metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, white to brownish color due to iron oxide staining, conchoidal fracture, and no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, white to brownish color due to iron oxide staining, conchoidal fracture, and no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone is subjected to high heat and pressure, typically through tectonic compression during mountain building events.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, as crushed stone for roadbeds, in landscaping, and occasionally as a decorative or ornamental stone.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, which is why ridges made of quartzite often form prominent hills or mountain crests.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its sugary texture on fractured surfaces and its inability to be scratched by a knife or glass due to its high hardness.
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