metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically pink, white, or gray in color.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically pink, white, or gray in color.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone or chert is subjected to high heat and pressure through tectonic metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction, as crushed stone for roads, and occasionally as a decorative facing stone.
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 steel and lack of effervescence with acid; found worldwide in mountainous regions.
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