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, 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.