mineral

Small rounded quartz-rich pebble

Likely quartz (SiO₂), possibly iron-stained chert or quartzite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs; brownish pink-gray, translucent to opaque, with a dull-to-glassy luster and no obvious cleavage. The granular texture suggests microcrystalline quartz or quartzite rather than a single clear crystal.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Probably formed from silica-rich rock and later rounded by weathering and transport in sediment, or from metamorphosed sandstone if quartzite. Exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Primarily a curiosity or collection specimen; quartz-rich pebbles may be used decoratively, in landscaping, or as aggregate, but this piece has negligible commercial value.

Geological facts

Iron oxides commonly produce the reddish-brown staining. A steel file should not scratch it easily, while quartz can scratch ordinary glass.

Field identification & locations

Common in stream gravels, beaches, glacial deposits, and weathered quartz-bearing terrains worldwide. A magnifier, hardness test, and streak test can distinguish it from softer jasper, feldspar, or ordinary sandstone.