metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Metamorphic Quartzite
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color typically gray to white with minor variations, sub-vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color typically gray to white with minor variations, sub-vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from quartz-rich sandstone or chert under high temperature and pressure during regional or contact metamorphism. Geological age varies widely depending on the local formation, often Precambrian to Paleozoic.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, railroad ballast, decorative landscaping, and occasionally as dimension stone or in refractory bricks.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, which is why quartz-rich rocks often survive as rounded pebbles in rivers and beaches long after less durable minerals have eroded away.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of significant effervescence with acid, and sugary texture on fractured surfaces. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and coastal beaches worldwide.
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