metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Metamorphic Quartzite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or tan in color with a vitreous to greasy luster. Possesses a dense, non-foliated crystalline structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or tan in color with a vitreous to greasy luster. Possesses a dense, non-foliated crystalline structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the thermal or regional metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone for road bases, railway ballast, and in the manufacturing of refractory bricks and silica blocks.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely resistant to chemical weathering and erosion, which allows it to form prominent ridge lines and mountain peaks. Water-worn pebbles are frequently found in riverbeds and beaches.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by steel and a sugary texture on broken surfaces. Common worldwide in ancient tectonic collision zones and sedimentary basins.
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