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 — that is 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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Can I find green quartzite in the United States?+
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Find green quartzite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
