Pebble vs. Gravel — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 6, 2023
Pebbles are small, smooth, rounded stones naturally polished by water, while gravel consists of small, rough rock fragments used in construction and landscaping.
Difference Between Pebble and Gravel
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pebbles and gravel are terms often used in geology, landscaping, and construction, with specific attributes defining each. Pebbles are typically found on beaches and riverbeds, smoothed over time by the continuous action of flowing water. They are identifiable by their rounded shape and smooth texture. Gravel, however, is an aggregate of rock fragments, usually produced by mining and crushing larger rocks. The texture of gravel is rougher than that of pebbles, and it lacks the polished appearance.
The size of pebbles can also distinguish them from gravel. Pebbles are generally larger, typically ranging from 2 to 64 millimeters in diameter, according to the Wentworth scale used in geology. Gravel sizes can overlap with pebbles but can also include smaller particles down to 2 millimeters. The term gravel can encompass a wide range of sizes and typically includes a mix of particle sizes.
When it comes to usage, pebbles are often selected for decorative purposes due to their aesthetic appeal. They are used in landscaping, in garden paths, and as a top layer in potted plants. Gravel has a more utilitarian use in construction for driveways, roads, and as a component of concrete, providing structural support due to its irregular shapes and sizes which help it lock together.
In terms of formation, pebbles are shaped by the natural processes of erosion and weathering. They often consist of flint, chert, or other hard rocks that have withstood the forces of nature. Gravel can be formed from a variety of rock types, including quartzite, limestone, and basalt, and is often the result of human activities such as quarrying.
Finally, the sound they produce when walked upon is distinct; pebbles often make a smooth clacking noise, while gravel produces a crunchier sound underfoot due to its irregular shapes and sizes.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Generally 2 to 64 mm in diameter
Ranges from 2 mm to over 64 mm
Texture
Smooth and rounded
Rough with irregular shapes
Formation
Naturally by water erosion
Often crushed mechanically
Use
Decorative, in landscaping and gardens
Construction, driveways, and concrete mixture
Sound
Smooth clacking noise
Crunchy sound when walked upon
Compare with Definitions
Pebble
A small, rounded stone polished by water.
I collected a handful of smooth pebbles from the riverbank.
Gravel
Rough crushed stone used in landscaping.
They spread gravel around the plants to prevent weed growth.
Pebble
A natural stone used for decorative purposes.
The garden path was lined with pebbles.
Gravel
Coarse aggregate used in concrete and road building.
Gravel was mixed into the concrete for extra stability.
Pebble
A rock fragment worn smooth by erosion.
The pebble had been smoothed by years of waves washing over it.
Gravel
A term for mixed sizes of stone fragments.
The base layer of the path was made of compacted gravel.
Pebble
A smooth stone often used in aquariums.
The bottom of the aquarium was covered in colorful pebbles.
Gravel
Gravel is a loose aggregation of rock fragments. Gravel is classified by particle size range and includes size classes from granule- to boulder-sized fragments.
Pebble
To pave with pebbles.
Gravel
An unconsolidated mixture of rock fragments or pebbles.
Pebble
A pebble is a clast of rock with a particle size of 4–64 mm (0.16–2.52 in) based on the Udden-Wentworth scale of sedimentology. Pebbles are generally considered larger than granules (2–4 mm (0.079–0.157 in) in diameter) and smaller than cobbles (64–256 mm (2.5–10.1 in) in diameter).
Gravel
(Medicine) The sandlike granular material of urinary calculi.
Pebble
A small stone, especially one worn smooth by erosion.
Gravel
To apply a surface of rock fragments or pebbles to.
Pebble
Clear colorless quartz; rock crystal.
Gravel
To confuse; perplex.
Pebble
A lens made of such quartz.
Gravel
(Informal) To irritate.
Pebble
(Geology) A rock fragment between 4 and 64 millimeters (0.16 and 2.51 inches) in diameter, especially one that has been naturally rounded.
Gravel
(uncountable) Small fragments of rock, used for laying on the beds of roads and railways, and as ballast.
Pebble
An irregularly rough, grainy surface, as on leather or paper.
Gravel
A type or grade of small rocks, differentiated by mineral type, size range, or other characteristics.
Pebble
To impart an irregularly rough, grainy surface to (leather or paper).
Gravel
A particle from 2 to 64 mm in diameter, following the Wentworth scale.
Pebble
To pelt with pebbles.
Gravel
Kidney stones; a deposit of small calculous concretions in the kidneys and the urinary or gall bladder; also, the disease of which they are a symptom.
Pebble
A small stone, especially one rounded by the action of water.
Gravel
A lameness in the foot of a horse, usually caused by an abscess.
