metamorphic

Mica Schist

Mica Schist (Quartz-Mica Schist)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Identified July 21, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

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.