Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: jfitz on 03/10/2010 02:10:14

Title: Please help me ID this mineral?
Post by: jfitz on 03/10/2010 02:10:14

Hi, I found this mineral/rock on the top of a small mountain in Connecticut.  I believe the small mountain or hill is part of the Berkshire Mountain range.  It is not hard, breaks in my hand, and small pieces can be ground up with my fingers.  It seems to be layered, and I would say its denser than quartz.  I plan to have some middle school students examine it, and I would like to be able to tell them what it is. 

Thanks for any help you can give me on this.

JF

Title: Please help me ID this mineral?
Post by: Bass on 03/10/2010 17:41:32

My guess is biotite (+chlorite?) schist, which is not uncommon for the Berkshires.  Is the green mineral or vegetation?  I couldn't tell from the photo.

Title: Please help me ID this mineral?
Post by: jfitz on 03/10/2010 18:58:32

Bass,

Thanks for your reply.  The green is mineral, not vegetation.  I looked at some images for schist, and I think you nailed it.  I found one image(too large to attach), and my piece looks very much like it. 

I will try later to post the image. 

JF

Title: Please help me ID this mineral?
Post by: jfitz on 04/10/2010 00:07:21

Here is the picture of schist I found using google images, and this appears to be just like the piece I found.

Thanks again to Bass and for all others that took a look at this. 

JF