metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: dirty white to light tan; Luster: dull to vitreous; Structure: granular/crystalline; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- dirty white to light tan
- Luster
- dull to vitreous
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: dirty white to light tan; Luster: dull to vitreous; Structure: granular/crystalline; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed from quartz-rich sandstone subjected to intense heat and metamorphic pressure that fuses quartz grains together. This specific piece has been smoothed by fluvial or coastal water action.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, as decorative garden stones, and as a raw material in construction or glass manufacturing when found in bulk.
Geological facts
Quartzite is one of the hardest and most durable common rocks. This specimen is a 'river rock' or 'tumble', showing a smooth rind resulting from thousands of years of abrasion in water.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its grainy, sugary appearance despite the smooth exterior. Found globally along riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits.
