metamorphic

Quartzite Pebble

Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, grayish-white to pinkish color, non-foliated texture, vitreous to greasy luster, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.65.

Identified July 30, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, grayish-white to pinkish color, non-foliated texture, vitreous to greasy luster, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from quartz-rich sandstone or chert under high temperatures and pressures during regional metamorphism. Often weathered from parent rock and rounded by water transport in rivers or beaches.

Uses & applications

Used as crushed stone in construction, road aggregate, railway ballast, and occasionally as decorative stone or landscaping material.

Geological facts

Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, which is why it often survives as resistant pebbles and boulders long after softer surrounding rocks have eroded away.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of effervescence with acid, and sugary or crystalline texture visible on broken surfaces. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and ancient beach formations worldwide.