metamorphic
Quartz / Quartzite
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Grayish-white to translucent. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal System: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Grayish-white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Grayish-white to translucent. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal System: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, or precipitated as vein quartz in hydrothermal systems.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone, in decorative landscaping, and as a source of silica for glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent ridge tops and hills due to its hardness.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of cleavage, and sugary or crystalline texture. Found widely across continental crusts.
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