metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphosed quartz sandstone, SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, white to gray color, and conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, white to gray color, and conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under high heat and pressure, often during mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, as crushed stone for roads, for manufacturing railway ballast, and occasionally as a decorative dimension stone.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, which is why quartz-rich ridges often form prominent mountain summits.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and lack of effervescence with hydrochloric acid. Found globally in ancient tectonic belts.
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