Metamorphic Rocks &

The Rock Cycle

 Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks form from
transformation of pre-existing rock by heat
and/or pressure WITHOUT melting

Metamorphism is derived from the Greek

words meta, meaning change, and morph,
meaning form.

During metamorphism, a rock changes form

while remaining solid.
High Temperature and Pressure

High temperature is ultimately derived

from Earths internal heat, either
through deep burial or from nearby
igneous intrusions.

High pressures come from deep burial

or from compression during mountain
building.
 Metamorphic Textures
Metamorphic rocks are classified into two textural groups:

1. Foliated
Layers and bands of minerals
High pressure during metamorphism causes minerals with flat or
needlelike crystals to form with their long axes perpendicular to the
pressure
Increases with time and pressure (more time & pressure more
foliation)
2. Non-foliated
Unlike foliated rocks, non-foliated rocks are composed mainly of
minerals that form with blocky crystal shapes.
Foliation
 Grades of Metamorphism
Different combinations of temperature and
pressure result in different grades of
metamorphism

Low Grade: Low temperatures and

pressures and a particular suite of minerals
Intermediate: between low- and high-
grade metamorphism
High Grade: High temperatures and
pressures and a different suite of minerals
Grades of Metamorphism
 Types of Metamorphism
1. Regional Metamorphism
When high temperature and pressure affect large regions of
Earths crust
Low to high grades of metamorphism
Creates foliation
Rocks are named for style of foliation

2. Contact Metamorphism
When molten material comes in contact with solid rock, a local
effect of contact metamorphism occurs
High temperature
Moderate to low pressure
 Regional Metamorphic Rocks
Slate

Platy minerals aligned on planes (microscopic)

Splits along flat, nearly parallel planes
Dull Sheen
Low grade metamorphism

**Often confused with shale. Shale makes a

thud when hit on a table, slate makes a clink.
Regional Metamorphic Rocks
Phyllite

Finely crystalline, can have a bit of a

shiny sheen
Crinkly/Wavy layers
Low to moderate metamorphic
grade
Regional Metamorphic Rocks
Schist

Platy minerals are aligned on

planes
Crystals are larger with the grains
aligned in parallel layers
Regional Metamorphic Rocks
Gneiss (nice)

Minerals separate into light and

dark layers
Coarsely crystalline
High grade metamorphism
Contact Metamorphic Rocks
Quartzite

Metamorphosed Sandstone
Composed of Quartz
Sugary appearance
Contact Metamorphic Rocks
Marble

Metamorphosed Limestone
Non-foliated
Composed of calcium