8 things you didn't know about quartzite

1. Quartzite is harder than marble: Quartzite has an average hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, while marble only has a hardness of about 3. This means that quartzite is much more resistant to scratches and wear.

‍2. Formed through metamorphosis: Quartzite is formed when sandstone is transformed into an extremely hard rock by high pressure and high temperatures deep within the Earth's crust.

‍3. Difference from sandstone: Although both quartzite and sandstone consist of quartz, quartzite is much denser and less porous than sandstone. This makes quartzite more resistant to stains and moisture.

‍4. Diverse colors: Pure quartzite is white, but impurities such as iron oxide, clay, and other minerals can cause it to appear in various colors like pink, red, yellow, and green.

‍5. Use in architecture: Due to its hardness and aesthetics, quartzite is frequently used for countertops, flooring, and wall cladding. It offers the beauty of marble with the durability of granite.

‍6. Quartzite vs. quartz: Quartzite is a natural stone, while quartz is an engineered material made from quartz crystals and resin. Both have different properties and applications.

‍7. Geological occurrences: Quartzite is found all over the world, particularly in Brazil and India. In Germany, quartzite deposits can be found in regions such as the Taunus and the Harz mountains.

‍8. Confusion with other stones: Due to its appearance, quartzite is sometimes mistakenly sold as marble or granite. A simple test with a piece of glass can help identify quartzite, as it is harder than glass and will easily scratch it.