metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Metamorphic Quartzite
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Brownish-tan due to iron oxide staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Non-foliated, interlocking quartz grains; Cleavage: None (fractures conchoidally); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Brownish-tan due to iron oxide staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Brownish-tan due to iron oxide staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Non-foliated, interlocking quartz grains; Cleavage: None (fractures conchoidally); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from quartz-rich sandstone subjected to high heat and pressure during regional metamorphism, often shaped and smoothed by wave action in a beach environment.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, decorative stone, construction aggregate, and as a durable keepsake or beach collectible.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, which is why it often survives as smooth pebbles on beaches long after softer rocks have eroded away.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its extreme hardness (it will easily scratch glass and cannot be scratched by a steel knife) and the sugary texture of interlocking quartz crystals visible on fresh breaks.
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