LUIBEAN SEMIPELITIC SCHIST
The exposure observed in the Luibean semipelitic schist is very poor with only five small outcrops being observed of which three occur in the bed of the Allt nan Luibean Bàna (plate 4) (NGR 81477728). No exposures of the Luibean semipelitic schist are observed in the peat bog of Luibean Bàna (NGR 81827701) south of the forest which covers the northern portion of the unit. The unit forms an area of relatively low topography bounded to the Northeast by the Druim nan Uamh ridge and to the Southwest by the ridge forming Meall na h-Iolaire.
The outcrop width of the unit is 280 metres.
Exposed surfaces of the Luibean semipelitic schist show a grey brown colouration with a well developed foliation being observed with the foliation surfaces being defined by white micas and the surfaces being approximately 1 centimetre apart. The fresh surface of the rock varies according to whether the surface is a foliation surface or a section normal to the foliation surface. The section normal to the foliation surface is a grey colour overall but with lighter streaks being observed on closer examination. The grain size of the rock is variable between grains of less than 0.0625 millimetres (i.e. silt grade material) and grains of 1.0 millimetre (i.e. sand grade material). The grain size variation may suggest a sandy mudstone precursor. The "S" fabric is well developed, a poorly developed "L" fabric may be present but the minerals that define it cannot be distinguished. The rock has a schistose fabric with the alignment of white micas imparting glossy lustre to the foliation surfaces.
The mineralogy of the rock includes: quartz 35%, feldspar 35%, biotite 20%, white mica 10%.
The general strike of the foliation is to the Northwest - Southeast dipping steeply to the Southwest.
The north-eastern boundary is exposed at Location 144 (c.f. Garbh amphibolite). The south-western boundary could not be observed but was inferred as the point where Achlais amphibolite outcrop began.
The north eastern boundary was observed to be almost foliation parallel which would be consistent with the precursors for the schists being sedimentary rocks.
No structures could be observed in this unit.
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