metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, grayish-white color, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure, conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, grayish-white color, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure, conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and tectonic pressure, typically over hundreds of millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, railroad ballast, manufacturing of silica bricks, and occasionally as decorative stone or in countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and weather-resistant, often forming prominent mountain ridges because it resists erosion better than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its refusal to effervesce with acid; commonly found in mountainous or glaciated regions globally.
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