metamorphic
Yellow Quartzite
Metamorphic Rock (Mainly SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-tan to gold; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granular/Granoblastic; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Yellowish-tan to gold
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Yellow Quartzite 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: Yellowish-tan to gold; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Structure: Granular/Granoblastic; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. The sand grains recrystallize and fuse together into a dense, hard rock. This process typically occurs during mountain-building events (orogeny).
Uses & applications
Used as crushed stone for road construction, railway ballast, and in architectural landscaping. High-purity quartzite is used in glassmaking and electronics (as a source of silica).
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard and dense that when struck with a rock hammer, it will break through the quartz grains rather than along the grain boundaries as sandstone does.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its extreme hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel blade) and sugary, granular texture. It is commonly found in ancient mountain belts and shield areas.
More like this
