quartzite

quartz·ite

noun \ˈkwȯrt-ˌsīt\

Definition of QUARTZITE

: a compact granular rock composed of quartz and derived from sandstone by metamorphism

— quartz·it·ic \kwȯrt-ˈsi-tik\ adjective

Origin of QUARTZITE

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: circa 1847

Rhymes with QUARTZITE

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quartzite

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Sandstone that has been converted into a solid quartz rock. Quartzites are usually white; they fracture smoothly and break up into rubble under frost action. Sandstone may be converted to quartzite by precipitation of silica from waters below the Earth's surface; such rocks are called orthoquartzites, whereas those produced by recrystallization (metamorphism) are metaquartzites. Because they weather slowly, they tend to project as hills or mountain masses. Many prominent ridges in the Appalachian Mountains are composed of quartzite. Pure quartzites are a source of silica for metallurgical purposes and for the manufacture of silica brick. Quartzite is also quarried for paving and roofing materials.