metamorphic
Quartzite
Quartzite (mostly SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to light gray; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: hexagonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- white to light gray
- Luster
- vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to light gray; Luster: vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: hexagonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, typically during mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as crushed stone for road beds, in the manufacturing of glass, and as a durable material for countertops and flooring.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it can scratch steel and even glass. It is often resistant to chemical weathering, causing it to form prominent ridges and hilltops.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its extreme hardness and sugary, granular texture. It will not fizz with acid, distinguishing it from marble. Found globally in ancient mountain belts.
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