KNOW YOUR STONE: ALL ABOUT QUARTZITE
What is Quartzite? Quartzite is a hard, metamorphic rock that is formed from pure sandstone. Quartzite forms when heat and pressure are applied to sandstone. Pure quartzite exists in shades of white and grey, although some have been known to exist in pinks and reds as well. The color in quartzite is determined by the presence of certain minerals. For instance, pink and red hues appear when there is iron oxide.
Quartzite has a glass-like, grainy appearance. Minute amounts of silica, iron oxide, clay and carbonate migrate during crystallization and transformation, causing the formation of lenses and streaks within the stone. Quartzite forms in hilltops and ridges and is often covered up in fine layers of soil. As a result, it is quite resistant to chemical weathering.
Where is Quartzite used? This stone is predominantly used in construction. However, in the past few years its use in interior dĂŠcor has grown in popularity. When a piece of quartzite tiles is smashed, it continues to retain its flat surface. Therefore, it is often used in stair steps, roofing tiles, decorative floors, walls and in kitchen countertops.
In construction, quartzite is used in its crushed form. It may also be used in road repair and building. Since it also has an angular shape, it is often used for stabilization purposes such as a ballast for railway tracks. Crushed quartzite stone is packed between ties and rails. Here it helps improve drainage and prevents vegetation growth. Compared to limestone, granite and marble, quartzite is still relatively new and therefore not as extensively used.
Where is Quartzite sourced? This special stone is quarried in mountainous areas where there is lots of high-pressure metamorphism. Here, continental plates collide frequently leading to the formation of new mountains. In the United States, quartzite is sourced from the Appalachian Mountains. Other areas in the U.S. where there are high concentrations of quartzite are Utah, Arizona, Idaho and central Texas. Currently, the worldwide demand for quartzite as a flooring option and for decorative purposes is growing.
Get In Touch Adderss
-
Gokul Path , Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur - 302021
Phone Number -
+91-141-2219147 (Office)
Fax Number
-
91-141- 2219147
E-mails
-
info@elegantgranites.com
Website-
http://www.elegantgranites.com/quartzite-tiles.html