A medium-grade metamorphic rock characterized by visible, aligned mica flakes that give it a shiny, foliated appearance. Named after the Greek word for "split." Texture: Schistose. Rock type: Metamorphic Foliated. Grain size: Medium to coarse. Minerals present: Mica, Quartz, Feldspar, Garnet. Formation: Forms from medium-grade regional metamorphism of shale or slate, where minerals recrystallize and grow large enough to see. Common geological settings: Found in medium-grade metamorphic terranes. Common in mountain belts and ancient continental cores. Common look-alikes and related entries: Phyllite, Gneiss, Slate.
Previous: Sandstone — A clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized grains, typically quartz. The color varies based on mineral content and cementing material.
Next: Scoria — Dark, vesicular volcanic rock denser than pumice. Forms cinder cones and is ejected during basaltic eruptions.
Banded rocks — Place this specimen in a broader field-identification workflow.
Foliated rocks — Place this specimen in a broader field-identification workflow.
Phyllite vs Schist — Compare observable properties and safer field tests.
Schist vs Gneiss — Compare observable properties and safer field tests.
Sources, scope & corrections
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:39:20.468381+00:00
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Published; not independently peer-reviewed
Rocks — U.S. National Park Service. Authoritative overview of rock groups, the rock cycle, and geologic processes.
A medium-grade metamorphic rock characterized by visible, aligned mica flakes that give it a shiny, foliated appearance. Named after the Greek word for "split."
How can you identify Schist?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records rock type: Metamorphic Foliated; texture: Schistose; grain size: Medium to coarse; common minerals: Mica, Quartz, Feldspar, Garnet. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Schist form?
Forms from medium-grade regional metamorphism of shale or slate, where minerals recrystallize and grow large enough to see.
Where is Schist commonly found?
Found in medium-grade metamorphic terranes. Common in mountain belts and ancient continental cores.
What is Schist commonly confused with?
Schist may be confused with Phyllite, Gneiss, Slate. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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