mineral

White Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white color with occasional yellowish or brownish iron staining, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.

Identified August 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes, crystallization in pegmatites, or as a primary constituent of various igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Over long periods, weathering and wave action in riverbeds or beaches smooth the mineral into rounded pebbles.

Uses & applications

Used in decorative landscaping, glassmaking, abrasive manufacturing, electronics, and occasionally as tumbled pocket stones or polished decorative items.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant and durable minerals on Earth's continental crust. Its high resistance to both chemical and mechanical weathering allows it to survive long transport cycles in rivers and oceans, turning into smooth white pebbles.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its high hardness (it will easily scratch glass and cannot be scratched by a steel knife) and its smooth, water-worn shape found abundantly along beaches and riverbanks.