quartzites
Hard metamorphic rocks
Quartzites is the plural of quartzite, a hard metamorphic rock formed when sandstone is subjected to heat and pressure.
The original quartz grains recrystallize into an interlocking structure, making quartzite extremely durable.
It's prized for countertops, flooring, and decorative stone: The quartzites in this mountain range show striking color variation.
Undergoing structural change
- sandstoneCemented grain sediment
- silicaSilicon dioxide compound
- recrystallizationPurification through dissolving and reforming
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
formation · outcrops · strata · bedrock · veins · deposits · crystalline · grains
Outer protective layer
- pavingLaying hard ground cover
- flooringSurface underfoot material
- countertopsHorizontal kitchen surfaces
- tilesFlat covering pieces
aggregate · crushed · ballast · riprap · retaining walls · landscaping · masonry · slabs
Adding decorative strips
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
- pinkPale red hue
- whiteAbsence of pigment
- grayNeutral achromatic hue
purple · translucent · polished · decorative · ornamental · specimens · collecting · display
Rough enough to erode
- glassmakingCreating transparent solid objects
- refractoryResistant to heat/control
- metallurgicalOf metal science
- smeltingExtracting metal from ore
flux · raw material · mining · processing · grinding · extraction · feedstock · manufacturing
metamorphic
Undergoing structural change
- sandstoneCemented grain sediment
- silicaSilicon dioxide compound
- recrystallizationPurification through dissolving and reforming
sedimentary · formation · outcrops · strata · bedrock · veins · deposits · crystalline · grains · banding
cladding
Outer protective layer
- pavingLaying hard ground cover
- flooringSurface underfoot material
- countertopsHorizontal kitchen surfaces
tiles · aggregate · crushed · ballast · riprap · retaining walls · landscaping · masonry · slabs · veneer
banding
Adding decorative strips
- colorationSurface hue arrangement
- pinkPale red hue
- whiteAbsence of pigment
gray · purple · translucent · polished · decorative · ornamental · specimens · collecting · display · natural beauty
abrasive
Rough enough to erode
- glassmakingCreating transparent solid objects
- refractoryResistant to heat/control
- metallurgicalOf metal science
smelting · flux · raw material · mining · processing · grinding · extraction · feedstock · manufacturing · foundry
quartzitessandstones
Compacted granular sedimentary rocks
sedimentary rocks · shales · limestones · mudstones · igneous rocks
quartziteschalks
Soft mineral sticks
talc · soapstones · mudstones · shales · clays
quartziteslimestones
Calcium carbite sedimentary rocks
marbles · chalks · carbonates · evaporites