Dictionary of Geotourism

2020 Edition


Reference work entry
Phyllite is a shallow metamorphic rock with a phyllitic structure. It can be formed by the shallow metamorphism of various rocks, such as clay rock, siltstone, siliceous rock, intermediate acidic tuff, and calcareous rock. Its minerals are generally recrystallized, and the degree of metamorphism is slightly higher than that of slate. The new metamorphic minerals include sericite, chloritoid, quartz and plagioclase. Phyllite is characterized by a fine lepidoblastic texture and phyllitic foliations with a silky gloss. There are several types of phyllite, such as sericite, chloritoid, clay, silt phyllite, silicate phyllite, tuff phyllite and calcium phyllite (Fig. 17).

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