metamorphic
Yellow Quartzite
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to deep golden orange due to iron oxide staining. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: 2.6 - 2.8.
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale yellow to deep golden orange due to iron oxide staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to deep golden orange due to iron oxide staining. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: 2.6 - 2.8.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. Under intense heat and pressure, quartz grains recrystallize and fuse together. These deposits are typically found in ancient mountain belts and can date back hundreds of millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone or decorative ballast, as a primary source of silica for glass manufacturing, and occasionally as a durable lapidary material for garden decor or rough jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it can easily scratch glass and even high-quality steel. It is much more durable than its parent rock, sandstone, and is resistant to chemical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its grainy, sugary texture and high hardness (it will scratch a steel knife blade). Commonly found in areas with exposed Precambrian or Paleozoic shield rock, such as the Appalachian Mountains or the Upper Midwest of the US.
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