metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Sandstone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and composed primarily of interlocking quartz crystals.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and composed primarily of interlocking quartz crystals.
Formation & geological history
Formed under high heat and pressure when quartz-rich sandstone is subjected to regional or contact metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, as decorative stone, for railroad ballast, and in the manufacturing of silica bricks.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and resistant to chemical weathering, often forming prominent mountain ridges.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hard, non-foliated texture that scratches glass and does not fizz with hydrochloric acid; found globally.
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