metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from white and gray to pink or reddish-brown, vitreous to dull luster, non-foliated crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from white and gray to pink or reddish-brown, vitreous to dull luster, non-foliated crystal structure.
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 widely in construction as crushed stone, railroad ballast, and decorative facing stone, as well as in manufacturing refractories.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges because it erodes slower than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its sugary texture on broken surfaces and the inability of metal to scratch it; commonly found in mountain belts worldwide.
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