Green quartzite is a non-foliated metamorphic rock composed primarily of recrystallized quartz grains. The green coloration is typically caused by the presence of trace inclusions such as fuchsite or chlorite, giving it a distinct granular, crystalline appearance. It is highly valued in the lapidary arts for its hardness and ability to take a high polish.
Is this green quartzite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch green quartzite with a known reference. Green Quartzite sits at Mohs 7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Green Quartzite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Green Quartzite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, light green, pale green.
- 5Look at form & habitTypical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Green Quartzite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside green quartzite
Minerals reported to co-occur with green quartzite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SiO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Decorative, Architectural
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Regional Terrain
- Typical price
- $5-50 for slabs and polished cabochons
Where rockhounds find green quartzite
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Brazil
- India
- United States
- South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic regional terrain country, the host setting where green quartzite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, mica, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Virginia. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify green quartzite?+
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Find green quartzite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
