metamorphic
Weathered mica-rich schist (likely muscovite schist)
Muscovite–quartz schist; chiefly muscovite mica and quartz, with possible feldspar and iron-bearing minerals
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTan to silvery-brown, coarse and flaky with a sparkly sheen and irregular foliation. Typical hardness is about 2–3 for mica-rich surfaces and 7 for quartz grains; crystals are platy mica with perfect basal cleavage. Exact composition cannot be confirmed from the image.
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Physical properties
Tan to silvery-brown, coarse and flaky with a sparkly sheen and irregular foliation. Typical hardness is about 2–3 for mica-rich surfaces and 7 for quartz grains; crystals are platy mica with perfect basal cleavage. Exact composition cannot be confirmed from the image.
Formation & geological history
Formed when clay-rich or other sedimentary rock was buried and metamorphosed under heat and pressure, aligning mica into foliation. Such rocks occur across a wide range of geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used mainly as a decorative or teaching/collecting specimen; sound schist may be used locally as facing stone or aggregate, though mica-rich varieties split readily.
Geological facts
Schistosity is the visible alignment of platy minerals, and its glitter often comes from mica flakes rather than metallic minerals.
Field identification & locations
Look for sparkly, aligned flakes and a tendency to split along wavy foliation; common in metamorphic mountain belts. The pictured specimen’s exact identification requires mineral or hardness tests.
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