metamorphic
Quartzite (or Engineered Quartz Stone)
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Beige, gray, white with delicate veining. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Density: ~2.65 g/cm3. Highly resistant to scratching and chemical weathering.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Beige, gray, white with delicate veining
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Beige, gray, white with delicate veining. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Density: ~2.65 g/cm3. Highly resistant to scratching and chemical weathering.
Formation & geological history
Formed naturally when quartz-rich sandstone undergoes intense heat and pressure during regional metamorphism, fusing the quartz grains together into a dense, crystalline rock. Engineered variations combine powdered natural quartz with polymer resins.
Uses & applications
Widely used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, floor tiles, wall cladding, and architectural features due to its durability and aesthetic appeal mimicking marble.
Geological facts
Natural quartzite is harder than glass and can easily scratch steel. While natural quartzite consists of over 90% quartz crystals, engineered quartz stone uses bound quartz aggregates to achieve highly uniform and non-porous surfaces.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its fine-grained, interlocking crystalline texture, extreme hardness, and lack of reaction with acidic substances like vinegar. Found in metamorphic rock terrains worldwide including Brazil, the US, and India.
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