Kvarsiitti

Kvarsiitti is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of quartz. It forms when sandstone, which is rich in quartz grains, is subjected to intense heat and pressure over geological time. This process typically occurs during mountain building events. The original quartz grains in the sandstone recrystallize and interlock, forming a dense, durable, and often granular rock. The finer the original quartz grains in the sandstone, the finer the grain of the resulting kvarsiitti. Color variations can occur depending on the presence of impurities in the original sandstone, such as iron oxides, which can impart reddish, pinkish, or yellowish hues. Pure kvarsiitti can be white or light gray. It is a very hard and resistant rock, making it useful for construction and as a source of building materials. It is also found in various geological settings where metamorphism has taken place.