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How to Distinguish Between Sandstone & Quartzite

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that forms in desert, river and ocean settings. These rocks consist of mostly small quartz grains, but may have additional accessory minerals as well. Sandstone forms when grains of sand settle in a quiet environment and become glued together with quartz or calcite cement. Quartzites are metamorphic rocks that were once quartz sandstones. The quartz sandstones change to quartzite from high heat and pressure within the Earth. Sometimes quartzites will have the same bedded look as the original sandstone, while other times the rock will deform during the process of metamorphism and will not retain the bedding.

Things You'll Need

Sandstone samples
Quartzite samples
Towel
Rock hammer
Safety goggles
Hand magnifier

Instructions

- 1
  Place the rock samples on a sturdy table or on the floor. The rocks may damage a delicate table. If desired, place a towel under the samples to protect the surfaces.
- 2
  Strike each rock sample with the rock hammer so that it breaks. Wear safety goggles during this process to protect your eyes from rock chips. You may also want to wrap the rock samples completely in a towel to keep rock pieces from flying.
- 3
  Examine each rock sample with the hand magnifier along the breaks made with the hammer. The sandstone will break around the quartz sand grains so you should be able to distinguish individual, whole grains. The quartzite will fracture through the quartz sand grains so you will not see individual, whole grains.

Rocks & Minerals