metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, white to gray or pinkish color, and non-foliated interlocking quartz crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, white to gray or pinkish color, and non-foliated interlocking quartz crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed under intense heat and pressure from quartz-rich sandstone during regional or contact metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction as crushed stone, for railroad ballast, and in making decorative tiles and countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and weather-resistant, often forming prominent mountain ridges because it resists erosion better than surrounding rocks.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its sugary texture on fractured surfaces and inability to be scratched by a steel knife.
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