mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to translucent white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Tan to translucent white
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to translucent white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen is a water-worn river pebble, shaped by erosion over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as decorative gravel or landscaping stone.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles after other minerals have eroded away.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and soil worldwide. Essential for beginning collectors to understand common silicate minerals.