What is Phyllite - All You Need Know About This Rock

Phyllite is another decorative rock found abundantly in nature. Today, World of Stones USA is going to introduce you to this rock in a nutshell.

The team at World of Stones USA has explained about many different types of rocks in the past. Today, by continuing the series, we are going to share all aspects of Phyllite rocks in a nutshell from a commercial point of view rather than the academic one.

What is Phyllite?

Phyllite is a metamorphic rock with crinkled or wavy foliation. The word Phyllite originates from the Greek word "Phyllion," which means leaf. 

Now, we know what Phyllite is.  The next question arises: How is it formed in nature?

What is the protolith or parent rock type of Phyllite?

Shale, pelite, or slate are protolith or parents of phyllite rocks. So, like slate, Phyllite has a typical texture called "Phyllitic sheen" and has fissility or tendency to split into sheets like slate rocks.

What is the prime difference between phyllite and slate rocks from a geological point of view?

According to Wikipedia, 

It means Phyllite is in between the gradation of a degree of metamorphism of slate to schist. 

How Does Phyllite Form?

When Slate rocks' further metamorphism occurs, and very fine-grained Mica attains perfect orientation, the Phyllite forms.

• Slate rocks have clay minerals in semi-random orientation. 
• When slate rocks are buried further and gain high pressure,
• The extremely fine clay flacks turn into Mica, and the flacks of clay minerals gain parallel alignment. 

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