Red Quartzite

Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, dull to vitreous luster, reddish-brown to pinkish tone caused by iron oxide, granoblastic texture, no distinct cleavage, specific gravity ~2.65.

Formed through the regional or contact metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. The original quartz grains fuse together into a dense interlocked structure.

Used as crushed stone in road construction, railway ballast, decorative landscaping gravel, dimension stone, and lapidary tumbling.

Quartzite is so hard and durable that it often forms prominent ridges and peaks in mountainous regions because it resists weathering far better than surrounding rocks.

Identified in the field by its granular appearance (like frosted glass or sugar) that breaks across quartz grains rather than around them, and its extreme hardness (scratches glass easily). Commonly found in ancient shield rocks and mountain belts globally.