SHIMLEY: There are two types of Metamorphism:

The second type is Contact metamorphism.

By the word “contact”, it is a kind of metamorphism due to contact with or proximity to an igneous
intrusion. It occurs when rock textures and minerals are altered by contact with magma, primarily by heat. The
area that has undergone metamorphism surrounding an igneous rock is called the metamorphic aureole.
Outside of the contact aureole, the rocks are not affected by the intrusive event. If you keep in mind that these
rocks alter by really coming into contact with anything extremely hot, like lava, you can remember this term
rather easily.
CHARISH: Imagine if you were gazing at a cross-section of the Earth, where you could see both the surface of
the planet and several thick layers of rock underneath it. Imagine that these thick layers of rock are being forced
up by an intrusion of hot, molten lava. The nearby rocks undergo metamorphosis as a result of the magma's
baking.
HAZEL: As a result, metamorphic rocks will form all along the outside edge of the magma intrusion. Keep in
mind that contact metamorphism only occurs across a narrow region since there is a relatively direct touch
with the heat source.
CHARISH: What causes contact metamorphic rocks?
Heat is important in contact metamorphism, but pressure is not a key factor, so contact metamorphism
produces non-foliated (rocks without any cleavage) metamorphic rocks such as hornfels, marble, and
quartzite. A hot body of magma in the upper crust can create a very dynamic situation that may have
geologically interesting and economically important implications.
SHIMLEY: In the simplest cases, water does not play a big role, and the main process is transfer of heat from
the pluton (body of intrusive igneous rock) to the surrounding rock, creating a zone of contact metamorphism.
In that situation mudrock or volcanic rock will likely be metamorphosed to hornfels, limestone will be
metamorphosed to marble, and sandstone to quartzite.
HAZEL: We prepared three examples of Contact metamorphic rocks, please take a look at the table. These
are…
(TABLE)
HAZEL: Aside from the information stated in the table, let us fill you with additional information.
HORNFELS is the group name for a set of contact metamorphic rocks that have been baked and hardened by
the heat of intrusive igneous masses and have been rendered massive, hard, splintery, and in some cases
exceedingly tough and durable.
CHARISH: MARBLE is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly
calcite or dolomite. Marble is typically not foliated, although there are exceptions. In geology, the term marble
refers to metamorphosed limestone, but its use in stonemasonry more broadly encompasses unmetamorphosed
limestone.
SHIMLEY: QUARTZITE is a hard, non-foliated metamorphic rock which was originally pure quartz
sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure usually related to tectonic
compression within orogenic belts.
CHARISH: The sort of contact metamorphic rock that develops is significantly influenced by how much
pressure and heat are applied to the minerals in the original rock. As the temperature and/or pressure increases
on a body of rock we say the rock undergoes prograde metamorphism or that the grade of metamorphism
increases.

HAZEL: Metamorphic grade is a general term for describing the relative temperature and pressure conditions
under which metamorphic rocks form. As the metamorphism of rocks increases, metamorphic rocks develop in
phases. The mineral composition and texture of the originating rocks can be radically changed by metamorphic
processes (see the pictures above).
CHARISH: Any pre-existing rock, known as a protolith which was mentioned by Sheens earlier, may undergo
a change in shape when heated by fluids already present inside the rock (a metamorphic rock).The name
"protolith" derives from the pneumonic terms proto, which means first, and lith, which means rock, i.e., the
first rock that underwent metamorphosis. Different initial rocks will produce different minerals.
SHIMLEY: A famous example of contact metamorphism along the sides of an igneous intrusion exposed in
cliffs of limestone. The Purcell Sill is composed of an igneous intrusive rock (diorite) and cuts through older
Precambrian-age sedimentary rocks. This exposure is in Glacier National Park, Montana. Contact
metamorphism occurred both on the top and bottom of the sill.
HAZEL: Though contact metamorphism is distinct from regional metamorphism that is mainly due to pressure.
The igneous rocks that cause the change may be formed by plate tectonics process that also cause regional
metamorphism. Usually, the area that is contact metamorphosed is much smaller than the area affected by
regional metamorphism.
SHIMLEY: Metamorphic rocks form where a pre-existing rock is subjected to conditions unlike those in which
it formed. Metamorphic rocks are not melted as they form. Metamorphism and metamorphic rocks are part of
the rock cycle which will be discussed to you by Monique and Diona.