metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, white to gray or yellowish color, non-foliated massive crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, white to gray or yellowish color, non-foliated massive crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and tectonic pressure over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction, as crushed stone for roads, for decorative landscaping, 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
Identified by its hard, sugary texture that fractures through the quartz grains rather than around them; found globally in ancient orogenic belts.
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