Rock Identifier
Quartzite (Metamorphic quartz arenite) — metamorphic
metamorphic

Quartzite

Metamorphic quartz arenite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, variable color including gray and white, and conchoidal fracture.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, variable color including gray and white, and conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Formed from quartz-rich sandstone subjected to intense heat and pressure during tectonic metamorphism.

Uses & applications

Used in construction, as crushed stone for roads, and occasionally for decorative landscaping or countertops.

Geological facts

Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and lack of effervescence with acid; common globally in deformed mountain belts.