Metamorphic Rocks

• Isochemical!
 - Minerals are transformed
– Texturally or mineralogically distinct


–
–
–
 
 Contact and Regional
Metamorphism
1. regional: burial, transformation, and exhumation of entire
regions

2. contact: transformed by contact

with an igneous intrusion.

N o te : T h e ro cks exp o se d
in B o u ld e r C a n yo n w e st o f
to w n a re a llre g io n a lly
m e ta m o rp h o se d
Pre C a m b ria n ro cks. T h e
a g e o f m e ta m o rp h ism
d e te rm in e d fro m
ra d io m e tric d a tin g is
a b o u t 1 . 8 b illio n ye a rs
• Contact metamorphism
– Locally and adjacent to igneous
intrusions
– Along fractures in contact with hot
fluids (hydrothermal)
• Mineral crystals precipitate along
fractures
– Caused by low P, high T (from magma
or fluids)
– Time scale: days  kyr
– Intensity greatest at contact between
parent and intrusive magma or
fluids
• Decreases rapidly over short distances
 Check out fig. 7.1 in LM!

Lava flow bakes mud

beneath it!
 Shale!
• Regional
Metamorphism
– Large intrusions,
tectonism,
widespread
hydrothermal
fluids
– High P, Lower T
– Usually results in
rocks that are
strongly foliated
– Widespread
hydrothermal
migration
The Cascade Range
Ocean Ridges
 Mineralogical Composition
-Kinds and abundances within the rock
-Composition can change OR stay the same
(texture changes)
-
Recrystallization = crystals of one mineral
 fewer, larger crystals of same mineral!

Neomorphism = changes mineral composition!

Recrystallizes minerals and form different
minerals from same elements!

Metasomatism = Chemicals are added or lost,

can gain new elements! (Minerals of a totally
different composition)
 Textures
• Foliated – layering, parallel alignment
of platy mineral crystals (i.e. micas)
– From pressure and shearing of
crystals
 1. Slaty (low grade) – closely spaced
shear planes, flat foliated
 2. Pyllite texture (intermediate) – wavy
foliation, metallic luster
 3. Schistosity (intermediate-high) -
glittery layering or linear alignment of
crystals, breaks on wavy foliations
 4. Gneissic Banding – layers of light and
dark, medium-coarse grained
Slaty

Schistosity

Phyllite Texture Gneissic Banding

• Nonfoliated – no obvious layering
1.Crystalline texture (nonfoliated) –
intergrown, usually equal size
visible crystals
2.Microcrystalline texture – fine-
grained, intergrown microscopic
minerals (i.e. sugar cube)
3.Sandy texture – medium-coarse
grained, resemble sandstone,
fused sand
4.Glassy texture – no visible grains or
structures, breaks along glossy
surfaces