Gneiss (Sample #9)
Rock Type: Metamorphic. This is a foliated rock with bands
Composition: Bands of feldspar and quartz
Original Rock: Shale, slate, and schist
Particle size: Course
Hardness: 6-7 on the Mohs scale
Environment: Gneiss forms at a plate boundaries under intense heat and pressure. Minerals are recrystallized and segregated into distinct bands.
Distinguishing Characteristics: Gneiss is a very hard rock with distinct bands of pink, grey, black and white. It has large crystals that glitter in the sunlight.
Uses: Counter tops, crushed rock in road construction, cemetery monuments, tiles, and decorative facing stone.
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