Skarns often contain a diverse assemblage of metamorphic minerals. The mineral assemblage in a skarn is determined by the lithology of the invaded rock, the chemistry of the invading liquid, and the temperature of the rock environment.

Metamorphic minerals that characterize the skarn environment include a wide range of calc-silicates, many types of garnet, and a range of pyroxenes and amphiboles. Occasionally, valuable metallic mineral ores occur in skarn. Some of the world’s best copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and zinc deposits have been in skarn.