Quartzite, a natural metamorphic rock formed from sandstone, results from high heat and pressure. It boasts a hard, glassy surface with streaks and lenses due to recrystallization. Composed predominantly of interlocking quartz crystals, it’s versatile in construction—used for flooring, decorative walls, and roofing.
Marble, a metamorphic rock formed from limestone or dolomite, boasts a distinctive veined appearance. Under heat and pressure, existing rock recrystallizes into interlocking carbonate grains, creating marble’s texture. It’s prized for its aesthetic appeal and durability, commonly used in construction, sculpture, and architecture.
Granite, a coarse- to medium-grained intrusive igneous rock, is rich in quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase. It forms from silica-rich magmas deep within Earth’s crust. Known for its durability, granite is commonly used in construction and countertops. Its colors range from pink-grey to black, making it a versatile and attractive material.
Dolomite is a common rock-forming mineral. It consists of calcium magnesium carbonate (CaMg(CO₃)₂) and is the primary component of sedimentary rock known as dolostone. Dolomite is also found in metamorphic rock called dolomitic marble. It serves various purposes, including construction aggregate, cement manufacture, and as a source of magnesia for the chemical industry.
Semi-precious stones, also known as gemstones, are mineral fragments that are cut and polished for jewelry. Unlike precious stones (such as diamonds and rubies), they have a hardness below 7 on the Mohs scale. Examples include amethyst, aquamarine, and agate.
Porcelain is a ceramic material composed primarily of fine-grained kaolin clay, rich in the mineral kaolinite. It is fired at very high temperatures (exceeding 1,200°C or 2,192°F) to achieve its distinctive properties. These include translucency, whiteness, strength, and resonance. Porcelain is used for tableware, decorative figurines, and industrial applications.
Quartz is a mineral composed of silicon and oxygen (SiO₂). It’s abundant in Earth’s crust, resistant to weathering, and often found in rocks and beach sands. Its crystals come in various colors, including clear, purple (amethyst), and pink (rose quartz)