Blueschist is a distinct metamorphic rock defined by its high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic facies, often formed in ancient subduction zones. It is characterized by its signature blue coloration, typically derived from high concentrations of the mineral glaucophane. Rockhounds typically find it in sheared, foliated masses with a fine-grained texture.
Is this blueschist?
2-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, bluish-gray, blue-green.
- 2Look at form & habitTypical habit: foliated.
Often found alongside blueschist
Minerals reported to co-occur with blueschist. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Density
- 2.8-3.0 g/cm³
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal habit
- Foliated
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Educational, Collector
- Host rock
- Subduction Zone Metamorphic Complexes
- Typical price
- $5-30 per hand specimen
Where rockhounds find blueschist
Classic worldwide localities
- California, USA
- Greece
- Japan
- New Caledonia
- Turkey
Field-hunting tip
Look in subduction zone metamorphic complexes country — that is the host setting where blueschist typically forms. If you start seeing glaucophane, lawsonite, jadeite 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
Where is blueschist found?+
How much is blueschist worth?+
What minerals are found with blueschist?+
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Find blueschist on the map
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