metamorphic
Orange Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Orange to reddish-brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Orange to reddish-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Orange to reddish-brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. The orange color is typically due to iron oxide impurities (hematite or goethite) within the rock matrix. This specimen appears water-worn, likely from a fluvial or coastal environment.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone or decorative landscaping gravel. Hard, durable specimens are used as abrasives. In jewelry, tumbled quartzite is used for beads and cabochons.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it will scratch glass and even steel. It is often more resistant to weathering than the original sandstone it formed from, frequently creating prominent ridges in mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its extreme hardness and sugary, crystalline texture on fresh breaks. This specific rounded shape indicates long-term transport in water. Found globally in metamorphic terrains.
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