Metamorphic fabric and textures

Texture (grain-
(grain-grain relationships) refer to
to::
1) shape and size of the individual grains
2) orientation of the individual grains
3) arrangements of the mineral grains in metamorphic rock
structure used for large features
Fabric refer to the complete spatial and geometric
configuration of textural and structural elements

Importance of textures in metamorphic rocks to:

1) Interprint the order of crystallization of minerals,
2) sequence of events involved in forming the metamorphic
rocks,
3) Intensity of P-T condition during metamorphism, and
4) used to nominate the metamorphic rocks
 Metamorphic Textures
The processes of compaction and recrystallization
change the texture of rocks during metamorphism.
Compaction

The grains move closer together.

The rock becomes more dense.

Porosity is reduced.
Example: clay to shale to slate
Recrystallization
Growth of new crystals. No changes in overall chemistry.
New crystals grow from the minerals already present.
 Metamorphic Textures
Metamorphic Textures
1.The Processes of Deformation, Recovery, and
Recrystallization
2. Pressure Solution

Figure 23-2 a. Highest strain in areas near grain contacts (hatch pattern). b. High-strain areas dissolve and material precipitates in
adjacent low-strain areas (shaded). The process is accompanied by vertical shortening. c. Pressure solution of a quartz crystal in a
deformed quartzite (σ1 is vertical). Pressure solution results in a serrated solution surface in high-strain areas (small arrows) and
precipitation in low-strain areas (large arrow). ~ 0.5 mm across. The faint line within the grain is a hematite stain along the original clast
surface. After Hibbard (1995) Petrography to Petrogenesis. Prentice Hall.
“Anticracks” – pressure solution
Stylolites
 Fabric Elements

•Bedding
•Compositional layering
•Mineral grains
•Fold Hinges
•Axial planes
•Planes of parting or fracture
•etc
 Metamorphic Fabrics
Foliation
Cleavage
Schistosity
Lineation

S-tectonite L-tectonite L/S-

L/S-tectonite
 Random fabric

Foliation

Lineation
Penetrative Fabric

Spaced Fabric
 Cleavage
A kind of foliation
Deformation Fabric
Rock splits along preferred planes
 Foliated Texture

Orientation of minerals
Recrystallization
Directed stress will orient minerals:
Lineation
Foliation
 Foliation
Foliation is a broad term referring to the alignment of
sheet--like minerals. Types of foliation:
sheet
Schistosity - alignment of large mica flakes, as in a
mica schist derived from the metamorphism of shale.
Slaty cleavage - alignment of very fine-
fine-grained micas,
as in a slate derived from the metamorphism of shale.
Phyllitic structure - alignment of fine-
fine-grained micas,
as in a phyllite
phyllite..
Gneissic banding - segregation of light and dark
minerals into distinct layers in the rock, as in a gneiss
 Types of foliations
a. Compositional layering
b. Preferred orientation of platy
minerals
c. Shape of deformed grains
d. Grain size variation
e. Preferred orientation of platy
minerals in a matrix without
preferred orientation
f. Preferred orientation of
lenticular mineral aggregates
g. Preferred orientation of
fractures
h. Combinations of the above
Mechanisms for the development of foliations.
Development of foliation by simple shear and pure shear (flattening).