metamorphic
Schist (containing Muscovite Mica and Chlorite)
Mica Schist
Hardness 2.5-4, greyish-green to silvery grey, pearly to sub-metallic luster on flake surfaces, foliated texture with fine-grained visible mica flakes.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Schist (containing Muscovite Mica and Chlorite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 2.5-4, greyish-green to silvery grey, pearly to sub-metallic luster on flake surfaces, foliated texture with fine-grained visible mica flakes.
Formation & geological history
Formed through regional metamorphism of shale, mudstone, or clay-rich sedimentary rocks under medium-grade temperature and pressure conditions.
Uses & applications
Used historically as low-grade dimension stone, road fill, and aggregate. Primarily collected as geological education and mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Schist is characterized by having well-developed foliation, allowing it to easily split into thin layers or flakes due to aligned platy minerals like mica and chlorite.
Field identification & locations
Look for distinctive shiny, reflective silvery-green mica flakes aligned in parallel layers. Commonly found in metamorphic terranes, mountain ranges, and stream beds.
More like this
