mineral

Small quartz-rich pebble or rock fragment

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂), possibly with iron-oxide staining or host-rock inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tiny tan-brown, translucent fragment with a dull-to-glassy luster and irregular fracture; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, has no cleavage, and specific gravity is about 2.65. The photograph is insufficient to confirm crystal shape or exact composition.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely weathered from quartz-bearing igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rock and transported as a sediment fragment; its geological age cannot be determined visually. Commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, granites, sandstones, and metamorphic rocks.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, countertops, and jewelry; this very small, unverified fragment has negligible commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and commonly survives weathering because of its high hardness and chemical resistance.

Field identification & locations

Test for hardness by seeing whether it scratches glass, and inspect with a hand lens for glassy fracture or crystalline faces; common worldwide, especially in stream gravels and quartz veins. Exact identification would require a close-up, hardness test, and possibly chemical or microscopic analysis.