metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically gray, white, or pinkish with a vitreous to greasy luster and non-foliated structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically gray, white, or pinkish with a vitreous to greasy luster and non-foliated structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed under high heat and pressure from quartz-rich sandstone over millions of years during tectonic plate convergence.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction as crushed stone, railroad ballast, and dimension stone, as well as for manufacturing countertops and decorative aggregates.
Geological facts
Quartzite is exceptionally durable and weather-resistant, often outlasting the mountains it forms due to its resistance to chemical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hard, non-foliated texture that scratches glass and does not fizz with hydrochloric acid; found globally in mountainous regions.
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