this one are often found miles from their original source due to transport by water.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and its smooth, rounded texture. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits. Look for translucency when held to a light source.