mineral
Yellow Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, yellow to yellowish-brown color due to iron oxide staining, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, trigonal crystal system when formed as crystals but appears as a smooth waterworn pebble here, specific gravity of 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Yellow Quartz Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, yellow to yellowish-brown color due to iron oxide staining, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, trigonal crystal system when formed as crystals but appears as a smooth waterworn pebble here, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed via hydrothermal veins or igneous/metamorphic processes, later weathered out of parent rock and smoothed by water transport in a river or beach environment over geological timescales.
Uses & applications
Used in lapidary work, wire-wrapped jewelry, decorative landscaping, and as a pocket specimen for amateur rock collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's continental crust. Yellow coloration in quartz is typically caused by microscopic inclusions of goethite, limonite, or iron oxide staining within the crystal matrix.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and marine gravels worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral