metamorphic

Likely quartzite

Quartzite, composed predominantly of quartz (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale cream to tan, granular and somewhat sparkly with a dull-to-glassy luster; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, with no cleavage and an uneven fracture. The photo’s texture suggests a quartz-rich rock, but exact identification is uncertain from appearance alone.

Identified October 13, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when quartz-rich sandstone is recrystallized by heat and pressure, typically during regional metamorphism; its age depends on the source sandstone and metamorphic event.

Uses & applications

Used as building and decorative stone, aggregate, and sometimes landscaping material; attractive pieces may be collected or fashioned into ornaments.

Geological facts

Quartz grains in quartzite are tightly interlocked, making sound quartzite more resistant to weathering than its sandstone precursor.

Field identification & locations

Look for a hard, gritty-looking rock whose grains are fused; it should scratch glass and resist a steel knife. Quartzite occurs worldwide in metamorphic terrains, but this small specimen cannot be identified confidently from the image alone.