Phyllite is a low-to-medium grade metamorphic rock that represents an intermediate stage between slate and schist. It is characterized by a distinct silky sheen on its foliation surfaces caused by the growth of microscopic mica flakes, distinguishing it from the duller appearance of slate.
Is this phyllite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch phyllite with a known reference. Phyllite sits at Mohs 1-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Phyllite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Phyllite typically shows a silky luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silvery-gray, greenish-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitTypical habit: foliated.
Often confused with
Phyllite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Schist is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-6 vs. 1-2); luster reads silky on Phyllite and pearly on Schist.
How to tell apart: Luster reads silky on Phyllite and dull on Slate.
How to tell apart: Luster reads silky on Phyllite and pearly on Mica.
Often found alongside phyllite
Minerals reported to co-occur with phyllite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 2.7-2.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal habit
- Foliated
- Cleavage
- Slaty Cleavage
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Decorative, Educational
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Terrains
- Typical price
- $1-10 per specimen
Where rockhounds find phyllite
1 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Vermont, USA
- Scotland
- Norway
- Alps, Europe
- New Zealand
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic terrains country, the host setting where phyllite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, muscovite, chlorite 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 Nevada. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find phyllite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
