metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or pink, with a vitreous to greasy luster and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or pink, with a vitreous to greasy luster and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure, typically during mountain-building events over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as crushed stone, railroad ballast, manufacturing of silica bricks, and occasionally as decorative stone or countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent ridges and mountains.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its sugary texture on fractured surfaces and its inability to be scratched by a steel knife.
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