metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white to gray or pink, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white to gray or pink, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure, specific gravity around 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and tectonic pressure, often dating from Precambrian to Paleozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction, railway ballast, manufacturing of silica bricks, and occasionally as an ornamental decorative stone.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges. Unlike sandstone, it fractures across the quartz grains rather than around them.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its sugary texture, conchoidal fracture, and inability to be scratched by a steel knife. Commonly found in ancient mountain belts worldwide.
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