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 — that is 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
How do you identify phyllite?+
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Find phyllite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
