Mica Schist Collection

Mica schist is a rock resulting from the metamorphism of shale. Specimen originates from Grantown-on-Spey, Murrayshire

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, 8th / 9th century. Creator: Unknown
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, 8th/9th century. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Swat Valley (modern Pakistan)

Staurolite crystals in mica schist groundmass, close-up

Illustration of a piece granite made up from the minerals quartz, feldspar and mica

Illustration of mica schist

Phlogopite in mica schist groundmass

Magnification of grain of schist rock

Almandine garnet crystals in Mica Schist groundmass

Mica schist, thin section, polarised LM
Polarised light micrograph of a thin section of mica schist, a type of metamorphic rock. Magnification: x12 at 35mm size

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Discover the enchanting world of Mica Schist, a metamorphic rock formed from the transformation of pre-existing sedimentary rocks, such as shale or sandstone. This fascinating geological formation, as seen in the 8th/9th century Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara statue, is characterized by its distinctive layered appearance. Up close, the groundmass reveals an intricate dance of minerals, including Staurolite crystals, Phlogopite, and Almandine Garnets. In a thin section under polarized light, the Schist's mica layers shine with a silky sheen, while the quartz, feldspar, and mica grains in an illustration of granite provide a contrasting reference to the rock's origins. The beauty lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in the valuable insights it offers into the Earth's geologic history.