mineral

Tumbled quartz pebble

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂), likely iron-stained or included quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent cream-to-honey color with whitish crystalline areas, vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage; the rounded shape indicates natural abrasion or tumbling.

Identified September 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich fluids crystallized in veins, cavities, or igneous rocks, possibly millions to billions of years ago; later weathering produced the pebble. The brown-yellow coloration likely comes from iron-oxide inclusions or surface staining.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive decorative or lapidary material.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric, generating an electrical charge under pressure.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy luster, lack of cleavage, hardness, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife; quartz should scratch ordinary glass. Common in stream gravels and hydrothermal veins worldwide.