What Is a Schist Made of?

Schists can be found worldwide.

Schist, a metamorphic rock usually formed as a composite of multiple minerals, is a common rock found throughout the world.

Identification

Schist is a crystalline rock that is typically identified by flaky layers, according to the California Polytechnic University at Pomona. Schists are formed under comparatively low heat and pressure, making the rough crystalline structure identifiable to the naked eye.

Types

According to the National Geological Survey, schist rocks are named for the type of mineral that makes up the largest part of their composition. For example, a talc schist is composed of a variety of minerals but is largely made of talc. Other common examples are mica schist, biotite schist, chlorite schist and graphite schist.

Uses

Schists are not commonly used as building stones because they are weak. Because of the colors often present in the rocks, however, they are often make into stone flooring or put to other decorative nonweight-bearing purposes.

References

• Cal Poly Pomona Geology Department: Schist
• National Geological Survey: Geologic Glossary
• RockHounds: The Rock Identification Key
• The Geological Society: Rock Uses