metamorphic
Light Blue Quartzite Pebbles / Decorative Stone
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: light blue to gray-white, Luster: vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: light blue to gray-white, Luster: vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure, typically during mountain-building events. These specific rounded shapes are produced by mechanical tumbling or water erosion.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, architectural accents, aquarium decor, and internal flooring. Primarily used for aesthetic purposes rather than structural construction.
Geological facts
Quartzite is harder than the parent sandstone and often harder than steel. It is extremely resistant to chemical weathering and is often found as high ridges in mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and granular, sugary appearance on a fresh break. Commonly found in riverbeds or coastal areas near metamorphic belts.
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