Rock Identifier
Quartzite (Quartzite) — metamorphic
metamorphic

Quartzite

Quartzite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, varying colors (often white, gray, reddish, or greenish due to impurities), vitreous luster, granular texture, massive structure.

Identified More metamorphic
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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, varying colors (often white, gray, reddish, or greenish due to impurities), vitreous luster, granular texture, massive structure.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under high heat and pressure, typically in tectonic convergence zones.

Uses & applications

Used in construction as crushed stone, dimension stone, flooring, and decorative rock. Also used in glassmaking and industrial applications.

Geological facts

Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent ridges and peaks in mountainous regions.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (scratches glass), granular sugary appearance, and conchoidal fracture. Commonly found in metamorphic terrains worldwide.