Quartz (Water-Worn Pebble)
Quartz · Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Trigonal, massive or amorphous pebble habit due to aqueous transport
Mineral Group
Silicates - Tectosilicates
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Forms via high-temperature magmatic crystallization in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins, followed by weathering, erosion, and water-transport.
About This Crystal
An opaque to translucent, weathered, and tumbled greyish-white pebble held in the palm of a hand. The surface is pitted and worn smooth by water action, showing characteristic micro-fracturing and lack of distinct crystal faces.
Physical Characteristics
Color is greyish-white with brownish iron-staining; streak is white; cleavage is none; fracture is conchoidal; specific gravity is approximately 2.65; tenacity is brittle.
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive optical character, refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553, birefringence of 0.009, singly or doubly refractive depending on light orientation, non-pleochroic.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Found globally in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and beaches; this specimen is a generic alluvial quartz pebble.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, excellent durability with no cleavage planes, highly resistant to scratching and chemical weathering.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water and soft brush; can withstand ultrasonic cleaning; store away from softer gemstones to prevent scratching them.
Rarity & Value
Extremely common worldwide, very low monetary value, widely available as tumbled stones and beach pebbles.
Special Characteristics
Piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties under mechanical stress or temperature change.
Lore & History
Historically used across many ancient cultures for stone tools, arrowheads, and rudimentary talismans. In modern metaphysical practices, clear and common quartz is regarded as a master healer, amplifier of energy, and cleanser of other stones, associated with all chakras.