Metamorphic Rocks Explained Simply
Metamorphic rocks form when
existing rocks (igneous or sedimentary) are transformed by intense heat
and pressure, often during events like mountain-building or tectonic plate
collisions. These forces change the rock’s texture, structure, or mineral
composition without melting it.
How They Form
- Heat: From deep Earth
or nearby magma.
- Pressure:
From overlying rocks or tectonic forces.
Common Examples
Original
Rock |
Metamorphic
Rock |
Clay/Shale |
Slate |
Limestone |
Marble |
Sandstone |
Quartzite |
Granite |
Gneiss |
Shale |
Schist |
Coal |
Graphite |
Key Features
- Foliated:
Layered/banded (e.g., slate, schist, gneiss).
- Non-foliated:
No layers (e.g., marble, quartzite).
Why They Matter
- Used in construction (marble for statues,
quartzite for countertops).
- Provide clues about Earth’s history
(e.g., mountain formation).
Fun Fact: The
word “metamorphic” comes from Greek, meaning “change form”! 🌟