metamorphic

Iron-stained quartzite (probable)

Quartzite, composed mainly of quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque, rough, tan to rusty orange, with a granular-to-sugary texture and no obvious cleavage. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; quartzite typically has a massive, interlocking crystalline structure and specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.

Identified September 30, 2026More metamorphic →

Explore Iron-stained quartzite (probable) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz-rich sandstone is recrystallized by heat and pressure, commonly during regional metamorphism; its age depends on the source formation and cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as crushed aggregate, building and paving stone, and occasionally as a decorative or collectible specimen.

Geological facts

Iron oxides such as hematite or goethite can produce the rusty coloration. The image alone cannot confirm quartzite over other iron-stained, quartz-rich rocks.

Field identification & locations

Look for a hard, quartz-rich surface that resists scratching by steel and lacks visible layering; quartzite is found worldwide in metamorphic terrains. A fresh break and simple hardness testing help distinguish it from sandstone.