metamorphic
Pink Quartzite
Quartzite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan due to iron oxide impurities; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.6–2.7
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish-tan due to iron oxide impurities
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More metamorphic →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan due to iron oxide impurities; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.6–2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. Under intense heat and pressure, quartz grains recrystallize and fuse together. This specimen appears to have weathered surfaces and may date from the Proterozoic to Paleozoic eras depending on local geology.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as road ballast, roofing granules, and dimension stone for flooring or walls. Highly prized in landscaping and occasionally used for lapidary work (cabochons) if the color is vibrant.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often outlasts the surrounding rocks during erosion, forming prominent ridges and hilltops. Unlike sandstone, which breaks around sand grains, quartzite breaks across the grains due to its solid crystalline structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its extreme hardness (it will easily scratch glass and steel) and its sugary, crystalline texture on fresh breaks. It is commonly found in mountain belts and shield areas like the Appalachians or the Canadian Shield.
More like this
