A preferred orientation of large,flaky mica crystals within metamorphic rock is termed
A) slaty cleavage.
B) phyllitic luster.
C) schistosity.
D) compositional banding.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The preferred orientation of large, flaky mica crystals within metamorphic rock is called schistosity. This results in the rock having a distinct foliation or layering, which is different from the slaty cleavage seen in fine-grained metamorphic rocks such as slate, and the phyllitic luster seen in phyllite. Compositional banding, on the other hand, refers to the alternating layers of different mineral compositions in some metamorphic rocks such as gneiss.

A Preferred Orientation of Large,flaky Mica Crystals Within Metamorphic Rock