metamorphic
Quartzite pebble
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to grayish-white, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (granular texture), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to grayish-white, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (granular texture), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under heat and pressure. This specific specimen has been rounded and smoothed by water erosion (fluvial or beach processes).
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a decorative stone in landscaping, as a construction aggregate, and for industrial silicate production.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often outlasts the surrounding rocks in mountainous areas, forming prominent ridges and peaks.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and its sugary, granular texture where freshly broken. It is a common find in riverbeds and glacial deposits.
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