metamorphic
Green Quartzite (River Stone)
Metamorphic Quartz (SiO2) with inclusions (typically Fuchsite or Chlorite)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale green to sage with internal veining; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale green to sage with internal veining
- Luster
- Dull to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale green to sage with internal veining; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz sandstone under high heat and pressure, often found as water-worn pebbles in riverbeds or coastal regions.
Uses & applications
Commonly used for landscaping, decorative garden stones, basic jewelry (cabochons), and as a crushed aggregate in construction.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often outlasts the surrounding rock, which is why it is frequently found as well-rounded river cobbles like the specimen shown.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its lack of reaction to acid. Commonly found in areas with ancient mountain belts or glacial deposits.
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