metamorphic
Greenstone (likely chlorite-rich metamorphic rock)
Chlorite schist/greenstone; possible actinolite- or epidote-bearing assemblage
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGreen, fine- to medium-grained, with a pale pink vein or band; likely low-to-moderate luster and weak foliation. Hardness and exact mineralogy cannot be established from the image; greenstone commonly contains chlorite, actinolite, epidote, and quartz.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Greenstone (likely chlorite-rich metamorphic rock) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Green, fine- to medium-grained, with a pale pink vein or band; likely low-to-moderate luster and weak foliation. Hardness and exact mineralogy cannot be established from the image; greenstone commonly contains chlorite, actinolite, epidote, and quartz.
Formation & geological history
Formed when mafic volcanic rock was altered by low- to moderate-grade metamorphism and hydrothermal fluids. Such rocks range from ancient to geologically recent, depending on the terrain.
Uses & applications
Primarily a field, teaching, or collector specimen; some greenstones are used as decorative or building stone.
Geological facts
The pink band may be a quartz or feldspar-rich vein, but its identity is not certain from the photograph.
Field identification & locations
Look for the green color, compact texture, and possible foliation; a fresh broken surface and mineral tests are needed for confident identification. Greenstone occurs 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