metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Metamorphic Rock (chiefly Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to brownish; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Granular/Crystalline; Very durable and resistant to scratching.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan to brownish
- Luster
- Dull to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to brownish; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Granular/Crystalline; Very durable and resistant to scratching.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under high heat and pressure, typically during mountain-building events. This specific specimen has been further shaped and smoothed by river or beach erosion.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as decorative landscaping stone, in construction as crushed stone or ballast, and as a durable material for pathways.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it will scratch glass and even steel. It is one of the most physically and chemically resistant rocks found at the Earth's surface.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch a glass bottle) and its lack of reaction to acid. Often found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and coastal beaches globally.
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