metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and white to grey color with reddish-brown iron oxide banding.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Quartzite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and white to grey color with reddish-brown iron oxide banding.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction, as crushed stone for roadbeds, and in decorative landscaping or countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is exceptionally 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 its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and the way it breaks across rather than around quartz grains.
More like this
