metamorphic
Quartzite (Iron-stained)
Quartzite (SiO2 with Iron oxide inclusions)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Reddish-brown, tan, and gray due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal system (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Reddish-brown, tan, and gray due to iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Reddish-brown, tan, and gray due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal system (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, typically in convergent plate boundaries or orogenic belts.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as crushed stone for construction, road ballast, and sometimes as a decorative stone in landscaping or lapidary work.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often outlasts the surrounding rock, forming prominent ridges and hills in high-relief landscapes.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its granular, sugary texture on fresh surfaces; commonly found in mountainous regions or glacial till.
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