mineral

Quartz pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent gray, Luster: Vitreous when fresh but often dull in weathered pebbles, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified April 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or through hydrothermal precipitation. This specific specimen appears to be a weathered river or garden pebble, possibly millions of years old based on the erosion stage.

Uses & applications

Used in manufacturing glass, electronics, and as an abrasive. Small weathered pebbles are common in landscaping and construction gravel.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often survives as pebbles long after other minerals have decomposed into clay.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and its lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in riverbeds, soil, and gravel pits globally. Collectors should look for clarity and crystal terminations in larger specimens.