metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white to gray with brownish iron oxide stains, non-foliated texture, and vitreous luster.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Quartzite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white to gray with brownish iron oxide stains, non-foliated texture, and vitreous luster.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under high heat and pressure, commonly originating in mountain-building belts.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction for road aggregates, railway ballast, and as a decorative stone or durable countertop material.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges where softer rocks erode away.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its sugary texture, inability to be scratched by a knife, and the way it breaks across quartz grains rather than around them.
More like this
