metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically white to gray in color.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically white to gray in color.
Formation & geological history
Formed from quartz-rich sandstone subjected to intense heat and pressure during tectonic compression over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction for railroad ballast, crushed stone for road aggregates, and decorative masonry.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and lack of fizzing with hydrochloric acid; found globally in mountainous or ancient cratonic regions.
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