Where is Quartzite found?
Metamorphic rock, primarily composed of quartz (SiO2)
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Open the appQuartzite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Quartzite
Appalachian Mountains, USA
Extensive quartzite formations, particularly in the Blue Ridge and Valley and Ridge provinces, such as the Erwin Quartzite and Weverton Quartzite.
Baraboo Range, Wisconsin, USA
Famous for the Baraboo Quartzite, a Precambrian formation known for its distinctive purple-red color.
Scotland
Significant quartzite occurrences in the Scottish Highlands, including the Cambrian-age Eriboll Quartzite.
Brazil
Large deposits of high-purity quartzite, particularly in Minas Gerais, used for industrial applications and dimension stone.
India
Widespread quartzite formations across various states, utilized for construction and industrial purposes.
Collecting tips
- Look for outcrops in metamorphic terrains. Quartzite is a common rock in areas that have undergone regional metamorphism, such as ancient mountain belts or shield areas. Look for resistant ridges and hills, as quartzite is very erosion-resistant.
- Test for hardness. Quartzite is extremely hard (Mohs 7). It will scratch steel and glass. This is a key differentiator from softer rocks.
- Examine fracture patterns. Unlike sandstone, which tends to break around individual sand grains, quartzite breaks through the grains, often exhibiting a conchoidal (shell-like) fracture surface.
- Check for grain interlocking. Under a hand lens, the individual quartz grains in quartzite appear tightly interlocked and recrystallized, with no visible pore space or original clastic texture.
- Consider the protolith. Quartzite forms from sandstone. If you are in an area with extensive sandstone formations that have been subjected to metamorphism, there's a good chance of finding quartzite.
Quick Check
- Color:
- White, gray, or various colors due to impurities.
- Luster:
- Vitreous to greasy.
- Streak:
- White (as quartz is colorless in powder form).
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