metamorphic
Quartzite pebble
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to light brown with translucent patches, Luster: vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to light brown with translucent patches, Luster: vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone is subjected to heat, pressure, and chemical activity of metamorphism. This specimen shows significant rounding from fluvial or glacial transport.
Uses & applications
Industrial uses include crushed stone for road construction, raw material for glass and ceramics, and as a refractory material due to high heat resistance.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it will scratch glass and even high-quality steel tools. It is one of the most durable and weather-resistant rocks on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its sugary texture on broken surfaces and extreme hardness. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and mountain ranges. It will not fizz with acid, unlike limestone or marble.
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