metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale, brownish-tan color due to iron staining, vitreous to dull luster, and granular crystal structure with no distinct cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, brownish-tan color due to iron staining, vitreous to dull luster, and granular crystal structure with no distinct cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the regional or contact metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, decorative landscaping, railroad ballast, and occasionally as a tumbling or lapidary stone.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely resistant to weathering, which explains why quartz sandstone parent rocks often survive long river transport as smooth pebbles.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its extreme hardness, inability to be scratched by steel, and sugary texture on broken surfaces. Commonly found in riverbeds and glacial deposits.
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