sedimentary

Wishing Stone / Banded Quartz Vein Pebble

Sedimentary pebble with hydrothermal quartz veins (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness varies between 3 (for the host limestone/mudstone matrix) and 7 (for the quartz veins on the Mohs scale). Color is gray with white contrasting bands. Luster is dull to vitreous. Crystal structure is amorphous for the pebble matrix and trigonal for the quartz veins.

Identified August 4, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when a sedimentary rock (such as limestone or shale) cracked under tectonic stress, and hydrothermal fluids rich in silica precipitated quartz into the fractures, creating veins. Subsequent weathering, erosion, and water tumbling shaped it into a smooth pebble.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected as a novelty or garden stone, often referred to as a 'wishing stone' where one makes a wish on the white bands.

Geological facts

Folklore suggests that continuous unbroken white rings or bands around a stone possess special lucky properties or magical wishing powers.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by contrasting white quartz or calcite veins cutting through a darker host rock pebble, commonly found along riverbeds, lake shores, and ocean beaches.