metamorphic
Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartz Rock (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and compact granular crystal structure with variable white, gray, or yellowish coloration.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and compact granular crystal structure with variable white, gray, or yellowish coloration.
Formation & geological history
Formed from quartz-rich sandstone subjected to high heat and tectonic pressure during regional metamorphism.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction for building stone, decorative aggregates, and crushed stone for road bases.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and weather-resistant, often outlasting the mountain ranges where it forms.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its inability to be scratched by steel and lack of reaction to hydrochloric acid; common in mountainous regions worldwide.
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