metamorphic
Quartzite River Rock
Quartzite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to light brown; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Granular/Massive; Cleavage: None; Texture: Smooth, water-worn surface with small impact pits.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Tan to light brown
- Luster
- Dull to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to light brown; Luster: Dull to vitreous; Structure: Granular/Massive; Cleavage: None; Texture: Smooth, water-worn surface with small impact pits.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure, subsequently rounded and smoothed by transport in a river or coastal environment.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, decorative ground cover, construction aggregate, and as a natural paperweight or craft material.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so durable that it often survives multiple cycles of erosion and deposition. It is harder than steel and can easily scratch glass.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife) and its grainy, sugary internal texture if broken. Common in riverbeds and glacial deposits worldwide.
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