metamorphic
Riverstone Quartzite
Quartzite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey, white, with tan/iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Non-foliated, granular; Cleavage: None; SG: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Grey, white, with tan/iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey, white, with tan/iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Non-foliated, granular; Cleavage: None; SG: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under heat and pressure, typically in orogenic belts. This specific specimen shows water-worn rounding from fluvial environments.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone, road ballast, or decorative landscaping stones. Highly durable for outdoor use.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard and chemically resistant that it often forms the caps of hills and ridges because it resists erosion better than the rocks around it.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its granular, sugary texture that resembles sandstone but won't rub off. Commonly found in riverbeds and glacial tills.
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