metamorphic
Pink Quartz / Quartzite
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, pink to grayish-white coloration, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity around 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, pink to grayish-white coloration, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity around 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone or chert under high temperatures and pressures, transforming the quartz grains into a tightly intergrown mosaic.
Uses & applications
Used in decorative stone, landscaping, aggregate in construction, and occasionally for lapidary and carving purposes.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, which is why ridges formed of quartzite often survive as prominent hills or mountain crests.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its sugary texture on broken surfaces, high hardness that scratches glass, and lack of effervescence with acid. Commonly found in mountainous regions and areas with ancient sedimentary deposits.
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