Garnet Schist is a metamorphic rock characterized by its distinct foliation and embedded porphyroblasts of garnet. Collectors prize specimens that display large, well-formed garnet crystals sitting prominently within a glittering, micaceous matrix.

Hardness

3-7

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

metamorphiccommon

Garnet Schist

Hardness: 3-7
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this garnet schist?

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 garnet schist with a known reference. Garnet Schist sits at Mohs 3-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Garnet Schist leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Garnet Schist typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, brown, silver, dark red.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: foliated.

Often found alongside garnet schist

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

All properties

Mohs hardness: 3-7
Density: 2.7-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Gray Brown Silver Dark Red
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Foliated
Cleavage: Perfect Schistose Cleavage
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Educational
Host rock: Regional Metamorphic Belts
Typical price: $5-30 per hand specimen

Where rockhounds find garnet schist

Classic worldwide localities

Vermont, USA
Scotland
Norway
Austria
Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in regional metamorphic belts country — that is the host setting where garnet schist typically forms. If you start seeing almandine, muscovite, biotite 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 garnet schist?+

Mohs hardness is 3-7. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include gray, brown, silver, dark red.

Where is garnet schist found?+

Notable localities include Vermont, USA; Scotland; Norway; Austria; Switzerland.

How much is garnet schist worth?+

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

What minerals are found with garnet schist?+

Garnet Schist commonly co-occurs with Almandine, Muscovite, Biotite, Quartz, Staurolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does garnet schist form in?+

Garnet Schist typically forms in regional metamorphic belts. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is garnet schist used for?+

Garnet Schist is used in collector, educational.

Find garnet schist on the map

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