Schist
Image: Leo-setä (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameSchist
Chemical FormulaVariable
Streak ColorN/A
CleavageN/A
Fractureuneven
Colorsgrey, green, brown, black, white
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityWorldwide
Mineral GroupN/A
Usesbuilding material, decorative stone, geological study
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, mica, amphibole, garnet, staurolite, kyanite
Raritycommon
Description
A microscopic view of a strongly foliated metamorphic rock, displaying elongated minerals with vibrant interference colors (likely micas or amphiboles) interspersed with granular, lower-birefringence minerals (likely quartz and feldspar).
Geological Context
Schists are medium-grade metamorphic rocks formed from the regional metamorphism of various protoliths (e.g., shales, basalts) under directed pressure and elevated temperatures, resulting in a characteristic platy or linear fabric.
