metamorphic
Red Quartzite
Metamorphic Quartzite (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, reddish-brown color due to iron oxide impurities, vitreous to greasy luster, massive crystal structure with interlocking quartz grains, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, reddish-brown color due to iron oxide impurities, vitreous to greasy luster, massive crystal structure with interlocking quartz grains, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from quartz-rich sandstone subjected to high heat and pressure during regional metamorphism, typically dating from the Precambrian to Paleozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Used in construction, as a decorative stone, crushed stone for road bases, and sometimes in landscaping and interior countertops.
Geological facts
Quartzite is extremely durable and weather-resistant, which is why mountain ridges formed of quartzite often persist as prominent crests.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife, granular quartz texture on fractured surfaces, and lack of fizz when tested with hydrochloric acid. Found globally in ancient mountain belts.
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