metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from white and gray to pink or yellow due to iron impurities. Exhibits a vitreous to greasy luster with a non-foliated, granular crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from white and gray to pink or yellow due to iron impurities. Exhibits a vitreous to greasy luster with a non-foliated, granular crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone is subjected to high heat and pressure through tectonic metamorphism, typically occurring over millions of years in mountain-building zones.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as crushed stone for road bases, railway ballast, and dimension stone for building facades, as well as in manufacturing refractories.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent ridges and peaks in mountainous landscapes because it erodes slower than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and the way it breaks across quartz grains rather than around them. Found globally in ancient mountain belts.
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