Quartzite
Quartzite is metamorphic (recrystallized sandstone), (SiO₂ dominant). In the hand, it rates 7 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale, and it runs white and gray. Sugary-sparkly hard white-to-pastel rock that breaks through its sand grains in glassy surfaces, sandstone upgraded to armor. Metamorphosed sandstones worldwide; notable: Brazil, India, USA (Sioux Quartzite).
The geology.
Quartzite carries the formula (SiO₂ dominant). It belongs to the, system. Its listing category is metamorphic (recrystallized sandstone).
It sits at 7 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale. The surface reads sugary vitreous. Light behaviour is opaque to translucent edges. Specific gravity runs 2.6 to 2.7. The streak is white. It breaks with breaks through grains; conchoidal-granular.
Sugary-sparkly hard white-to-pastel rock that breaks through its sand grains in glassy surfaces, sandstone upgraded to armor.
It turns up mostly as tumbled, palm stones, points, carvings or 'aventurine' family.
The origins.
Metamorphosed sandstones worldwide; notable: Brazil, India, USA (Sioux Quartzite).
On value, the database notes: common and very affordable.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with stability and steady progress.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Sugary-sparkly hard white-to-pastel rock that breaks through its sand grains in glassy surfaces, sandstone upgraded to armor.
Watch for dyed quartzite sold as jade, 'strawberry quartz', or 'emerald', color sits in grain boundaries.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Marble | Marble fizzes and a knife marks it; quartzite laughs at both |
| Sandstone | Sandstone is gritty and crumbles around grains; quartzite breaks through them |
| Jade (when dyed) | Dyed quartzite 'jade' shows granular sparkle and dye in boundaries |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about quartzite. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Scratches glass (Mohs 7) |
| Acid check | No fizz |
| By eye | Sugary sparkle on fresh breaks |
Anything that scratches, burns or dissolves the piece is a lab job. Get it appraised rather than testing it apart.
Care & handling.
At 7 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale it stands up to everyday wear. It will still chip on a hard knock, so treat edges and points with respect.
It breaks with breaks through grains; conchoidal-granular, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Warm water and a soft cloth clean almost everything. Ultrasonic tanks, steamers and household cleaners are where pieces get ruined.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is (SiO₂ dominant). Crystal system:,. Specific gravity: 2.6 to 2.7. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Breaks through grains; conchoidal-granular.
How it reaches the market
Metamorphosed sandstones worldwide; notable: Brazil, India, USA (Sioux Quartzite).
What it gets confused with
Marble: Marble fizzes and a knife marks it; quartzite laughs at both. Sandstone: Sandstone is gritty and crumbles around grains; quartzite breaks through them. Jade (when dyed): Dyed quartzite 'jade' shows granular sparkle and dye in boundaries.
What it is worth
Common and very affordable.
Where buyers get caught
Watch for dyed quartzite sold as jade, 'strawberry quartz', or 'emerald', color sits in grain boundaries.
One more thing
Quartzite is the stone-industry chameleon, dyed versions impersonate jade, emerald, lapis, and most of the rainbow.
An education-first guide.
No product links here. We do not sell quartzite, and a guide that only covers our own shelves would not be much of a guide.
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