For a fun, interactive video on rocks, go to YouTube and search for ‘The Rock Cycle – Sedimentary, Metamorphic, Igneous – Learning Made Fun’ (6:39).
Quartzite Formation
Quartzite is formed when sandstone comes under great heat and pressure. This is usually during periods of folding, when the sandstone comes into contact with magma within the crust. Quartzite is smooth, grey to white in colour and extremely hard in texture.
How it is used It is used for surfacing of roads, in watches and in glass. Location
Quartzite can be found on the top of some mountains, such as the Sugarloaf in Co. Wicklow and Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo.
Quartzite
Question Time
1. Name the two processes that are involved in the formation of metamorphic rock. 2. (a) Select one metamorphic rock, and using a diagram/diagrams, describe how it was formed. (b) State two uses of your chosen metamorphic rock.