metamorphic

Quartzite pebble

Quartzite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: typically white, gray, or pinkish to reddish. Luster: vitreous. Granular texture, conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: ~2.6-2.7.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: typically white, gray, or pinkish to reddish
Luster: vitreous

Identified August 31, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: typically white, gray, or pinkish to reddish. Luster: vitreous. Granular texture, conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: ~2.6-2.7.

Formation & geological history

Formed by metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure, often found in ancient riverbeds or beaches where water action rounds the stones.

Uses & applications

Used in construction, landscaping, as railway ballast, and sometimes polished for decorative purposes.

Geological facts

Quartzite is highly resistant to chemical weathering and often forms ridges and resistant hilltops in landscapes.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its granular, sugary appearance and hardness (it can scratch glass). Commonly found in glacial deposits, riverbeds, and beaches worldwide.