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Ancient Uses for Quartzite
Prehistoric humans, Homo Erectus, made quartzite tools over a million years ago during the Lower Paleolithic period. The stonework of the period is referred to as Acheulian. Little is yet completely understood about these tools and the people that used them. More recently, around 1,500 BC, humans were using quartzite in crafting art objects and sculptures in ancient Egypt and Sudan. In Sudan (Kush), quartzite figurines were carved then glazed with colorful glazes. In the 17th century conical holes were drilled in quartzite discs and used for money in Africa. These "coins" are now popular collector's items.
Quartzite in Industry
Today, quartzite is quarried and crushed into varying-sized stones for many purposes. Quartzite rock is used on waterway embankments to prevent soil erosion. Dirt roads, parking lots, driveways and walkways are grated and topped with quartzite rock. More finely-crushed rock is used in the making of concrete. Quartzite also is used in industry for making glass. Silicone, the predominant element of quartzite, is used in industries for making ceramics, lubricants and waterproofing products.
Quartzite in Construction
Quartzite is a popular stone in the construction industry. When quartzite is split, it splits through the quartz granules rather than around them as sandstone splits. This allows quartzite to be split into flat surfaces. Slabs of quartzite are used in making stone walls, fireplaces and mantles. They are used for walkway and driveway stones as well. Quartzite's heat-resistant properties, nonporous nature and durability make it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops and floor-tile stone. It is also an aesthetically pleasing stone for trim such as windowsills and other edging. The rock comes naturally in a variation of colors from shades of white to browns, pinks and reds but also can be dyed any color you desire.
Quartzite Art and Jewelry
Quartzite is a hard stone that is usually worked by experienced crafters. It takes carbide tools or lapidary equipment and honed skills to work the stone. The resulting items can be smooth and glistening. Figurines, statues, sculptures, boxes and goblets all can be crafted from this rock. Beads and amulets are also fashioned from the stone for jewelry. Because of the smooth texture and gloss that polished cabochons take, unscrupulous dealers occasionally sell quartzite as jade. Quartzite is often sold as red jade or Malaysian jade. Aventurine (green quartzite) is sold as India jade or regal jade.