metamorphic

Likely slate (possibly phyllite)

Fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock; mainly mica and chlorite, with quartz and feldspar

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark gray-green, dull to slightly silky, with strong flat cleavage and thin layers; grains are too fine to resolve. Slate is about 3–4 on the Mohs scale; phyllite is typically 3–4 as well. Exact identification needs closer inspection of its sheen and cleavage surfaces.

Identified September 25, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when shale or mudstone was compressed and mildly metamorphosed, aligning fine mica minerals into foliation. Its age cannot be determined from the photograph; slate and phyllite occur in many geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used for roofing, floor and paving tiles, blackboards, and decorative stone; sound, attractive pieces may be collected.

Geological facts

A silky sheen and subtly wavy foliation favor phyllite, while a flatter, less lustrous surface favors slate.

Field identification & locations

The specimen’s elongated, layered shape and fine-grained gray-green surface are consistent with slate or phyllite. Both are plausible in the metamorphic terrains of northern Pakistan, but a precise locality or fresh-surface examination would help distinguish them.