Epidote–garnet schist (probable)

Green-brown, reddish, and pink granular material with sparkling micaceous surfaces; likely Mohs 6–7 overall, vitreous to pearly luster, foliated texture, and weak-to-moderate cleavage along mica layers. Individual garnet grains are typically hard, non-cleaving, and dodecahedral, though crystals are not clearly visible here.

Formed when a sedimentary or volcanic protolith underwent regional metamorphism, producing epidote, garnet, mica, quartz, and feldspar; commonly Paleozoic to Precambrian in exposed metamorphic belts, though age depends on locality.

Primarily a collector or lapidary specimen; attractive pieces may be polished, while schist is occasionally used as decorative stone or local aggregate but is generally unsuitable for structural construction.

The combination of pistachio-green epidote and red-pink garnet is characteristic of metamorphosed mafic rocks or calcareous sediments. A streak, hardness, and acid test would help distinguish it from copper-bearing rock or iron-stained quartzite.

Common in regional metamorphic terrains worldwide, including the Alps, Appalachians, Scandinavia, and western North America; look for planar foliation, mica sparkle, and hard red grains. Estimated value: $5–$30 for a hand specimen, potentially $50–$150 for unusually attractive material.