
mineral
White Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to milky white; Luster: Vitreous to dull when weathered; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Opaque white to milky white
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull when weathered
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to milky white; Luster: Vitreous to dull when weathered; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from molten silica cooling in igneous rocks or precipitated from hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen became rounded through fluvial or marine erosion, where water transport smoothed its edges over long periods.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping (decorative garden stone), aquarium substrate, water filtration media, and as a raw material for glass manufacturing or high-purity silicon production.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. This specific 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or fluid trapped during the crystal's initial formation millions of years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of reaction to acid. In the field, it is easily found in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits. For collectors, it is a staple of sedimentary rock identification exercises.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous