metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, pink to reddish color, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, pink to reddish color, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated massive crystal structure, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and tectonic pressure, typically taking millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in construction for crushed stone, railroad ballast, and decorative building facades, as well as in manufacturing metallurgical silica.
Geological facts
Quartzite is exceptionally weather-resistant and often forms prominent ridge lines in mountainous terrain because it resists erosion better than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identified easily by its inability to be scratched by steel and its characteristic granular sugary texture on broken surfaces. Found worldwide in ancient mountain belts.
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