Q
QuestionGeology

"How can you tell a phyllite from a schist? A. A phyllite will display light and dark bands. B. A schist will break into flat sheets. C. A schist will appear glittery due to the coarse-grained mica in it. D. None of the choices are correct."
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Answer

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Step 1
Let's solve this geology identification problem step by step:

Step 2
: Understand the Key Characteristics of Phyllite and Schist

- Phyllite is a low-grade metamorphic rock with a foliated (layered) texture - Schist is a medium to high-grade metamorphic rock with a more pronounced foliation

Final Answer

A schist will break into flat sheets. The key distinguishing feature of a schist is its ability to split into flat sheets due to its strongly aligned platy minerals, a property geologists call schistosity.