metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and colors ranging from white and gray to pink or green.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and colors ranging from white and gray to pink or green.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone or chert is subjected to high heat and pressure, typically during tectonic mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, as crushed stone for roads, for decorative aggregates, and occasionally in the manufacture of glass and refractory bricks.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, which is why ridges formed of quartzite often survive as prominent hills.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its sugary texture on broken surfaces and its inability to be scratched by a steel knife; common worldwide in mountainous terrains.
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