metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from white to gray and pink, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated crystal structure with conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colors range from white to gray and pink, vitreous to greasy luster, non-foliated crystal structure with conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction as crushed stone, railway ballast, and in the manufacturing of refractory bricks and silica.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its tendency to fracture across rather than around quartz grains. Found globally in mountainous regions.
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