metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: variable (grey, white, tan), Luster: vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline), Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: variable (grey, white, tan), Luster: vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline), Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. This specimen has been rounded into a pebble shape by fluvial or glacial erosion.
Uses & applications
Industrial use as a source of silica, railway ballast, and decorative landscaping stone. High-quality pieces are used for architectural surfacing.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard and chemically resistant that it often forms the caps of hills and ridges because it resists weathering better than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and its granular, sugary texture. Common in riverbeds and glacial deposits.
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