metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Brownish-tan due to iron oxide staining; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Brownish-tan due to iron oxide staining
- Luster
- Dull to waxy
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Brownish-tan due to iron oxide staining; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. This specific specimen has been rounded and smoothed by water transport in a river or coastal environment.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as decorative gravel, in landscaping, or as an abrasive. Polished versions are often collected as 'pocket stones' or used in tumblers.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often survives the weathering process much longer than the sandwiching layers of rock, often forming the tops of hills and ridges. It is often harder than the steel of a pocket knife.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and its sugary, granular appearance when broken. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and beaches worldwide.
