Quartzite is a hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock that was originally pure quartz sandstone. It is characterized by its granular, sugary texture and a tendency to fracture across grain boundaries rather than around them, distinguishing it from sandstone.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

metamorphiccommon

Quartzite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this quartzite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch quartzite with a known reference. Quartzite sits at Mohs 7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Quartzite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Quartzite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, pink, red, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Quartzite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

metamorphic

Marble

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Quartzite is noticeably harder (Mohs 7 vs. 3-4); luster reads vitreous on Quartzite and subvitreous on Marble.

Often found alongside quartzite

Minerals reported to co-occur with quartzite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Pink Red Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Construction, Decorative, Lapidary
Host rock: Metamorphic Terranes
Typical price: $1-20 for decorative slabs or landscaping specimens

Where rockhounds find quartzite

7 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

USA
Brazil
Norway
Canada
United Kingdom

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic terranes country, the host setting where quartzite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, muscovite, hematite 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 Wisconsin, California, New Mexico. Start trip planning there.

Browse 7 U.S. spots for quartzite →

Common questions

How do you identify quartzite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, pink, red.

Where is quartzite found?+

Notable localities include USA; Brazil; Norway; Canada; United Kingdom.

Can I find quartzite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 7 quartzite rockhounding spots across 5 U.S. states. The top states are Wisconsin, California, New Mexico.

How much is quartzite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $1-20 for decorative slabs or landscaping specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like quartzite?+

Quartzite is most often confused with Marble, Quartz. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with quartzite?+

Quartzite commonly co-occurs with quartz, muscovite, hematite, magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does quartzite form in?+

Quartzite typically forms in metamorphic terranes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is quartzite used for?+

Quartzite is used in construction, decorative, lapidary.

Find quartzite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.