metamorphic
Quartzite with inclusions
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Multi-colored with white, green, and orange-brown staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Texture: Granular, non-foliated; Structure: Recrystallized quartz grains.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Multi-colored with white, green, and orange-brown staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Multi-colored with white, green, and orange-brown staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Texture: Granular, non-foliated; Structure: Recrystallized quartz grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, typically in orogenic belts. The green coloration suggests chlorite or epidote inclusions, while the orange-brown is iron oxide staining from weathering.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as crushed stone in construction, decorative landscaping, and occasionally as a lapidary material for polished stones if the pattern is unique.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so durable that it often survives intense weathering that wears away other rocks, frequently appearing as resistant outcrops or river-tumbled boulders. It is significantly harder than the sandstone from which it originated.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its grainy, sugary appearance on fresh breaks. It is commonly found in mountainous regions or glacial till. Collectors look for unique colors and banding.
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