metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (SiO2-rich metamorphic rock)
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, pale greyish-pink to beige, sugary texture (granoblastic), vitreous to dull luster, no cleavage, specific gravity ~2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, pale greyish-pink to beige, sugary texture (granoblastic), vitreous to dull luster, no cleavage, specific gravity ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone undergoes extreme heat and pressure during regional metamorphism, fusing individual quartz grains together into a dense network.
Uses & applications
Used as construction aggregate, railway ballast, decorative garden stone, and occasionally polished by hobbyists into smooth beach pebbles.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering. River and beach pebbles of quartzite often survive transport over vast distances.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its sugary grain appearance that sparkles slightly under light, along with its ability to easily scratch glass. Commonly found along riverbeds, lakeshores, and ocean beaches.
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