Mica Schist
What is Mica Schist?
Mica schist is a metamorphic rock characterized by its flaky, layered structure and the presence of abundant platy minerals, primarily micas like muscovite or biotite. These micas give the rock its characteristic sheen and ability to split easily along parallel planes. The rock's appearance can vary widely depending on the other minerals present, which can include quartz, feldspar, garnet, and staurolite. The foliation (layering) in mica schist is a result of the alignment of the mica minerals during the metamorphic process, where the rock is subjected to high pressure and temperature.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- Variable, depending on the mica and other minerals present
- Birefringence
- Moderate to high, depending on the mica content
- Pleochroism
- Often present, especially in biotite-rich schists
- Optical Character
- Biaxial
- Dispersion
- Not typically a defining optical property
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Variable, including silver, gray, brown, black, green, and red, depending on the mica and other minerals present
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5 - 4
- Density
- 2.75 - 3.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White to gray, depending on the mica type
- Luster
- Pearly to vitreous, due to the mica
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic (for the mica minerals)
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Variable, depending on the mica present (e.g., KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 for muscovite)
- Elements
- Silicon, Aluminum, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Oxygen, and Hydrogen
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