Quartzite: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ชจ
quartzite
[ หkwษหrtsaษชt ]
geological term
Quartzite is a hard, metamorphic rock that forms from the recrystallization of sandstone under heat and pressure. It is primarily composed of quartz and can vary in color, often appearing in shades of white, gray, or pink. Due to its durability and resistance to weathering, quartzite is commonly used in construction and decorative applications. Additionally, it is often confused with sandstone, but its tightly interlocking quartz grains distinguish it from the latter.
Synonyms
granite, metamorphic rock, sandstone
Examples of usage
- The building was constructed using quartzite for its strength.
- Hiking paths sometimes feature quartzite rock formations.
- Quartzite can be polished to create beautiful countertops.
Translations
Translations of the word "quartzite" in other languages:
๐ต๐น quartzito
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคตเคพเคฐเฅเคเคเคพเคเค
๐ฉ๐ช Quarzit
๐ฎ๐ฉ kuarsit
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะฒะฐััะธั
๐ต๐ฑ kwarcyt
๐ฏ๐ต ใฏใฉใผใใกใคใ
๐ซ๐ท quartzite
๐ช๐ธ cuarcita
๐น๐ท kuvarsit
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฟผ์ธ ์ฌ์ดํธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุงุฑุชุฒูุช
๐จ๐ฟ kvartzit
๐ธ๐ฐ kvartzit
๐จ๐ณ ็ณ่ฑๅฒฉ
๐ธ๐ฎ kvartzit
๐ฎ๐ธ kvarsรญt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะฒะฐััะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แฅแแแแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kvartsit
๐ฒ๐ฝ cuarcita
Etymology
The term 'quartzite' originated from the combination of 'quartz', the predominant mineral within the rock, and the suffix '-ite', which is commonly used to denote rocks and minerals. The word 'quartz' comes from the German word 'Quarz', which itself may have roots in the Slavic word 'kwardy', meaning 'hard'. Quartzite is formed through a geological process called metamorphism, where sandstone, composed mainly of quartz grains, undergoes high temperatures and pressures, causing the quartz grains to fuse together. This process creates a much denser and harder material. The first known uses of 'quartzite' date back to the late 19th century, as geological studies became more rigorous and detailed. Its significant presence in the Earth's crust contributes to its importance in various industries, including construction and decorative arts.