metamorphic
Quartzite
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically white to gray, may be pale pink or yellow; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- typically white to gray, may be pale pink or yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically white to gray, may be pale pink or yellow; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.63 - 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under intense heat and pressure, typically during tectonic plate collisions and mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative stone in architecture, as a source for silica in metallurgy, for railway ballast, and occasionally in jewelry for its durability and shimmer.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it can scratch glass and steel. It is often mistake for marble, but marble is much softer and will react with acid, while quartzite will not.
Field identification & locations
Look for a granular, sugary texture and extreme hardness. It won't react with HCl like limestone or marble. Commonly found in mountainous regions like the Appalachians or the Alps.
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