GEOL 3340

Lab 05

Metamorphic Rocks

Observe and record the properties of the metamorphic rock samples displayed in the lab
room and use them to identify the samples. Lists of properties can be found below, as well as
links to rock identification keys. Please complete the attached worksheets and submit them
to your instructor. Don’t forget to put your name on the worksheets!

Important notice:
In this lab you will be using hydrochloric acid (HCl). This is a dangerous liquid for skin and
eyes, and it can also damage clothes. – By starting to work on this lab, you acknowledge that
you have read and understood the dangers associated with the use of HCl. If you don’t want
to use it, ask your lab instructor to use it for you.

Acknowledgement: Thank you to Dr. Cornelia Winguth for preparing this exercise.

Grain Size:
 Gravel > 2 mm
 Sand 0.06-2 mm
 Silt 0.004-0.06 mm
 Clay < 0.004 mm
Foliation:
 Foliated
 Non-foliated
Composition:
 Can you identify any minerals in the rock?
Other Observations:
 Color
 Banding
 Cleavage
 …
Identification Keys and Information About Rocks:
http://geology.about.com/od/rocks/a/Rock-Tables.htm
http://facweb.bhc.edu/academics/science/harwoodr/Geol101/labs/metamorf/
http://jersey.uoregon.edu/~mstrick/MinRockID/RockID/MetaClass.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metamorphism
Text: Pages 201-206

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 Name:__________________________

Examining and Classifying Metamorphic Rocks

Sample Foliation Grain Size Composition Other Observations Rock Name

Number
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Rocks provided: Amphibolite, Gneiss, Marble, Phyllite, Quartzite, Schist, Serpentinite, Slate

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 Metamorphic Rock Formation
1) What are the likely parent rocks of the rocks that you identified in the first part of the lab?
2) What is their approximate metamorphic grade?
3) What are the likely types of metamorphism that the rocks experienced?

Sample #/Rock Name Parent Rock and Metamorphic Grade

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How do you identify a rock in the field to see whether they are igneous, sedimentary or
metamorphic?