Quartzite vs Andesite

Quartzite vs Andesite Information

Earth’s outer layer is covered by rocks and these rocks have different physical and chemical properties. As two rocks are not same, it’s fun to compare them. You can also know more about Quartzite and Andesite Reserves. Quartzite is a non-foliated metamorphic rock that forms by the metamorphism of pure quartz Sandstone. Andesite is a dark, fine-grained, brown or greyish intermediate volcanic rock which is a commonly found in lava. These rocks are composed of many distinct minerals. The process of formation of rocks is different for various rocks. Rocks are quarried from many years for various purposes. You can check out Quartzite vs Andesite information and Quartzite vs Andesite characteristics in the upcoming sections.

Quartzite vs Andesite Characteristics

Though some rocks look identical, they have certain characteristics which distinguish them from others. Characteristics of rocks include texture, appearance, color, fracture, streak, hardness etc. Quartzite vs Andesite characteristics assist us to distinguish and recognize rocks. Also you can check about Properties of Quartzite and Properties of Andesite. Learn more about Quartzite vs Andesite in the next section. The interior uses of Quartzite include Countertops, Decorative aggregates, Flooring and Homes whereas the interior uses of Andesite include Decorative aggregates, Floor tiles, Homes, Interior decoration and Kitchens. Due to some exceptional properties of Quartzite and Andesite, they have various applications in construction industry. The uses of Quartzite in construction industry include Arrowheads, As dimension stone, Cement manufacture, Construction aggregate, Cutting tool, For road aggregate, Making natural cement, Production of glass and ceramics, Rail track ballast, Roadstone and that of Andesite include Cobblestones, Construction aggregate, For road aggregate.

More about Quartzite and Andesite

Here you can know more about Quartzite and Andesite. The life cycle of a rock consists of formation of rock, composition of rock and transformation of rock. The composition of Quartzite and Andesite consists of mineral content and compound content. The mineral content of Quartzite includes Chlorite, Epidote, Hematite, Kyanite, Magnetite, Muscovite or Illite, Quartz and mineral content of Andesite includes Amphibole, Apatite, Biotite, Feldspar, Garnet, Hornblade, Ilmenite, Magnetite, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Zircon. You can also check out the list of all Metamorphic Rocks. When we have to compare Quartzite vs Andesite, the texture, color and appearance plays an important role in determining the type of rock. Quartzite is available in black, blue, brown, green, light grey, purple, white, yellow colors whereas, Andesite is available in bluish - grey, grey, pink, yellow colors. Appearance of Quartzite is Lustrous and that of Andesite is Dull and Soft. Properties of rock is another aspect for Quartzite vs Andesite. The hardness of Quartzite is 6-7 and that of Andesite is 7. The types of Quartzite are Orthoquartzite and Metaquartzite whereas types of Andesite are Icelandite. Streak of rock is the color of powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Quartzite and Andesite is white. The specific heat capacity of Quartzite is 0.75 kJ/Kg K and that of Andesite is 2.39 kJ/Kg K. Depending on the properties like hardness, toughness, specific heat capacity, porosity etc., rocks are resistant to heat, wear, impact, etc.Quartzite is heat resistant, impact resistant, pressure resistant, wear resistant whereas Andesite is heat resistant, pressure resistant, wear resistant.