Rock Identifier
Quartzite (Metamorphic Quartz) — metamorphic
metamorphic

Quartzite

Metamorphic Quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness of 7, vitreous luster, white to gray color, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness of 7, vitreous luster, white to gray color, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure, typically during mountain-building events.

Uses & applications

Used in construction, as crushed stone for roads, dimension stone, and in the manufacture of glass and refractory bricks.

Geological facts

Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent ridges and peaks in mountain ranges.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), sugary texture on fractured surfaces, and lack of reaction to hydrochloric acid. Found globally.