metamorphic

Mica-rich metamorphic rock, likely phyllite or mica schist

Muscovite- and/or biotite-bearing schist/phyllite; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Thinly foliated, strongly reflective golden-brown flakes indicate mica. Micas have Mohs hardness about 2–3, perfect basal cleavage, vitreous-to-pearly luster, and platy monoclinic crystals; the host rock is likely fine-grained and easily splits along foliation.

Identified September 13, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Mica-rich metamorphic rock, likely phyllite or mica schist
Scientific name: Muscovite- and/or biotite-bearing schist/phyllite; exact identification requires testing
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a small common specimen; roughly $25–$75 if unusually attractive, well-foliated, or display-quality.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when clay-rich sedimentary rock was buried, heated, and compressed during regional metamorphism, commonly during mountain building. The specimen’s precise age and grade cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative stone, landscaping material, and occasionally aggregate; attractive mica-rich pieces are mainly educational or collectible rather than jewelry-grade.

Geological facts

Golden color may reflect muscovite, iron-rich phlogopite, or weathered biotite. Individual mica sheets can split into flexible, translucent elastic flakes.

Field identification & locations

Common in metamorphic belts worldwide, including the Appalachians, New England, Brazil, India, and Scandinavia. Confirm with a hand lens and cleavage test; a streak, hardness, and thin-section examination can separate mica species and distinguish schist from phyllite.