metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from white to gray with pink or yellowish hues, vitreous luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from white to gray with pink or yellowish hues, vitreous luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under intense heat and pressure, typically occurring in mountain-building belts.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction as crushed stone, railway ballast, and dimension stone, as well as in the manufacturing of refractory bricks.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges because it erodes slower than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its sugary texture on fractured surfaces and the fact that it scratches glass while refusing to effervesce with hydrochloric acid.
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