metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: greyish-green to tan; Luster: dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: granular/sugary; Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.6-2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- greyish-green to tan
- Luster
- dull to vitreous
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: greyish-green to tan; Luster: dull to vitreous; Crystal structure: granular/sugary; Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.6-2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure. This specific specimen has been further shaped and rounded by fluvial or glacial erosion.
Uses & applications
Larger deposits are used for road ballast, floor tiles, and countertop surfaces. Field specimens are primarily for basic geological collection.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often survives intense weathering that destroys other rocks, which is why it is frequently found as rounded pebbles in stream beds.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its extreme hardness (will scratch glass and steel) and its granular appearance which differs from the smooth, waxy look of chert. Commonly found in riverbeds and glacial tills.
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