metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (principally SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, grey, white with slight banding; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: none.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- tan, grey, white with slight banding
- Luster
- vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: tan, grey, white with slight banding; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: none.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under intense heat and pressure, often found as water-worn pebbles in riverbeds or coastal areas.
Uses & applications
Used frequently in construction as aggregate, in road ballast, and for decorative landscaping. Higher purity specimens are used to produce silica sand for glass making.
Geological facts
Quartzite is one of the most durable and weather-resistant rocks on Earth. This specific specimen has been rounded by fluvial or marine erosion, commonly known as a river rock.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its extreme hardness (scratches glass) and granular, sugary texture. Common in ancient mountain belts and glacial deposits. Look for a surface that doesn't fizz with acid.
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