{"product_id":"fru-qrt-2","title":"Stiperstones Quartzite Specimen (England, UK)","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStiperstones Quartzite Specimen\u003c\/strong\u003e - Falconer's Rock, Stiperstones area, Shropshire Hills, Shropshire, England, UK\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eThis impressive specimen of \u003cb\u003eStiperstones Quartzite\u003c\/b\u003e were personally collected from the rugged landscape of \u003cb\u003eFalconer's Rock\u003c\/b\u003e, situated near the famous Stiperstones ridge in \u003cb\u003eShropshire, England\u003c\/b\u003e. This material is a hallmark of British geology, representing the durable \"backbone\" of the Shropshire hills. Formed approximately \u003cb\u003e480 million years ago\u003c\/b\u003e during the \u003cb\u003eOrdovician Period\u003c\/b\u003e, this rock was originally a clean marine sand that underwent intense heat and pressure, recrystallising into the incredibly tough, weather-resistant metamorphic rock seen today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe specimens exhibit a classic \u003cb\u003esaccharoidal (sugary) texture\u003c\/b\u003e, where the interlocking quartz crystals catch the light and provide a subtle, natural sparkle. While the base colour is a clean, pale grey to white, these particular pieces feature beautiful \u003cb\u003eiron-oxide staining\u003c\/b\u003e, creating warm patches of pink, orange, and terracotta. This coloration occurs as mineral-rich waters percolate through the rock's micro-fractures over geological time, adding a unique aesthetic character to each individual piece. Because the rock is composed almost entirely of silica, it is exceptionally hard and possesses a distinctively gritty, tactile surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eSourcing material from \u003cb\u003eFalconer's Rock\u003c\/b\u003e provides a direct connection to a landscape shaped by both ancient tectonic forces and the harsh erosion of the last Ice Age. The Stiperstones ridge is renowned for its jagged, tor-like outcrops, and these specimens serve as a perfect representative sample of the Ordovician strata that defines the region. They are ideal for collectors of British regional geology, educational displays focusing on metamorphic processes, or as rugged, natural decorative pieces that tell a story of deep time and environmental transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"147\" data-start=\"136\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Falconer's Rock, Stiperstones area, Shropshire Hills, Shropshire, England, UK\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"199\" data-start=\"196\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"213\" data-start=\"199\"\u003eRock type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Quartzite\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"239\" data-start=\"236\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"367\" data-start=\"358\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~7(L) x 5(H) x 2(W) cm (see scale cube), 128 g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Frugeo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52633709805905,"sku":"FRU-QRT-2","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0885\/9749\/6145\/files\/FRU-QRT-2a.jpg?v=1765992912","url":"https:\/\/frugeo.science\/products\/fru-qrt-2","provider":"Frugeo Geology Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}