Comparison · Metamorphic Rocks vs Sedimentary Rocks
Quartzite vs Sandstone
Quartzite and Sandstone are easy to confuse. Quartzite is harder (Mohs 7) than Sandstone (Mohs 6), so Quartzite will scratch Sandstone and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Quartzite and Sandstone
- Quartzite is harder (Mohs 7) than Sandstone (Mohs 6), so Quartzite will scratch Sandstone and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Luster is different: Quartzite is vitreous to sugary/granular while Sandstone is dull.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Quartzite is Opaque, Sandstone is opaque.
- They overlap in white, gray, red, and yellow, but Quartzite also comes in pink and Sandstone also comes in brown.
Quartzite vs Sandstone properties
| Property | Quartzite | Sandstone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Metamorphic Rocks | Sedimentary Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 6 |
| Luster | Vitreous to sugary/granular | dull |
| Streak | — | Variable; test individual minerals |
| Transparency | Opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.6–2.7 | 2.3 |
| Crystal system | — | varies |
| Common colors | White, Gray, Pink, Reddish, Yellow | Tan, Brown, Red, Yellow, White, Gray |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $1–$75+ | $1–$100+ |
Which is more valuable?
Sandstone is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15 against $10 for Quartzite, and premium Sandstone can reach $100 or more.
About Quartzite
Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock formed by the recrystallization of quartz sandstone under heat and pressure, fusing individual quartz grains into an interlocking mosaic so tightly bonded that fractures cut through the grains themselves rather than around them. This distinguishes true metamorphic quartzite from sedimentary orthoquartzite, a well-cemented sandstone that can look superficially similar. Its exceptional hardness and resistance to weathering make it a common ridge-forming rock in many mountain ranges.
About Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments. Color varies based on mineral content and cementing material.
Quartzite vs Sandstone FAQ
Is Quartzite the same as Sandstone?
No. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock while Sandstone is a sedimentary rock. Quartzite is harder (Mohs 7) than Sandstone (Mohs 6), so Quartzite will scratch Sandstone and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Quartzite from Sandstone?
Quartzite is harder (Mohs 7) than Sandstone (Mohs 6), so Quartzite will scratch Sandstone and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Luster is different: Quartzite is vitreous to sugary/granular while Sandstone is dull. Hold a thin edge to the light: Quartzite is Opaque, Sandstone is opaque.
Which is harder, Quartzite or Sandstone?
Quartzite is harder: Mohs 7 against Mohs 6 for Sandstone.
Which is more valuable, Quartzite or Sandstone?
Sandstone is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15 against $10 for Quartzite, and premium Sandstone can reach $100 or more.
