metamorphic
Red Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Reddish-brown to maroon; Luster: Dull to waxy; Texture: Granular, crystalline; Structure: Non-foliated; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Reddish-brown to maroon
- Luster
- Dull to waxy
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Red Quartzite Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Reddish-brown to maroon; Luster: Dull to waxy; Texture: Granular, crystalline; Structure: Non-foliated; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, typically during mountain-building events (orogeny). The red color is caused by iron oxide (hematite) inclusions within the parent sandstone.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative stone in landscaping, crushed stone for road construction, and occasionally for lapidary work like tumbling. High-purity quartzite is also a source of silica for glassmaking.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often outlasts the surrounding rocks during erosion, frequently forming the caps of ridges and mountains. It is harder than steel and will easily scratch glass.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its extreme hardness and sugary, crystalline appearance on a fresh break. Commonly found in areas with ancient mountain belts or as water-worn pebbles in riverbeds and on beaches.
More like this
