metamorphic
Yellow Quartzite
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-tan/buff; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (granular); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Yellowish-tan/buff
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-tan/buff; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (granular); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under intense heat and pressure. This usually occurs during mountain-building events (orogeny) in various geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as road ballast, crushed stone, and dimension stone for flooring or wall cladding. Also used in glass making and occasionally for semi-precious stone craft.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often outlasts other surrounding rocks during erosion, forming ridges and mountain tops. It will scratch glass easily unlike many similar-looking stones.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its sugary, granular texture and extreme hardness. Commonly found in riverbeds as rounded pebbles. To identify in the field, check if it can scratch a steel knife or glass.
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