metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale, typically white to gray or pinkish with iron oxide stains, vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, typically white to gray or pinkish with iron oxide stains, vitreous luster, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed under intense heat and pressure from quartz-rich sandstone during regional or contact metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction, as crushed stone for road bases, and for decorative building facades or 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
Identify in the field by testing its hardness against steel and observing that it fractures across quartz grains rather than around them.
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