mineral

Tumbled quartz-rich pebble, possibly chalcedony or iron-stained quartz

Quartz/chalcedony (SiO₂), with probable iron-oxide staining and minor inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 (quartz; chalcedony about 6.5–7), vitreous to waxy luster, translucent brown-gold and cream coloration, irregular conchoidal fracture, no obvious cleavage; density about 2.6 g/cm³. The rounded surface indicates natural water wear or tumbling.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled quartz-rich pebble, possibly chalcedony or iron-stained quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Tumbled quartz-rich pebble, possibly chalcedony or iron-stained quartz
Scientific name: Quartz/chalcedony (SiO₂), with probable iron-oxide staining and minor inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: August 30, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $1–$10 for a small common pebble; attractive polished or unusually patterned pieces may bring $10–$30.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich material crystallized in veins, cavities, or volcanic rocks, with later iron-oxide staining and erosion into a rounded stream or beach pebble. Its precise geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Common quartz and chalcedony are used for abrasives, glass, ceramics, countertops, carvings, and inexpensive cabochons or decorative stones. This small specimen has mainly educational or souvenir value.

Geological facts

The brown coloration is commonly caused by hematite or limonite coatings and inclusions; cream areas may be milky quartz or chalcedony. A scratch test against ordinary glass can help confirm quartz, though it may damage the specimen.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy or waxy luster, translucency, conchoidal fracture, and the ability to scratch glass; it should not fizz in dilute acid. Quartz-rich pebbles occur worldwide in river gravels, beaches, and hydrothermal-vein terrains.