Pebble
(geology) A particle from 4 to 64 mm in diameter, following the Wentworth scale.
Gravel
(rare) Inability to see at night; night blindness.
Pebble
(curling) A small droplet of water intentionally sprayed on the ice that cause irregularities on the surface.
Gravel
Gravel cycling, a discipline in cycling different from road cycling, mountain biking or cyclocross, for a large part on gravel roads, typically with a dedicated gravel bike
Pebble
Transparent and colourless rock crystal.
Brazilian pebble
Gravel
(transitive) To apply a layer of gravel to the surface of a road, etc.
Pebble
A form of slow-burning gunpowder in large cubical grains.
Gravel
To puzzle or annoy.
Pebble
(transitive) To pave with pebbles.
Gravel
To run (as a ship) upon the gravel or beach; to run aground; to cause to stick fast in gravel or sand.
Pebble
To deposit water droplets on the ice.
To pebble the ice between games
Gravel
To check or stop; to confound; to perplex.
Pebble
(transitive) To give (leather) a rough appearance with small rounded prominences.
Gravel
To hurt or lame (a horse) by gravel lodged between the shoe and foot.
Pebble
To place a pebble at (a vertex of a graph) according to certain rules; see pebble game.
Gravel
Small stones, or fragments of stone; very small pebbles, often intermixed with particles of sand.
Pebble
A small roundish piece of stone; especially, a stone worn and rounded by the action of water; a pebblestone.
As children gathering pebbles on the shore.
Gravel
A deposit of small calculous concretions in the kidneys and the urinary or gall bladder; also, the disease of which they are a symptom.
Pebble
Transparent and colorless rock crystal; as, Brazilian pebble; - so called by opticians.
Gravel
To cover with gravel; as, to gravel a walk.
Pebble
To grain (leather) so as to produce a surface covered with small rounded prominences.
Gravel
To run (as a ship) upon the gravel or beach; to run aground; to cause to stick fast in gravel or sand.
When we were fallen into a place between two seas, they graveled the ship.
Willam the Conqueror . . . chanced as his arrival to be graveled; and one of his feet stuck so fast in the sand that he fell to the ground.
Pebble
A small smooth rounded rock
Gravel
To check or stop; to embarrass; to perplex.
When you were graveled for lack of matter.
The physician was so graveled and amazed withal, that he had not a word more to say.
Pebble
A term used for stones found on beaches.
Children enjoy skimming pebbles across the water's surface.
Gravel
To hurt or lame (a horse) by gravel lodged between the shoe and foot.
Gravel
Rock fragments and pebbles
Gravel
Cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations;
Mosquitoes buzzing in my ear really bothers me
It irritates me that she never closes the door after she leaves
Gravel
Cover with gravel;
We gravelled the driveway
Gravel
Be a mystery or bewildering to;
This beats me!
Got me--I don't know the answer!
A vexing problem
This question really stuck me
Gravel
Unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound;
A gravelly voice
Gravel
Small, loose fragments of rock used for construction.
The driveway was covered with fresh gravel.
Gravel
Small rocks often used for traction on icy roads.
After the snowstorm, workers scattered gravel over the icy patches.
Common Curiosities
What defines a pebble?
A pebble is a small, rounded stone naturally smoothed by water.
What are the best uses for gravel?
Gravel is best used for construction, road-building, and as a drainage medium.
Do pebbles come in different colors?
Yes, pebbles can be found in a variety of colors depending on their mineral content.
Can I mix pebbles with gravel?
Yes, mixing them can create a varied texture and appearance in landscaping.
Can pebbles be used in driveways?
Yes, though they are less common than gravel for this purpose due to cost and movement under vehicles.
Do pebbles affect soil pH?
This depends on the mineral composition of the pebbles; some can alter soil pH.
How is gravel produced?
Gravel is produced by mechanically crushing larger rocks.
Is gravel environmentally friendly?
It can be, especially if sourced from local, sustainable quarries.
Are pebbles more expensive than gravel?
Generally, yes, because they are often sorted and polished for decorative use.
How do you clean pebbles and gravel?
They can be rinsed with water; pebbles may require more detailed cleaning due to their decorative nature.
Is gravel suitable for garden paths?
Yes, it provides a stable surface and is commonly used for paths.
Can gravel be used in aquariums?
Yes, but it must be properly cleaned and suited to the aquarium environment.
Are all pebbles smooth?
Most natural pebbles are smooth due to water erosion, but artificially made pebbles may not be.
How do I choose between pebbles and gravel for a project?
Consider the project's aesthetic and structural needs; pebbles are decorative, while gravel provides more support.
Do pebbles and gravel have different drainage properties?
Yes, gravel typically provides better drainage due to its size and irregular shapes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
