Metamorphic
Quartzite
Quartzite
Hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock consisting largely of quartz. Typically white to grey, but can be brownish, pinkish, or reddish due to impurities like iron oxide. Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Glassy luster. Conchoidal fracture.
Identified More metamorphic →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock consisting largely of quartz. Typically white to grey, but can be brownish, pinkish, or reddish due to impurities like iron oxide. Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Glassy luster. Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms from the metamorphism of pure quartz sandstone through heating and pressure usually related to tectonic compression within orogenic belts.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative stone, crushed stone for road construction, and occasionally for producing silica.
Geological facts
Because of its hardness and angular shape, crushed quartzite is often used as railway ballast.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), grainy texture that tightly interlocks, and lack of foliation. Often found in mountain ranges and areas with ancient tectonic activity.
More like this
