Schist is a medium-grade
metamorphic rock with medium to large, flat, sheet-like grains in a preferred orientation (nearby grains are roughly parallel). It is defined by having more than 50% platy and elongated minerals, often finely interleaved with quartz and
feldspar. These lamellar (flat, planar)
minerals include
micas,
chlorite,
talc,
hornblende,
graphite, and others.
Quartz often occurs in drawn-out grains to such an extent that a particular form called quartz schist is produced. Schist is often
garnetiferous. Schist forms at a higher temperature and has larger grains than
phyllite.
Geological foliation (metamorphic arrangement in layers) with medium to large grained flakes in a preferred sheetlike orientation is called
schistosity.