metamorphic
Pink Quartzite
Quartzite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, reddish-orange, and grey-white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, reddish-orange, and grey-white
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, reddish-orange, and grey-white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. The pink coloration often comes from trace amounts of iron oxides (hematite) or manganese.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative stone, construction aggregate, railway ballast, and sometimes in jewelry as tumbled stones or beads due to its durability and color.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard and chemically resistant that it often forms the tops of ridges and hills. It is harder than the steel of a knife, which is a key way to distinguish it from similar-looking marble.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its grainy, sandpaper-like texture that has been fused into a crystalline mass; it will scratch glass easily. Commonly found in folded mountain belts and ancient shield areas.
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