metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and composed primarily of interlocking quartz grains.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and composed primarily of interlocking quartz grains.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under intense heat and pressure, typically during tectonic mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction, as crushed stone for roads, for decorative landscaping, and as a raw material for manufacturing silica bricks.
Geological facts
Quartzite is exceptionally durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges because it weathers slower than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass easily), inability to effervesce with acid, and granular sugar-like texture on broken surfaces. Found globally.
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