metamorphic
Quartzite
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-brown or tan; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Non-foliated, granular; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6 to 2.7
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish-brown or tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-brown or tan; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Non-foliated, granular; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6 to 2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure, typically in orogenic belts where tectonic plates collide.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone or decorative facing, in metallurgy as a source of silica, and as a durable material for countertops and landscaping.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it can scratch glass; in the field, it is often distinguished from sandstone because it breaks across the quartz grains rather than around them.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness and sugary, crystalline texture; naturally found in mountainous regions worldwide such as the Appalachians or Alps.
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