metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically white to gray or pinkish in color.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically white to gray or pinkish in color.
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone or chert is subjected to high heat and pressure, typically during tectonic compression events.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone for road bases, railroad ballast, and dimension stone for building facings.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and lack of bubbling under acid tests.
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