metamorphic
Mica Schist
Mica Schist (Quartz-Mica Schist)
Hardness: 3-5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark silvery-gray to black with reflective flecks; Luster: Sub-metallic to vitreous; Texture: Medium to coarse-grained metamorphic foliation (schistosity); Specific gravity: ~2.7-2.8
- Hardness
- 3-5 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Dark silvery-gray to black with reflective flecks
- Luster
- Sub-metallic to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark silvery-gray to black with reflective flecks; Luster: Sub-metallic to vitreous; Texture: Medium to coarse-grained metamorphic foliation (schistosity); Specific gravity: ~2.7-2.8
Formation & geological history
Formed through regional metamorphism of pre-existing sedimentary rocks such as shale or mudstone under moderate temperatures and pressures, transforming clay minerals into visible flakes of mica (biotite and muscovite).
Uses & applications
Used occasionally as decorative building stone, flagging, or landscape stone. Typically collected for educational and hobbyist mineral collections.
Geological facts
Schist is characterized by having well-developed parallelism of minerals (schistosity), causing it to split easily into thin plates or flakes along the alignment of mica crystals.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its pronounced silvery-dark sheen and flaky texture due to abundant mica flakes. Commonly found in metamorphic terranes and mountain belts globally.
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