mineral
White Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white to milky, Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when tumbled), Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Explore White Quartz Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white to milky, Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when tumbled), Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Quartz is the most abundant mineral in Earth's crust. This specimen likely originated as a hydrothermal vein mineral or a component of igneous/metamorphic rock, which was subsequentally weathered, eroded, and rounded by water or mechanical tumbling.
Uses & applications
Tumbled quartz is used widely in decorative landscaping, aquarium substrate, craft jewelry, and as a component in glassmaking and electronics when in its pure form.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its characteristic white, opaque appearance from microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid that were trapped during the crystal's growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and resistance to chemical weathering. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and mountain trails worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic