metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically pinkish-tan or white color.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically pinkish-tan or white color.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the thermal metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction, as crushed stone for roads, for decorative landscaping, and occasionally in manufacturing glass.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges.
Field identification & locations
Identified easily by its inability to be scratched by steel and lack of effervescence with acid; found globally in ancient orogenic belts.
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