metamorphic
Pink Quartzite
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink to reddish; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7.
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Pink to reddish
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Pink to reddish; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.6-2.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the regional metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. High heat and pressure cause the original quartz grains to recrystallize and fuse into a dense, interlocking mosaic of crystals.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as road ballast, railway ballast, and decorative stone. Sometimes used in jewelry as cabochons or for lapidary carving and landscaping.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often outlasts the surrounding rocks, forming prominent ridges and hills. It is often confused with marble, but can be distinguished by its superior hardness.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its sugary texture and extreme hardness (it will easily scratch glass). Common in mountainous regions or ancient shield areas where tectonic plates have collided.
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