Likely gneiss

Coarse-grained, pale tan-gray rock with wavy, light-and-dark mineral banding. Likely quartz and feldspar with mica; typical hardness around 6–7 Mohs and nonmetallic luster.

Forms when pre-existing igneous or sedimentary rock is recrystallized under high heat and pressure, often deep in continental crust; gneisses range from ancient Precambrian to younger ages.

Used as dimension stone, paving and landscaping aggregate, and as a collectible field specimen.

Gneiss is recognized by mineral segregation into bands or streaks, unlike the flatter foliation typical of schist.

The specimen’s pale color and apparent banding are consistent with gneiss, though a photo cannot confirm its minerals or texture. Gneiss occurs widely in continental shield regions and mountain belts; look for alternating quartz/feldspar-rich and darker mineral-rich bands.