metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white to gray color, vitreous to greasy luster, massive crystal structure with interlocking quartz grains, and no cleavage.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Quartzite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white to gray color, vitreous to greasy luster, massive crystal structure with interlocking quartz grains, and no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone or chert is subjected to high heat and pressure, typically during tectonic compression.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, railway ballast, manufacture of refractory bricks, and occasionally as decorative stone or in countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its sugary texture on broken surfaces and inability to be scratched by a steel knife.
More like this
