metamorphic
Quartzite pebble
Quartzite (SiO2 based)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Greyish-tan with visible glittery quartz grains; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granoblastic (metamorphosed sand grains).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Greyish-tan with visible glittery quartz grains
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Greyish-tan with visible glittery quartz grains; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granoblastic (metamorphosed sand grains).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure, typically during mountain-building events. These water-worn pebbles are often relocated by river or glacial action.
Uses & applications
Used as construction aggregate, high-purity silica for glass manufacturing, and as decorative stone in landscaping.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard it will scratch steel and glass easily. It is often more durable than the parent sandstone it originated from.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its sugary texture and extreme hardness. Look for it in river beds, moraines, and regions with ancient metamorphic bedrock.
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