Schist blurb sheet
Structure
Schist is a metamorphic rock that forms from the recrystallization of other rocks under high pressure and temperature. It is composed of a combination of minerals such as mica, quartz, feldspar, and amphibole.
Type
MetamorphicPhysical Properties of Schist
- Color: Ranges from gray, brown, green, or black, depending on its mineral composition.
- Texture: A medium to coarse-grained texture with visible layers or bands.
- Hardness: 3 to 7 on the Mohs scale, depending on its mineral composition.
- Density: Ranges from 2.5 to 3.2 grams per cubic centimetre.
- Cleavage: Has a strong cleavage, which means it can be easily split into thin, flat sheets.
General Properties of Schist
- Durability: A durable rock that can withstand weathering and erosion.
- Foliated: A foliated rock, which means it has visible layers or bands of minerals that are aligned parallel to the direction of pressure during metamorphism.
- Heat Resistance: Has good heat resistance and can be used in high-temperature applications.
- Chemical Resistance: Is resistant to most acids and alkalis.
Uses of Schist
- Building Stone: Used as a decorative stone in building facades, walls, and flooring.
- Roofing: Used as a roofing material due to its durability and weather resistance.
- Sculpture: Used for carving sculptures due to its relative softness compared to other rocks.
- Industrial Uses: Can be used as a source of mica and graphite for industrial applications.
- Landscaping: Used as a decorative element in landscaping, such as for walls, steps, and garden features.
- Metamorphic Studies: Studied by geologists to understand the processes of metamorphism and the history of the earth's crust.