metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to off-white, Luster: Dull to vitreous, Structure: Non-foliated granoblastic, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to off-white, Luster: Dull to vitreous, Structure: Non-foliated granoblastic, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure. This specific specimen is a water-worn river or beach pebble, smoothed over centuries by hydraulic action.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, construction aggregate, and as a grit in industrial sandblasting; smooth pebbles are popular for home decor and therapy stones.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough and resistant to chemical weathering that it often remains as caps on hills or ridges long after surrounding rocks have eroded away.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its sugary texture under a hand lens. Common in riverbeds and glacial deposits globally.
