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Schists are a group of fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rocks characterized by the presence of abundant platy or elongated minerals. The term "schist" is derived from the Greek word "schizein," meaning "to split," reflecting the rock's tendency to split along its foliation planes. Schists are typically composed of minerals such as mica, chlorite, talc, and quartz, which give the rock a distinctive layered or banded appearance.

The formation of schists occurs through the metamorphism of various parent rocks, including shales, mudstones, and other fine-grained sedimentary rocks. This process involves the application of heat and pressure, which causes the minerals in the rock to recrystallize and align in a preferred orientation, resulting in the characteristic foliation. The degree of metamorphism can vary, leading to the formation of different types of schists, such as garnet schist, biotite schist, and chlorite schist.

Schists are commonly found in metamorphic terrains and are often associated with other metamorphic rocks like gneisses and phyllites. They are used in various applications, including as building materials, decorative stones, and in the production of ceramics. The study of schists provides valuable insights into the geological history of an area, as they can preserve evidence of past tectonic events and the conditions under which they formed.