metamorphic

Graphitic schist (probable)

Graphite-bearing mica schist; chiefly quartz, mica, graphite, and possibly feldspar

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray to black, sparkly and strongly foliated, with a bright silvery cleavage surface; hardness typically 2–4, variable, with platy crystal structure and moderate-to-strong schistosity. The silvery patch may also indicate mica-rich material or a metallic coating, so identification from the photo is provisional.

Identified August 15, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when clay-rich sedimentary rock underwent moderate regional metamorphism, commonly during mountain building; age depends on its source terrane and cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Used locally as decorative stone, aggregate, or landscaping material; graphite-rich varieties may have industrial value, while ordinary hand specimens are mainly educational or collectible.

Geological facts

Graphite can leave a gray mark and feels greasy, whereas mica produces glittering flakes and splits into elastic sheets. A streak, hardness, and specific-gravity test would distinguish it from charcoal, slag, or dark mica schist.

Field identification & locations

Common in metamorphic belts worldwide, including the Appalachians, New England, Scotland, Norway, and the Rocky Mountains. Look for planar layering, glittering mica, and a pencil-gray streak; avoid assuming the shiny surface is metal without testing.