metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: yellowish-white with iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- yellowish-white with iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: yellowish-white with iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. This specimen shows signs of fluvial erosion (rounding) from a river or beach environment.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as a decorative aggregate, in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, and as a durable material for pathways.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it will scratch glass and is resistant to chemical weathering. This specimen's yellowish tint is likely due to trace amounts of iron oxide (limonite).
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife) and its grainy, sugary texture where broken. Commonly found in riverbeds and glacial deposits worldwide.
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