metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Arenite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, granular crystal structure, and white to reddish-pink color due to iron oxide impurities.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, granular crystal structure, and white to reddish-pink color due to iron oxide impurities.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction, road surfacing, as decorative stone, and for manufacturing silica brick.
Geological facts
Quartzite is exceptionally durable and weather-resistant, often forming prominent mountain ridges because it resists erosion better than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its sugary texture, conchoidal fracture, and inability to be scratched by a knife or glass.
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