Quartzite is a nonfoliated metamorphic rock composed almost absolutely of quartz. It paperwork while a quartz-rich sandstone is altered via the warmth, pressure, and chemical interest of metamorphism. These situations recrystallize the sand grains and the silica cement that binds them collectively. The result is a network of interlocking quartz grains of incredible power.
When sandstone is cemented to quartzite, the characterquartz grains recrystallize along with the former cementing cloth to form aninterlocking mosaic of quartz crystals.Most or all of the unique texture andsedimentary structures of the sandstone are erased through the metamorphism.The grainy, sandpaper-like surface turns into glassy in look.Minor amounts offormer cementing substances, iron oxide, silica, carbonate and clay, oftenmigrate during recrystallization and metamorphosis. This causes streaks andlenses to shape in the quartzite.
Texture: Granular.
Grain size: Mediumgrained; can see interlocking quartz crystals with the naked eye.
Hardness: Hard.
Colour: Purequartzite is white but quartzite exists in a wide variety of colours.
Mineralogy: Quartz.
Other features: Generallygritty to touch.
Contents
- Chemical Composition
- Formation of the Rock
- Where is It Located
- Characteristics and Properties of Rock
- Uses of Rock
- Facts About Rock
- References
Chemical Composition
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock made from quartz sandstone,a sedimentary rock predominantly composed of the silicate mineral quartz. Thechemical composite of the quartz minerals is silicon dioxide, written SiO2. Themetamorphic forces of heat and pressure force the quartz minerals to bindtogether and crystallize into a strong matrix. This makes quartzite much harderon the Mohs scale (a measure of a rock’s hardness) than its parent rock ofsandstone.
Formation of the Rock
Quartzite is metamorphosed sandstone. It is dominated byquartz, and in many cases, the original quartz grains of the sandstone arewelded together with additional silica. Most sandstone contains some clayminerals and may also include other minerals such as feldspar or fragments ofrock, so most quartzite has some impurities with the quartz.
Where is It Located
In the United States, formations of quartzite can be foundin some parts of Pennsylvania, the Washington DC area, eastern South Dakota,Central Texas, southwest Minnesota, Devil’s Lake State Park in the BarabooRange in Wisconsin, the Wasatch Range in Utah near Salt Lake City, Utah
In the United Kingdom, Cambrian “Hartshillquartzite” (Nuneaton area In Wales, Holyhead mountain and most of Holyisland off Anglesey sport excellent Precambrian quartzite crags and cliffs. Inthe Scottish Highlands, several mountains composed of Cambrian quartzite can befound in the far north-west
In continental Europe, various regionally isolated quartzitedeposits exist at surface level in a belt from the Rhenish Massif and theGerman Central Highlands into the Western Czech Republic, for example in theTaunus and Harz mountains. In Poland quartzite deposits at surface level existsin Świętokrzyskie Mountains.
In Canada, the La Cloche Mountains in Ontario are composedprimarily of white quartzite. The highest mountain in Mozambique, Monte Binga(2436 m), as well as the rest of the surrounding Chimanimani Plateau arecomposed of very hard, pale grey, Precambrian quartzite. Quartzite is alsomined in Brazil for use in kitchen countertops.
Characteristics and Properties of Rock
You needn’t be a geologist to appreciate the hardness anddurability of quartzite.
Not only does this make for a tough stone, but it also makesit easy to tell quartzite from the imposters. Quartz is 7 on Mohs hardnessscale. That means it’s harder than glass and harder than a knife blade.
Resistance to acids: Quartzite will not etch from acids likelemon juice or vinegar. Marble and dolomitic marble, on the other hand, willetch from these acids. Dolomitic marble etches slightly more slowly thanregular marble. But quartzite will not etch at all from normal kitchen acids.
Porosity: Quartzitehas a range of porosities. Some, like Taj Mahal or Sea Pearl, have been highlymetamorphosed, and the minerals are bonded together tightly. White Macaubas andCalacatta Macaubas have been exposed to less intense pressure, so they are moreporous and will benefit from sealing. if you prefer the beauty and color ofquartzite, rest assured that you are selecting a material that is strong,beautiful, and very durable. These materials may be more scratch resistant, but they are not “scratch proof.” Quartziteis ideal for any countertop surface due to its strength and long-lasting composition.Consider quartzite countertops for its strength, beauty, and overalldurability.
Uses of Rock
Quartzite is use formaking bricks and other strong building materials. It is also growing inpopularity as a decorative stone, and has a limited use as crushed stone. As itis so hard, quartzite is not quarried as much as softer stone, and tends to betaken from the surface rather than underground. Quartzite is also quite denseand extremely hard. Crushed quartzite can be use as railroad track ballastbecause is so hard and durable.
Quartzite is extremelyversatile and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It can be used in manydifferent shapes and forms including landscaping, building stone, as a featurewall, tiles or even stone cladding.
Some of the mostcommon uses indoors are floors, countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds,etc.
Facts About Rock
Quartzite is theresult of sandstone and the mineral quartz being put under extreme heat andpressure.
At least ninetypercent of a quartzite rock is quartz.
Quartzite is usuallywhite or a light shade of pink or gray.
Mountains andhillsides are typical places to find quartzite.
Quartzite tends to besmooth with a grainy and lustrous appearance.
The purest form ofsilica found on Earth can be found in quartzite.
Bricks and otherstrong building material are made of quartzite.
Quartzite tends to bevery strong and thick so it is taken from the Earth’s surface rather than minedunderground.
The shade of quartziteis dependent upon the amount of iron oxide that is present.
Hilltops made ofquartzite usually do not change because quartzite is resistant to weathering.
The bedding aroundrailroad tracks often contains quartzite because of its durability.
Quartzite is veryversatile in construction and is used as flooring, decorative wall coverings,and roofing.
During the Stone Agewhen flint was not available, quartzite was often used as a replacement.
Quartzite can be foundin many countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Because of the highamount of silica in quartzite, the soil around the developing quartzite doesnot have enough nutrients to sustain vegetation.
References
Bonewitz, R. (2012). Rocks and minerals. 2nd ed.London: DK Publishing.
http://www.softschools.com/facts/geology/quartzite_facts/386/
