Quarzite

A quarzite is a siliceous rock massive, consisted of crystals of welded quartz. It presents a break Conchoïdal E. Its color is generally clear.

There exist 2 types of quarzite:

metamorphic quarzite (or métaquartzite ) resulting from the recrystallization of a sandstone, a Radiolarite or a quartz seam.
sedimentary quarzite (or orthoquartzite ) resulting from cementing by Diagenesis of a sandstone.

Differentiation between these 2 types is impossible with only one sample.

Layer

One finds quarzite in Micaschiste S, Schiste S or Gneiss.

Use

Although mineralogically poor, the gravel of quarzite is usually used to constitute the substrate of the aquariums. It is also used for its excellent abrasive resistant in wearing course (asphaltic concrete and coatings) for the roadways.

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