metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors ranging from white to gray and brown, vitreous luster, non-foliated structure, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors ranging from white to gray and brown, vitreous luster, non-foliated structure, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction, road aggregate, railroad ballast, and decorative building stone.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges.
Field identification & locations
Identify by testing hardness against steel and observing a sugary texture on broken surfaces; found globally in mountainous regions.
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