metamorphic

Tumbled yellow quartzite or jasper

Quartzite, primarily microcrystalline SiO₂; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small rounded, polished pebble with pale yellow color, matte-to-waxy luster, and fine texture. Likely hardness 6.5–7 Mohs, no visible cleavage, white streak, and specific gravity around 2.6; iron-oxide staining may cause the yellow color.

Identified September 6, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartzite forms when quartz-rich sandstone is recrystallized during metamorphism, commonly during mountain-building; jasper would instead be silica-rich microcrystalline chert formed by sedimentary or volcanic processes. Geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as a tumbled decorative stone, craft material, and occasionally as aggregate or dimension stone; generally not valuable as jewelry unless unusually patterned or translucent.

Geological facts

The image alone cannot reliably distinguish quartzite from yellow jasper, calcite, or another pale silicified pebble. A steel scratch test, streak test, acid reaction, and magnification would improve identification.

Field identification & locations

Common in river gravels, beaches, glacial deposits, and commercial lapidary assortments worldwide. Quartzite should resist a steel knife; calcite scratches easily and fizzes in dilute hydrochloric acid.