metamorphic
Schist
Metamorphic Schist
Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey, green, silver, or brown; Luster: Pearly to shiny due to mica content; Crystal structure: Foliated with visible, aligned platy minerals; Cleavage: Good planar cleavage (schistosity).
- Hardness
- 3-4 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Grey, green, silver, or brown
- Luster
- Pearly to shiny due to mica content
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey, green, silver, or brown; Luster: Pearly to shiny due to mica content; Crystal structure: Foliated with visible, aligned platy minerals; Cleavage: Good planar cleavage (schistosity).
Formation & geological history
Formed by regional metamorphism of mudstone or shale under moderate to high temperatures and pressures, typically during mountain-building events.
Uses & applications
Used occasionally as a decorative landscape stone, garden stepping stones, or in low-grade construction aggregates, though rarely structural due to foliation.
Geological facts
Schist is characterized by its high abundance of platy minerals like micas, chlorite, or talc, which give it a distinct sparkly appearance on broken surfaces.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its prominent foliation (layering) and sparkling, glittering surface caused by reflective mica flakes. Found globally in regions with ancient or active orogenic belts.
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