metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White to off-white with some surface iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull/waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (granular texture); Specific gravity: ~2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White to off-white with some surface iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull/waxy
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White to off-white with some surface iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull/waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal (granular texture); Specific gravity: ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under intense heat and pressure. This specific specimen has been further shaped into a rounded pebble by water erosion in a river or coastal environment.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as a decorative aggregate, in landscaping, and sometimes as a source of high-purity silica for glassmaking. Smooth river quartzite is popular for home decor and 'worry stones'.
Geological facts
Quartzite is one of the most durable rocks on the surface of the Earth; it often forms prominent ridges because it resists weather much better than the rocks surrounding it. It is so tough it will break across the quartz grains rather than around them.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (it will easily scratch glass) and lack of reaction to acid. Often found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and along beaches. Look for a granular 'sugary' texture on broken surfaces.
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