Quartzite is a dense and durable rock largely consisting of the mineral quartz. It has many aesthetic and practical uses, e.g. in jewellery and 'shingle' paving. Metamorphic: Made from sandstone, where the original quartz grains recrystallise and fuse together Source location: Westland. Sizes: Choose from dropdown menu either Shelf specimen (300–800g), or Hand specimen (150-300g), or Small specimen (less than 150g). Note: Images are examples of specimens only. Sizes and shapes will vary. More detail Structure Quartzite has a dense and durable structure formed through the metamorphism of sandstone, where the original quartz grains recrystallise and fuse together. Type Metamorphic (consisting of more than 90% quartz). Physical properties of quartzite Colour: Can have various colours, including white, grey, yellow, pink, or brown, depending on impurities and mineral content. Lustre: Vitreous or glassy. Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale, making it highly resistant to scratching and abrasion. Density: Ranges from 2.65 to 2.75 grams per cubic centimetre. Fracture: Displays a conchoidal fracture, with smooth, curved surfaces resembling the interior of a seashell. General properties of quartzite Durability: Highly durable and resistant to weathering, pressure, and chemical attack. Heat Resistance: Exhibits excellent heat resistance, making it suitable for applications exposed to high temperatures. Acid Resistance: Generally resistant to acids, alkalis, and chemical weathering. Low Water Absorption: Low water absorption, making it resistant to staining and moisture damage. Non-Slip Surface: The textured surface of quartzite provides good slip resistance, making it ideal for flooring applications. Aesthetics: Often showcases attractive patterns, veining, and colour variations, enhancing its desirability for decorative purposes. Uses of quartzite in New Zealand and worldwide Construction: Widely used in construction, including for walls, flooring, countertops, and roofing, owing to its durability and aesthetic appeal. Landscaping: Employed in landscaping projects for pathways, garden features, walls, and decorative purposes, adding natural beauty to outdoor spaces. Dimension Stone: Cut and polished into slabs or blocks, quartzite finds application in cladding, countertops, and other architectural elements. Railway Ballast: Serves as a crushed stone for railway ballast, providing stability and efficient drainage to railway tracks. Metallurgical Industry: Acts as a fluxing agent in the smelting process, aiding the removal of impurities during metal production. Geological Studies: Studied by geologists to understand metamorphic processes, ancient environments, and the geological history of Earth's crust.
