Quartzite

Definition

Quartzite is a hard, metamorphic rock that is formed from the metamorphism of sandstone. It is composed almost entirely of the mineral quartz and is known for its high resistance to weathering and erosion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quartzite is a very hard and durable rock, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
2. The metamorphism of sandstone into quartzite involves the recrystallization of the quartz grains, resulting in a more compact and interlocking texture.
3. Quartzite is resistant to both physical and chemical weathering, making it a common material used in construction and landscaping.
4. The color of quartzite can vary from white to gray, pink, or even red, depending on the presence of impurities in the original sandstone.
5. Quartzite is often used as a building material, as it is highly resistant to wear and tear, and can be polished to a smooth, glossy finish.

Review Questions

• Explain the process by which sandstone is transformed into quartzite.
  • The transformation of sandstone into quartzite occurs through the process of metamorphism. When sandstone is subjected to high temperatures and pressures, the individual quartz grains within the rock begin to recrystallize and fuse together. This recrystallization process results in a more compact and interlocking texture, creating a much harder and more durable rock known as quartzite.
• Describe the unique properties of quartzite that make it a desirable material for construction and landscaping.
  • Quartzite is highly prized for its exceptional hardness and resistance to weathering. With a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, quartzite is capable of withstanding significant physical and chemical weathering, making it an ideal material for construction and landscaping applications. Its durability and ability to be polished to a smooth, glossy finish also contribute to its popularity as a building and decorative stone.
• Analyze the role of quartzite in the context of Earth's crust and the formation of continental landmasses.
  • Quartzite is an important component of the Earth's continental crust, as it is formed from the metamorphism of sandstone, a common sedimentary rock. The high resistance to weathering and erosion exhibited by quartzite means that it can help to form and maintain the stability of continental landmasses over geological timescales. The presence of quartzite in the Earth's crust also provides insights into the tectonic and metamorphic processes that have shaped the continents, as the formation of quartzite requires specific conditions of temperature and pressure.

Related terms

Sandstone:

A sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized mineral or rock grains cemented together by a variety of materials, such as silica, calcite, or iron oxide.

Metamorphism: The process by which existing rocks are transformed into new rocks due to changes in temperature, pressure, or chemical composition.

Quartz: A common mineral composed of silicon and oxygen, known for its hardness and resistance to weathering.