metamorphic
Quartzite
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, white, or pinkish; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granoblastic (sugary texture); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Gray, white, or pinkish
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More metamorphic →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, white, or pinkish; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granoblastic (sugary texture); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone subjected to high heat and pressure, typically during tectonic plate collisions and mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone or decorative facing, in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics, and as a durable material for kitchen countertops and floor tiles.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it can scratch steel and glass. It is often more resistant to weathering than the surrounding rock, often forming the caps of ridges and mountain peaks.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a knife) and its grainy, crystalline appearance. Commonly found in folded mountain belts globally. Collectors look for unique coloration or banding.
More like this
