Schist

Introduction: The main characteristic of schist, an intermediate grade metamorphic rock, is the minerals aligned parallel to one another, which produces a schistose fabric.

Distribution: Central Namibia in the road cuttings west of Windhoek in the Khomas Hochland, the Kuiseb Valley and an area around the Gamsberg.

Composition: Micas, often biotite or muscovite are the most common minerals. Amphiboles such as hornblendes are also formed. New metamorphic minerals such as garnet, andalusite and staurolite from large crystals in some schists.

Colouration: Black, red, green and purple.