metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or pinkish with a vitreous to greasy luster. Composed of tightly interlocking quartz grains with no visible cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or pinkish with a vitreous to greasy luster. Composed of tightly interlocking quartz grains with no visible cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and tectonic pressure, often over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction for railroad ballast, roofing granules, and dimension stone, as well as crushed stone for road aggregates.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, which is why ridges formed of quartzite often stand out as high mountain crests.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by a knife and its sugary, granular fracture surface; found globally in mountainous or ancient craton regions.
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