metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Arenite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from white to pink and brown, vitreous luster, and non-foliated massive crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from white to pink and brown, vitreous luster, and non-foliated massive crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, typically over hundreds of millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction, as crushed stone for roads, for decorative building facades, and occasionally in countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and weather-resistant, often forming prominent mountain ridges because it resists erosion better than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its sugary texture on fractured surfaces and its inability to be scratched by a steel knife due to its high hardness.
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