mineral

Weathered quartz-rich pebble

Likely massive quartz (SiO₂), possibly milky quartz with iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque white, cream, and rusty-brown surface; vitreous to dull luster; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The photo does not show enough detail to confirm the exact material.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Probably a quartz-rich fragment rounded by water or abrasion, with brown coloration from iron oxides. Its age and original geological setting cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected as a pebble or used decoratively; quartz is also important in glassmaking and electronics, though this specimen has no evident special commercial value.

Geological facts

Iron staining commonly colors quartz yellow, orange, or brown. A scratch test on an inconspicuous spot and closer inspection of fracture surfaces can help distinguish quartz from softer lookalikes.

Field identification & locations

Quartz pebbles occur widely in river, beach, and glacial deposits. The rounded shape and hard, irregularly fractured surface are consistent with quartz, but identification is provisional from the photograph.