Try for Free
tab list
Rock Identifier
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Gneiss
Gneiss
Gneiss
Gneiss

Gneiss

Gneiss

A species of Metamorphic

Both igneous and sedimentary rocks may be metamorphosed to form gneiss, pronounced “nice,” which is formed at very high temperatures and pressures. Often sporting beautiful bands or wave patterns, gneiss can be cut and polished to be used for ornamental stones, tiles, gravestones, and flooring.

Hardness
Hardness:

5 - 7

Density
Density:

2.6 - 2.9 g/cm³

General Info About Gneiss

Instantly Identify Rocks with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant rock/gemstone/mineral ID and properties analysis, gaining quick insights on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.
Download the App for Free

Physical Properties of Gneiss

Texture
Foliated
Colors
Gray, pink, white, black, brown, red etc., alternating darker and lighter colored bands
Magnetism
Potentially Magnetic
Grain Size
Medium to coarse grained
Hardness
5 - 7 , Moderate to Hard
Density
2.6 - 2.9 g/cm³, Normal Weight
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android

Discover the Value of Gneiss

Discovering the Diverse Values of Rocks
Unveiling the Rarity, Aesthetics, and Economic Significance of Rocks
Download the App for Free
Rarity
Easy to obtain
Collection Recommendation
3.8 out of 5
Popularity
3.6
Aesthetic
3.9
Rarity
3.5
Sci-Cultural Value
4.2

The Market Price of Gneiss

Exploring the Market Prices for a Variety of Rocks
Delving into the market values and investment potential of a wide variety of rocks
Download the App for Free

Rough/Tumbled Price

Fixed Price
$3 - $8 piece

Characteristics of Gneiss

Your Comprehensive Rock Characteristics Guide
In-depth exploration of rock types, features, and formation aspects
Download the App for Free

Rock Types of Gneiss

Augen gneiss
Augen gneiss, from the German: Augen [ˈaʊɡən], meaning "eyes", is a coarse-grained gneiss resulting from metamorphism of granite, which contains characteristic elliptic or lenticular shear-bound feldspar porphyroclasts, normally microcline, within the layering of the quartz, biotite and magnetite bands.
Henderson gneiss
Henderson gneiss is found in North Carolina and South Carolina, US, east of the Brevard Shear Zone. It has deformed into two sequential forms. The second, more warped, form is associated with the Brevard Fault, and the first deformation results from displacement to the southwest.
Lewisian gneiss
Most of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland have a bedrock formed from Lewisian gneiss. In addition to the Outer Hebrides, they form basement deposits on the Scottish mainland west of the Moine Thrust and on the islands of Coll and Tiree. These rocks are largely igneous in origin, mixed with metamorphosed marble, quartzite and mica schist with later intrusions of basaltic dikes and granite magma.
Archean and Proterozoic gneiss
Gneisses of Archean and Proterozoic age occur in the Baltic Shield.

Formation of Gneiss

Gneiss is formed from sedimentary or igneous rock exposed to temperatures greater than 320 °C and relatively high pressure.

Composition of Gneiss

Gneissic rocks are usually medium- to coarse-foliated; they are largely recrystallized but do not carry large quantities of micas, chlorite or other platy minerals. Gneisses that are metamorphosed igneous rocks or their equivalent are termed granite gneisses, diorite gneisses, and so forth. Gneiss rocks may also be named after a characteristic component such as garnet gneiss, biotite gneiss, albite gneiss, and so forth. Orthogneiss designates a gneiss derived from an igneous rock, and paragneiss is one from a sedimentary rock. Gneissose rocks have properties similar to gneiss.

Cultural Significance of Gneiss

Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Rock Culture
Unveiling the mysteries of rock culture - exploring uses, history, and healing properties, etc
Download the App for Free

Uses of Gneiss

Gneiss is very strong, durable, and beautiful when polished, making it a popular choice for home interiors, particularly countertops and ornamental stones, including tombstones. It can also been seen in flooring, pillars, and walls. Gneiss may also be polished and used in jewelry.

Mineralogy and Petrology of Gneiss

Gneiss is a common and widely distributed type of metamorphic rock. Gneiss is formed by high-temperature and high-pressure metamorphic processes acting on formations composed of igneous or sedimentary rocks. Orthogneiss is gneiss derived from igneous rock (such as granite). Paragneiss is gneiss derived from sedimentary rock (such as sandstone). Gneiss forms at higher temperatures and pressures than schist. Gneiss nearly always shows a banded texture characterized by alternating darker and lighter colored bands and without a distinct foliation.

Etymology of Gneiss

The word gneiss has been used in English since at least 1757. It is borrowed from the German word Gneis, formerly also spelled Gneiss, which is probably derived from the Middle High German noun gneist "spark" (so called because the rock glitters).

Common Questions People Also Ask

Get Quick Rock Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant rock ID and answers on characteristics, market value, collecting tips, care, real vs fake, and health risks, etc.
Download the App for Free

More Rocks You Might Enjoy

Img topic
Rhyolite
Rhyolite is a volcanic rock sometimes confused with jasper. Rhyolitic lavas form thick flows or steep-sided piles called lava domes. Precious gem deposits commonly occur in rhyolite’s gas pockets known as vugs. It is rarely used in construction or manufacturing because it fractures easily but is sometimes used to produce crushed stone for road fill.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Labradorite
Named for the Canadian province in which it was first categorized, labradorite is a feldspar mineral notable for its iridescence, which is so unusual that it has spawned an entirely new term: labradorescence. Famed for these spectacular displays of color, this unique mineral is most often used by jewelers who create unusual or custom-made pieces.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Amazonite
Amazonite is a rare variety of feldspar. The stone’s greenish-blue colors are used for the creation of beads, cabochons, and tumbled stones. It is not durable, so is best made into earrings or pendants to avoid scratching or breakage. A scarab ring and other carvings made of amazonite were found in King Tut’s tomb in Egypt.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Ferruginous Quartz
With a nearly even coloration of brown, yellow, and red tones, ferruginous Quartz tends to form crystals that are large and striking in appearance. They are often opaque. Though sometimes translucent, this type of quartz is never transparent. It gets its coloring from hematite or limonite.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Petrified Wood
Petrified Wood is a colloquial term used for fossilized remains of trees or tree-like plants, where the cavities between natural wood cells are filled with minerals . The most famous locality where petrified Wood can be observed is Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona, USA). The material is often used for jewelry and decorations.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Magnesite
Because magnesite is easily dyed, in commercial contexts one might encounter this mineral in all colors of the rainbow alongside its natural white or grey hues. Polished specimens may be used for a variety of craft jewelry purposes. Some scientists are experimenting with the idea of sequestering carbon in magnesite to slow or reverse the effects of climate change.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Tree Agate
Also known as dendritic agate, tree Agate has been known to humanity since ancient times: It was a favorite carving stone for seals and rings among the ancient Egyptians, and the ancient Greeks would bury this stone to promote plentiful harvests in the coming season. It is named for its foliage-like patterns.
Read More
Arrow
Img topic
Gold
Gold is an element that needs no introduction. It is found almost everywhere in small amounts, and in very few places in large quantities. Its usage in society dates back to ancient Egypt and perhaps even earlier. All the gold found on earth is said by scientists to have arrived here on meteorites.
Read More
Arrow