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

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Vermont, USA
Scotland
Norway
Austria
Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in regional metamorphic belts country, 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. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Michigan. Start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for garnet schist →

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.

Can I find garnet schist in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 garnet schist rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states. The top states are Michigan.

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.