Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite

Quartz vs Quartzite

Quartz and quartzite are minerals that have many useful purposes. These two minerals are found in abundance in the earth’s crust. However, these two minerals have many differences between them.

The main component of quartz is silica or silicon dioxide. It is comprised of oxygen and silica. Quartzite is formed due to the metamorphism of quartz sandstones.

In terms of colour, the two have different colours. Quartz comes in different colors including white, smoky yellow, rose, violet, yellow, opaque and brown. On the contrary, Quartzite comes in snowy white or gray color. It also comes in light colours depending on the impurities present in the parent sandstone.

When talking of the availability, quartz is more common since it is found in more areas than quartzite. Quartz is found in large quantities in the Alps, Madagascar, Brazil, Japan, New York and Arkansas. On the contrary, quartzite is largely found in the Appalachian Mountains, Texas, Utah and Minnesota.

Though quartz and quartzite are both hard, it is easier to work with quartz and that is why it has been widely used in the jewelry industry.

Quartz can be classified as a crystalline rock whereas quartzite can be classified as metamorphic.

Quartzite is widely used in the construction industry as slabs, roofing and flooring tiles and as crushed stones. Quartz has its application as a gemstone and it is also used in electronics.

Quartz is known to be resistant to all chemicals other than alkalies. Quartz is likely to disintegrate with the impact of water containing salt minerals. On the other hand, Quartzite is stronger. As Quartzite is sandstone formed by pressure, it is stronger and harder.

Summary

1. Quartz is comprised of oxygen and silica. The main component of quartz is silica or silicon dioxide Quartzite is formed due to the metamorphism of quartz sandstones.

2. Quartz is found in more areas than quartzite.

3. Though quartz and quartzite are both hard, it is easier to work with quartz

4. Quartz can be classified as a crystalline rock whereas quartzite can be classified as metamorphic.

5. Quartzite is widely used in the construction industry as slabs, roofing and flooring tiles and as crushed stones. Quartz has its application as a gemstone and it is used in electronics.

6. Quartz comes in different colors including white, smoky yellow, rose, violet, yellow, opaque and brown. On the contrary, Quartzite comes in snowy white or gray color. It also comes in light colours depending on the impurities present in the parent sandstone.

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