Migmatite is a composite rock formed under high-grade metamorphic conditions where partial melting occurs, creating distinct layers of light-colored granitic material and dark metamorphic rock. It displays a characteristic swirling or banded appearance known as migmatitic structure, often seen in high-grade regional metamorphic terrains. Collectors usually look for decorative polished slabs that highlight the complex interplay of light and dark mineral veins.

Hardness

5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Opaque

metamorphiccommon

Migmatite

Hardness: 5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque

Is this migmatite?

4-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 migmatite with a known reference. Migmatite sits at Mohs 5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Migmatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, white, gray, pink.
4
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Migmatite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside migmatite

Minerals reported to co-occur with migmatite. 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: Black White Gray Pink
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Decorative, Construction, Architectural
Host rock: Deep Crustal Metamorphic Zones
Typical price: $5-50 for hand samples, higher for polished slabs

Where rockhounds find migmatite

Classic worldwide localities

Finland
Canada
Norway
Scotland
United States

Field-hunting tip

Look in deep crustal metamorphic zones country, the host setting where migmatite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify migmatite?+

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

Where is migmatite found?+

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

How much is migmatite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 for hand samples, higher for polished slabs. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like migmatite?+

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

What minerals are found with migmatite?+

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

What kind of rock does migmatite form in?+

Migmatite typically forms in deep crustal metamorphic zones. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is migmatite used for?+

Migmatite is used in decorative, construction, architectural.

Find migmatite on the map

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