metamorphic
Banded slate or phyllite
Fine-grained foliated metasedimentary rock; likely slate with light-colored quartz veins
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDark gray, fine-grained, matte surface with parallel pale bands or veins. Slate is typically Mohs 2.5–4 and splits along cleavage; the photo alone cannot confirm exact mineralogy or distinguish slate from phyllite.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Banded slate or phyllite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Dark gray, fine-grained, matte surface with parallel pale bands or veins. Slate is typically Mohs 2.5–4 and splits along cleavage; the photo alone cannot confirm exact mineralogy or distinguish slate from phyllite.
Formation & geological history
Formed when clay-rich sedimentary rock was compressed and mildly metamorphosed; the pale bands may be quartz veins deposited in fractures. Its age and precise formation setting cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Slate is used for roofing, flooring, paving, and decorative stone; this small piece is most suitable as a teaching or collecting specimen.
Geological facts
Slate’s strong planar cleavage reflects aligned microscopic minerals, while contrasting quartz veins record fluid movement through cracks.
Field identification & locations
Look for fine grain and flat, planar splitting surfaces; phyllite often has a subtle silky sheen. Slate and related rocks occur in metamorphic belts worldwide.
More like this
Other metamorphic specimens
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Amphibolite
Amphibolite
metamorphic
Rhodonite
Manganese Silicate (Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca)SiO3
mineral
Rhodonite
(Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3
mineral
Greenschist
Greenschist (containing Chlorite, Actinolite, and Epidote)
metamorphic
Garnet
Garnet group: X3Y2(SiO4)3 (commonly Almandine-Pyrope series)
mineral