Where is Quartzite found?
Metamorphic rock (recrystallized quartz sandstone)
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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 Formation.
Baraboo Range, Wisconsin, USA
Famous for the Baraboo Quartzite, a Precambrian formation known for its distinctive purple-red color and high purity.
Scotland
Significant quartzite occurrences in the Scottish Highlands, including the Cambrian-age Eriboll Quartzite.
Brazil
Large deposits of high-quality quartzite, particularly in Minas Gerais, used extensively for dimension stone and industrial applications.
India
Widespread quartzite formations across various states, utilized for construction and industrial purposes.
Canada
Found in various Precambrian shields, such as the Canadian Shield, and in younger mountain belts.
Collecting tips
- Look for Hardness. Quartzite is extremely hard (Mohs 7). It will scratch steel and cannot be scratched by a knife or common glass. This is a primary distinguishing feature from softer rocks.
- Examine Fracture. Unlike sandstone, which breaks around individual sand grains, quartzite breaks through the grains, resulting in a smooth, often conchoidal or splintery fracture surface. This gives it a 'sugary' appearance on fresh breaks, but the grains are fused.
- Check for Grain Fusion. Use a hand lens to observe the texture. In quartzite, the quartz grains are tightly interlocked and recrystallized, making it difficult to discern individual clastic grains. In sandstone, individual grains are typically visible and can be rubbed off.
- Assess Metamorphic Context. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock, so it is typically found in regions that have undergone significant tectonic activity, such as mountain ranges, ancient cratons, or areas near large igneous intrusions.
- Observe Color and Purity. Pure quartzite is white or light gray. Variations in color often indicate the presence of minor impurities, which can be a clue to its origin or specific type.
Quick Check
- Color:
- White, gray, pink, red, purple, yellow, green, blue
- Luster:
- Vitreous (glassy) to greasy
- Streak:
- White
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