mineral

Tumbled quartz pebble

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), likely milky quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; pale gray-green to milky, translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and no cleavage. Its rounded shape and surface wear indicate tumbling or natural water abrasion; the dark line is a fracture or inclusion.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled quartz pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallized from silica-rich igneous or hydrothermal fluids, commonly in veins and granitic rocks; such quartz may be hundreds of millions to billions of years old. The pebble was later weathered and rounded, or artificially tumbled.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive lapidary or metaphysical specimens.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is chemically resistant, allowing it to survive transport as durable pebbles. The specimen may contain fluid inclusions or minor iron/chlorite causing its muted coloration.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy appearance, lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; it should not be confused with softer calcite or man-made glass. Common worldwide, especially in stream gravels, quartz veins, and granite terrains.