metamorphic
Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (mostly SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to light gray; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (granular texture); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- white to light gray
- Luster
- vitreous to dull
Identified More metamorphic →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to light gray; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (granular texture); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, often during mountain-building events. This specific specimen has been rounded by fluvial or marine erosion.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone, in glass manufacturing, as a decorative garden stone, and as a durable abrasive material.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard and chemically resistant that it often forms the caps of ridges and mountains because it resists erosion better than the rocks around it.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and its sugary, granular appearance on fresh surfaces. Often found on beaches, riverbeds, and in glacial deposits.
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