metamorphic
Quartzite pebble with Quartz Vein
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2) with Quartz Veining
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Tan, beige, light brown with white quartz veins. Luster: Vitreous to waxy (smoothly polished/tumbled surface). Crystal System: Trigonal (microcrystalline/interlocking). Cleavage: None (conchoidal/irregular fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan, beige, light brown with white quartz veins
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (smoothly polished/tumbled surface)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Tan, beige, light brown with white quartz veins. Luster: Vitreous to waxy (smoothly polished/tumbled surface). Crystal System: Trigonal (microcrystalline/interlocking). Cleavage: None (conchoidal/irregular fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone undergoes intense heat and pressure during regional metamorphism, causing original quartz grains to recrystallize into an interlocking mosaic. Later tectonic stresses create fractures that fill with silica-rich fluids, precipitating white quartz veins. River or beach erosion smoothed and rounded the specimen.
Uses & applications
Popular as decorative garden stones, tumbling specimens, landscape pebbles, and lapidary practice pieces. Crushed quartzite is also used as railway ballast and industrial aggregate.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering. When struck, quartzite breaks through the quartz grains rather than along their boundaries, unlike original sandstone which breaks around grains.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its high hardness (scratches glass and steel), granoblastic sugary texture, tan-to-beige body color, and distinctive white silica-filled veinlets. Commonly found along riverbeds, beaches, and glaciated terrain worldwide.
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