metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, white to pinkish-red coloration with visible interlocking quartz grains and no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, white to pinkish-red coloration with visible interlocking quartz grains and no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, often over hundreds of millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, as crushed stone for roads, manufacturing of silica bricks, and occasionally as decorative stone or in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely resistant to weathering, which is why quartz-rich mountains often retain sharp ridges.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by glass or steel and a lack of effervescence with acid; commonly found in mountain belts worldwide.
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