metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, granular crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, and generally white, gray, or pinkish hues.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, granular crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, and generally white, gray, or pinkish hues.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under immense heat and tectonic pressure, typically during mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, as crushed stone for roads, for railroad ballast, and occasionally in decorative architecture or countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, which is why ridges formed of quartzite often survive as prominent hills.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its non-reactive nature with acid; common globally in ancient orogenic belts.
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