metamorphic
Pink Quartzite
Quartzite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan to reddish; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.6 - 2.7.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish-tan to reddish
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan to reddish; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.6 - 2.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. High heat and pressure cause the original quartz grains to recrystallize and fuse together, creating a dense, hard rock. Often Precambrian to Paleozoic in age.
Uses & applications
Used as crushed stone for road construction and railway ballast. Due to its hardness and aesthetic color, it is also used for decorative stone, countertops, and architectural facing.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it will scratch glass. It is often more resistant to weathering than the surrounding rock, leading to the formation of ridges and hilltops. Pink coloration is usually due to traces of iron oxide (hematite).
Field identification & locations
Identify by its sugary texture on broken surfaces and extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife). Commonly found in ancient mountain belts and shield areas.
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