metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: dirty white to reddish-pink/brown due to iron impurities; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granoblastic/Massive; Cleavage: None.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- dirty white to reddish-pink/brown due to iron impurities
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Quartzite Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: dirty white to reddish-pink/brown due to iron impurities; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granoblastic/Massive; Cleavage: None.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. This specific specimen appears to be water-worn or weathered, likely originating from fluvial deposits.
Uses & applications
Quartzite is used heavily in the construction industry as crushed stone for road ballast, as a decorative stone in landscaping, and in the production of glass and ceramics due to its high silica content.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard and chemically resistant that it often forms the crests of mountain ranges. When it breaks, it fractures through the quartz grains rather than around them, unlike its parent rock, sandstone.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its extreme hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of reaction to acid. Often found in riverbeds or glacial till. Collectors look for unique colors or smooth weathering patterns.
More like this
