What is the origin of the word schist?
The word schist comes from the Greek verb σχίζειν, which means to split. Geologists chose this name because the stone breaks apart with surprising ease.
Questions about Schist
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did modern geology define schist as a medium-grained metamorphic rock?
Before the mid-19th century, miners did not distinguish clearly between slate, shale, and schist. Modern geology now defines schist as a medium-grained metamorphic rock showing well-developed schistosity.
How large are mineral grains within typical schist samples?
Mineral grains within the rock typically measure around 0.5 millimeters to 2 millimeters. A standard 10× hand lens makes these individual crystals easily visible to an observer.
What happened on the 17th of August 1959 near Hebgen Lake in Montana?
On the 17th of August 1959, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near Hebgen Lake in Montana. The quake destabilized a mountain slope composed entirely of schist and triggered a massive landslide that killed 26 people camping in the area.
Why does schist pose challenges for civil engineering projects?
Schist bedrock poses significant challenges for civil engineering projects due to its pronounced planes of weakness. These schistosity planes form discontinuities that influence mechanical strength and deformation.