metamorphic
Schist
Mica Schist
Hardness: 3.5-4; Color: Silvery-gray, greenish, or brown with a sparkly appearance; Luster: Pearly to vitrious; Crystal structure: Foliated/Schistose; Cleavage: Perfect mica cleavage; Specific Gravity: 2.7-2.8
- Hardness
- 3
- Color
- Silvery-gray, greenish, or brown with a sparkly appearance
- Luster
- Pearly to vitrious
Identified More metamorphic →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5-4; Color: Silvery-gray, greenish, or brown with a sparkly appearance; Luster: Pearly to vitrious; Crystal structure: Foliated/Schistose; Cleavage: Perfect mica cleavage; Specific Gravity: 2.7-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through the regional metamorphism of shale, phyllite, or igneous rocks under medium-to-high pressure and temperature environments. Most often associated with Precambrian or Paleozoic mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative stone in gardens, high-quality flagstone, and occasionally in construction. It is not generally strong enough for structural building but is valued for its aesthetics.
Geological facts
The word 'schist' comes from the Greek word 'schizein', meaning 'to split', referring to its characteristic layer-like foliation. Its sparkle comes from the alignment of mica minerals like muscovite and biotite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its sparkly, platy appearance and the way it splits into thin, irregular sheets. Commonly found in metamorphic mountain belts like the Appalachians or the Alps. Look for visible mica flakes aligned in parallel.
More like this
