metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically gray or white with a vitreous to greasy luster, and a dense, granular crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically gray or white with a vitreous to greasy luster, and a dense, granular crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, often occurring during tectonic mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as crushed stone for roads, railway ballast, and in manufacturing refractory bricks and countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely resistant to weathering, which explains why mountains made of it often stand out prominently in the landscape.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its tendency to fracture across quartz grains rather than around them.
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