Quartzite is actually a sandstone which is converted
into a solid quartz. In contrast with sandstones, quartzites have a smooth
fracture and don’t have any pores.
Conversion of sandstones to quartzites might be
accomplished by silica’s precipitation from interstitial waters below the
surface of Earth. These rocks are referred to as quartz arenites while the ones
which are produced by recrystallization under high pressures and temperatures
are called metaquartzites.
Appearance of
Interesting Facts about Quartzite
Quartzites are normally snowy white. They have an
angular jointing and they break up into small bits under the frost action. They
seem to yield barren and thin soil because they weather slowly. Most of the
prominent ridges in Appalachian Mountains include quartzites.
In general, the term quartzite implies a high
content of quartz and a high hardening degree. Similar rocks which include
appreciable quantities of other rock particles and minerals are impure
quartzites. They are called lithic arenite and graywacke.
Most of the quartzites contain ninety percent quarts
but some have ninety-nine percent quarts. These are purest and largest
concentrations of silica available in the crust of Earth.
Naturality of
Interesting Facts about Quartzite
Quartzite is actually a natural metamorphic rock
which is formed when pressure and heat alter the compositional properties of
sandstone with a high content of quarts. These conditions are prevalent at
convergent plate boundaries. They make an interlocking crystalline structure
which possesses a significant amount of strength.
Quartzite and
Quartz
Although their names are similar, quartzite and
quarts are different from each other. And while quartzite is categorized as a
natural stone, quarts is developed manually. In other words, it is a man-made
material which contains polymer pigment, resins, and crushed rocks.
Beauty of
Interesting Facts about Quartzite
Quartzite slabs are quite beautiful with most of the
slabs tending toward natural light shades like beige, grey, and white. Since
Mother Nature is responsible for the veining and patterns, the colour
variations are quite impressive and stunning
Durable of
Interesting Facts about Quartzite
When it comes to chemical resistance, physical
durability, and hardness, quartzite is actually an impressive type of natural
stone. Different countertops made of this stunning rock is capable of standing
up to anything including heat. They are quite difficult to be scratched due to
their strong texture.
Since they are fairly difficult to scratch and
break, they make one of the perfect materials to be used in making countertops.
Care of
Interesting Facts about Quartzite
As explained above, quartzite is quite durable and
it can be resistant to different materials. However, it does not mean that you
should not care for quartzite. In fact, in spite of the place where quartzite
is used, it is very important to take regular care of the stone. For protecting
the natural stone from staining, it is important to seal the surface every
other year. Cleaning the surface and using a good sealer can help you in
enhancing its flecks and rich veins of colour.
You can always ask your quartzite provider for
recommendations.
For a long time now, quartzites have been used as a
decorating and building material in houses. It is mostly used in the kitchen as
a countertop. It can be used in other forms as well but it has a common use in
the kitchen. Since it is quite durable and heat resistant, chefs find it one of
the best materials to use for rolling pasty.
Other than using it as a countertop, there are many
other uses of it. For example, you can use quartzite to create a coffee table
or a whole surface to give a majestic look to your house. It is up to you to
choose how you want to use quartzite. Regardless of the use, this natural stone
is capable of outshining other stones and materials.