metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or pinkish with a vitreous to greasy luster, and a non-foliated massive crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or pinkish with a vitreous to greasy luster, and a non-foliated massive crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used as crushed stone in construction, railroad ballast, and increasingly as decorative dimension stone for countertops and tiles.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges because it resists erosion better than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by a knife and its sugary texture on freshly broken surfaces; found globally in ancient mountain belts.
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