metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Translucent yellowish-white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Non-foliated crystalline; Texture: Smooth, water-worn surface.
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Translucent yellowish-white to tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Translucent yellowish-white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Non-foliated crystalline; Texture: Smooth, water-worn surface.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure. This specific specimen has been further shaped and smoothed by fluvial or coastal erosion.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone, in landscaping, and high-purity varieties are used in the production of glass and silicon. Small pebbles are popular for home decor.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it can scratch steel and glass easily. It is one of the most durable rocks on Earth's surface and often remains as outcrops after softer rocks erode away.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a knife) and sugary, crystalline texture under a lens. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and along coastlines.
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