Quartzite – All You Need to Know about Quartzite Natural Stone

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 value 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.

A combination of other minerals like iron and other impurities give it different colors, such as yellow, orange, brown, green, and blue. Quartz granules have a 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 the 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 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 a superb creation of Mother Nature.

Use of Quartzite Natural Stones

Despite superior strength, durability, and appearance, quartzite has limited consumption in the natural stone industry. Due to availability and processing expenses, it also a costly affair for large-scale projects. However, recent improvements in quarrying technologies and cheaper shipment have made it the standard natural stone category for all. Let’s see where natural quartzite stones used the most.

Architectural Application:

Thanks to its natural beauty and availability in a range of colors, it is a good architectural element where weather, wear & tear, and maintenance are points to focus on. Therefore, quartzite is the best material for exterior applications such as historic buildings, places like the Taj Mahal, and architectural buildings across the globe.

Interior Applications in Construction Industry:

Due to earthy tone and natural variations in style, texture, and colors, quartzite is a favorable material for interior applications. Apart from marbles and granite stones, quartzite is mostly applicable in stair treads, countertops, and floors. Interior applications from natural quartzite stones look gorgeous and prove durable, sturdy, and easy to maintain decision.

Exterior Applications in Construction Industry:

For exterior application, quartzite is an unbeatable choice thanks to its durability, strength, hardness, porosity, and resistance to weather extremity as well as wears & tears. It is the best natural stone material for swimming pool decks, walkways, patios, porch, and other exterior projects.

Applications in Manufacturing Industry:

Quartzite has a high concentration of silica content. Therefore, it has high demand in the manufacturing industry where silica content is used such as glass, ferrosilicon, manganese ferrosilicon, silicon metal, silicon carbide, and similar manufacturing applications. A variety of quartzite ore & powders is available in the market for different applications.

Applications in Gem & Jewelry Industry:

Quartzite, with some inclusions, become the pleasing colored stones useful for the gem and jewelry industry. For instance, fuchsite and muscovite inclusions in semitransparent to translucent quartzite give glittering luster famous as aventurescence (aventurine) due to flat flakes of mica. Therefore, you can create beads, cabochons, tumbled stones, and small ornaments or jewelry items from sorted quartzite. With some other inclusions, we can get blue, white, gray, orange, or yellow aventurine.

Stone Tool Applications of Quartzite:

For thousands of years, quartzite is a favorite stone material to create various tools due to its strength and sturdy properties. We know Moh’s scale of quartzite is 7.0. It means it is stronger than modern steel blades and ancient granite tools.
Ancient civilizations created Arrowheads, knives, and various armors as well as day-to-day used tools. However, quartzite is not good material like obsidian to produce cutting tools. Instead, it is a better choice as crude cutting and chopping tools.

Conclusion:

We have seen that quartzite is a sturdy, durable, and appropriate choice of natural stones for exterior applications like a patio, swimming pool deck, porch, and walkways. It is a superior selection when you go for an external application with a luxury and utility point of view.

World of Stones in Maryland, USA is an ideal destination to get natural stones for exterior applications. It has a variety of quartzite stones available in different colors, shapes, sizes, styles, and patterns at highly competitive rates. If you are inclined to bring natural beauty to your exterior spaces, visit World of Stones, USA premise or check the online catalog or ask about your requirements.