metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, reddish-brown color from iron oxide staining, vitreous luster, and a dense, interlocking quartz crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, reddish-brown color from iron oxide staining, vitreous luster, and a dense, interlocking quartz crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the thermal or regional metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in aggregate for construction, railroad ballast, and decorative landscaping or tumbling stones.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely resistant to weathering, which is why it often survives as smooth, rounded pebbles in rivers and beaches.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, which easily scratches glass, and lack of reaction to acid; commonly found in stream beds and ancient river terraces.
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