metamorphic
Weathered river pebble, likely quartzite
Quartzite (predominantly interlocking quartz, SiO₂); identification is tentative from the photo
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGray-brown, rounded, fine-grained and dull to slightly sparkly; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, with no obvious cleavage. The pebble’s texture and mineral proportions are not clear enough to confirm quartzite.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Weathered river pebble, likely quartzite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Gray-brown, rounded, fine-grained and dull to slightly sparkly; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, with no obvious cleavage. The pebble’s texture and mineral proportions are not clear enough to confirm quartzite.
Formation & geological history
If quartzite, it formed when quartz-rich sandstone was recrystallized by heat and pressure; its age depends on its source rock and cannot be determined from the image. Rounding likely occurred during transport in a stream or along a shore.
Uses & applications
This appears to be a common natural pebble, suitable for collecting or landscaping; quartzite is also used as building and decorative stone.
Geological facts
Quartzite is generally very resistant to scratching and weathering, but a photo alone cannot reliably distinguish it from other fine-grained rocks.
Field identification & locations
Look for a hard, tightly fused texture and grains that break across rather than around their boundaries; a scratch test against glass can help, though it is not definitive. River pebbles occur worldwide; the exact source is unknown.
More like this
