mineral

Yellow Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-tan to honey; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (especially when water-worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Yellowish-tan to honey
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (especially when water-worn)

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-tan to honey; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (especially when water-worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specific specimen appears to be a river-worn or beach pebble, smoothed by mechanical erosion over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for landscaping, aquarium gravel, or as a decorative 'worry stone.' High-purity quartz is used in glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Yellow varieties of quartz are often called Citrine if the color is natural, though common pebbles like this usually owe their color to iron oxide staining or inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in riverbeds, glacial till, and coastal beaches globally.