noun
schist
SHIST/ʃɪst/
A metamorphic rock with layers of mineral grains that split easily.
The piece of schist shows wavy layers and shiny mineral flakes.
Etymology
The idea of being divided or separated describes how this rock behaves: it splits easily into layers. The related Latin expression meant “stone that splits easily.”
In context
the Vishnu schist the Vishnu schist which we're looking at the gray rocks behind me here are the the basement rocks of the Grand Canyon
More examples
- She splits a small piece of schist along its mineral layers.
- The geologist identifies the sample as mica schist.
- Thin flakes come away from the weathered schist.
Forms
schist