metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Sandstone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly grey or white with subtle banding, vitreous to greasy luster, and massive crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, predominantly grey or white with subtle banding, vitreous to greasy luster, and massive crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and tectonic pressure, typically during mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as crushed stone, railway ballast, and dimension stone, as well as for manufacturing refractory bricks.
Geological facts
Quartzite is exceptionally resistant to weathering and erosion, which is why it often forms prominent ridges and mountain peaks.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its sugary texture on fractured surfaces and its inability to be scratched by a steel knife. It is found worldwide in ancient mountain belts.
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