Augen gneiss is a foliated metamorphic rock characterized by distinct, eye-shaped mineral porphyroclasts, typically of feldspar, embedded in a finer-grained matrix. The name 'augen' comes from the German word for eyes, referring to these large, lenticular crystals stretched by regional metamorphism. Collectors look for high-contrast patterns between the dark foliated bands and the light-colored eye-shaped crystals.

Hardness

5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

metamorphiccommon

Augen Gneiss

Hardness: 5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this augen gneiss?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch augen gneiss with a known reference. Augen Gneiss sits at Mohs 5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Augen Gneiss leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Augen Gneiss typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, pink, white, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: foliated.

Often confused with

Augen Gneiss vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Augen Gneiss and dull to silky on Mylonite.

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Often found alongside augen gneiss

Minerals reported to co-occur with augen gneiss. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 5-7
Density: 2.6-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Pink White Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Foliated
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Decorative, Architectural, Collector
Host rock: Regional Metamorphic Terrains
Typical price: $5-30 per slab or specimen

Where rockhounds find augen gneiss

Classic worldwide localities

Norway
Scotland
United States
Canada
Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in regional metamorphic terrains country — that is the host setting where augen gneiss typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a foliated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify augen gneiss?+

Mohs hardness is 5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include gray, pink, white, black.

Where is augen gneiss found?+

Notable localities include Norway; Scotland; United States; Canada; Sweden.

How much is augen gneiss worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-30 per slab or specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like augen gneiss?+

Augen Gneiss is most often confused with Granite, Mylonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with augen gneiss?+

Augen Gneiss commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica, Garnet, Hornblende. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does augen gneiss form in?+

Augen Gneiss typically forms in regional metamorphic terrains. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is augen gneiss used for?+

Augen Gneiss is used in decorative, architectural, collector.

Find augen gneiss on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.