metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically gray, green, or reddish-brown with a vitreous to greasy luster and non-foliated massive structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically gray, green, or reddish-brown with a vitreous to greasy luster and non-foliated massive structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the regional metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under high heat and pressure, typically over hundreds of millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction for durable road aggregate, railway ballast, dimension stone, and occasionally for decorative countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely resistant to weathering and erosion, often forming prominent mountain ridges and resistant outcrops in landscapes.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by steel and its refusal to effervesce with hydrochloric acid; common globally in ancient mountain belts.
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