metamorphic

White quartz-rich pebble, likely quartzite

Quartzite; predominantly crystalline quartz (SiO₂), possibly with minor feldspar or mica

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to cream, dull-to-slightly sugary luster, granular crystalline texture, and no obvious cleavage; quartz hardness is about Mohs 7, with high toughness and specific gravity near 2.65. The rounded surface indicates natural water or abrasion wear.

Identified September 16, 2026More metamorphic →

Explore White quartz-rich pebble, likely quartzite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: White quartz-rich pebble, likely quartzite
Scientific name: Quartzite; predominantly crystalline quartz (SiO₂), possibly with minor feldspar or mica
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $1–$10 as a common loose pebble; attractive, unusually pure, or locality-labeled specimens may sell for about $10–$30.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartzite forms when quartz-rich sandstone is recrystallized under heat and pressure during metamorphism, commonly in mountain-building belts. The specimen’s precise age and source cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as aggregate, road stone, decorative stone, countertops, and occasionally as a lapidary or landscaping material; this small rounded piece has little commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartzite commonly breaks across quartz grains rather than around them, unlike weakly cemented sandstone. Its white appearance results from a high quartz content and few colored accessory minerals.

Field identification & locations

Likely locations include riverbeds, beaches, glacial deposits, and metamorphic terrains worldwide; a steel nail should not scratch it, while quartz or a knife may leave little or no mark. A vinegar test is generally nonreactive.