metamorphic
Quartzite
Quartzite; predominantly recrystallized quartz (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTan, fine-grained, with a granular, slightly sparkly surface and no obvious cleavage. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7; the specimen’s exact hardness and specific gravity cannot be confirmed from the image.
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Physical properties
Tan, fine-grained, with a granular, slightly sparkly surface and no obvious cleavage. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7; the specimen’s exact hardness and specific gravity cannot be confirmed from the image.
Formation & geological history
Forms when quartz-rich sandstone is recrystallized by heat and pressure, commonly during regional metamorphism; its age depends on the source rock and metamorphic event.
Uses & applications
Used as building and decorative stone, aggregate, and occasionally as a lapidary material.
Geological facts
Quartzite can preserve traces of its sandstone origin, but recrystallized grains commonly interlock into a very hard rock.
Field identification & locations
The image is consistent with a weathered quartzite fragment, though a photo alone cannot rule out sandstone. Look for a hard, sugary texture and grains that resist scratching with a steel nail; common occurrences include metamorphic belts worldwide.
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