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.
- 2Read the textureLook at a fresh break with a hand lens. Texture: Hard and non-foliated.
- 3Pick out the mineralsComposition: Metamorphosed quartz sandstone; green shades come from minerals other than quartz. Identify the two or three most abundant grains.
- 4Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 5Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, light green, pale green.
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
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm³
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Decorative, Architectural
- Host rock
- metamorphic regional terrain
- Texture
- Hard and non-foliated
- Composition
- Metamorphosed quartz sandstone; green shades come from minerals other than quartz
Where rockhounds find green quartzite
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Brazil
- India
- United States
- South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: metamorphic regional terrain. If you start seeing quartz, mica, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Virginia. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify green quartzite?+
Where is green quartzite found?+
Can I find green quartzite in the United States?+
What rocks look like green quartzite?+
What minerals are found with green quartzite?+
What kind of rock does green quartzite form in?+
What is green quartzite used for?+
Find green quartzite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
