metamorphic
Quartz-rich metamorphic rock (likely quartzite)
Quartzite, dominantly crystalline SiO₂, with probable iron-oxide staining and minor feldspar/mica
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOff-white to honey-yellow, granular crystalline texture, vitreous to dull luster, no obvious layering or cleavage. Quartz hardness is about Mohs 7; quartzite is dense and scratches ordinary glass, with specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Quartz-rich metamorphic rock (likely quartzite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Off-white to honey-yellow, granular crystalline texture, vitreous to dull luster, no obvious layering or cleavage. Quartz hardness is about Mohs 7; quartzite is dense and scratches ordinary glass, with specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Likely formed when quartz-rich sandstone was deeply buried and recrystallized during regional metamorphism, probably during Himalayan mountain-building. The yellow-brown color commonly comes from limonite/goethite or weathering; exact age cannot be determined from the photograph.
Uses & applications
Used as building and paving stone, aggregate, and decorative facing; attractive pieces are collected, though this rough specimen has modest commercial value.
Geological facts
Quartzite commonly breaks across grains rather than around them, producing a hard, irregular fracture. It can resemble quartz-bearing sandstone or massive quartz.
Field identification & locations
The reported location near 35.9°N, 74.4°E, in northern Pakistan, is geologically compatible with metamorphosed quartz-rich rocks of the Karakoram–Himalayan region. Confirm by a glass-scratch test and checking whether grains are tightly fused; dilute acid should show little or no reaction.
More like this
