metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or pinkish with a vitreous to greasy luster, and massive or granular crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or pinkish with a vitreous to greasy luster, and massive or granular crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, typically in mountain-building belts.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction as crushed stone, railroad ballast, dimension stone, and for manufacturing ferrosilicon.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by steel and lack of acid reaction; commonly found in mountainous regions worldwide.
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