metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or brown with a vitreous to greasy luster and a non-foliated massive crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, gray, or brown with a vitreous to greasy luster and a non-foliated massive crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction, railway ballast, manufacturing of silica bricks, and occasionally as decorative stone or in countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and weather-resistant, often forming prominent mountain ridges because it erodes much slower than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its sugary texture on fractured surfaces and its inability to be scratched by a knife or glass.
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