metamorphic
Gneiss with Quartz Vein
Metamorphic Gneiss
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark grey to greenish-grey matrix with light tan to pinkish quartz/feldspar mineral veining. Luster: Dull to earthy matrix with slightly vitreous vein minerals. Structure: Foliated metamorphic texture. Cleavage: Poor/irregular fracture.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Dull to earthy matrix with slightly vitreous vein minerals
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark grey to greenish-grey matrix with light tan to pinkish quartz/feldspar mineral veining. Luster: Dull to earthy matrix with slightly vitreous vein minerals. Structure: Foliated metamorphic texture. Cleavage: Poor/irregular fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed under high-temperature and high-pressure regional metamorphism of igneous or sedimentary precursor rocks. The cross-cutting vein formed later when hydrothermal fluids deposited quartz and feldspar into rock fractures.
Uses & applications
Mainly used as crushed stone for construction, aggregate, dimension stone, or as an educational/geological collection specimen.
Geological facts
Gneissic rocks often contain distinct banding or veining that reveals the intense tectonic forces and fluid flow events that occurred deep within Earth's crust millions of years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its foliated, coarse-grained texture and cross-cutting mineral veins. Commonly found in metamorphic terranes worldwide, such as the Appalachian or Canadian Shield regions.
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