Quartzite Natural Stone - A Complete Guide

In this knowledge-rich series of knowing natural stone, we are going to see Quartzite rocks. It is a sedimentary type of rock and has immense commercial values in different industries, particularly in the construction field.

What Is Quartzite Natural Stone

According to geology, quartzite is a metamorphic rock consisting mainly of quartz.

How Is Quartzite Formed?

When the metamorphic process takes place on the quartz-rich sandstone, heat, pressure, and chemical influence enforce the recrystallization of sand grains.

What Are Properties of Quartzite Natural Stone?

Moreover, silica cement binds those sand grains into a network of interlocking quartz grains with impressive strength. Therefore, when you measure quartzite on Moh’s scale, you will get 7.0, which is even higher than granite! Thus, quartzite stones are hard, tough, and durable natural stones in the construction industry.
Quartzite property
Quartzite Property colors
Combination of other minerals like iron and other impurities give it different colors, such as yellow, orange, brown, green, and blue. Quartz granules have the sugary appearance and glassy luster.

Where Is Quartzite Natural Stone Found?

The formation of quartzite is mostly taken place during mountain construction events in the history of the planet earth. The occurrence of quartzite takes place at convergent plate boundaries where metamorphism process accomplished on sandstone rocks. Therefore, quartzite found in folded mountain ranges across the globe.

In the USA:

  • Pennsylvania
  • Eastern South Dakota
  • Central Texas
  • Southwest Minnesota
  • Devil’s Lake State Park in the Baraboo Range in Wisconsin
  • The Wasatch Range in Utah, near Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Morenci Copper Mine in Arizona
  • Coeur d’Alene district of northern Idaho

In the UK:

  • Long Mynd in south Shropshire
  • Cambrian in England
  • In Wales, Holy-head mountain 
  • Scottish Highlands
  • Far north-west Moine
  • Thrust Belt running in a narrow band from Loch Eriboll in a south-westerly direction to Skye
  • In Ireland areas of Mount Errigal in Donegal

In Canada:

  • La Cloche Mountains in Ontario 
  • Mozambique, Monte Binga 
  • Chimanimani Plateau

In India:

  • Shivalik in the mountain state of Himachal Pradesh
  • Kota, Bijoli, and Bhilwara, in Rajasthan.

What Type of Rock Is Quartzite?

It is a metamorphic type of rock containing more than 70% sand & 90% silica in the equigranular type of formation. Quartzite is harder than a metal blade. Therefore, scratching is not easy on the surfaces of quartzite stones. It makes an ideal candidate for kitchen countertops and various external applications in residential as well as commercial projects.

What Is the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite?

Quartzite is a naturally formed natural stone and also terms as “Quartz arenite” in the modern geology. It is a metamorphic rock formed from the sandstone through recrystallization and granular process. It has mineral quartz granules in its formation.
Quartz is an engineered or manufactured product with 93% mineral quartz (Silicon Dioxide) granules embedded into 7% resin and pigments. Quartz not only mimic the appearance of natural quartzite stones, but also gives similar properties such as durability, scratch resistance, water, heat, and cold resistance, and stain-resistant surfaces.
However, uniqueness and natural beauty only found in natural quartzite stones where each piece is superb creation of Mother Nature.

Click here for more info 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Limestone vs. Travertine: Best Stone for Your Project | Experts picks

10 Ways to Enhance Your Home Outdoor Space with River Stones

2024 Outdoor Christmas Decoration Ideas with Natural Stones