Metamorphic Rocks

Jane Dowell
 Causes of Metamorphism
Metamorphic rock
forms when pressure
deep within the earth
melts and changes
existing rock.
This is different than
intrusive igneous rock,
because you are
starting with rock, not
magma.
 Types of Metamorphism
Different
combinations of
temperature and
pressure form
different types of
metamorphic
rocks
Regional Metamorphism
Regional
Metamorphism has
varying levels of these
combinations ranging
from low to
intermediate to high
Different levels show
the different amounts
of temperature and
pressure
 Contact Metamorphism
This is metamorphism
is due to high
temperature and
moderate-to-low
pressure
When magma
intrudes into an area
underground where
solid rock exists the
rock is morphed into a
different type of rock
 Hydrothermal Metamorphism
This occurs when hot
water changes the
chemistry and
mineralogy
The water can dissolve
or change the minerals
because of its
temperature
Common near active
volcanoes
 Metamorphic Texture
Metamorphic rocks have two main textural groups
 Foliated Metamorphic Rock
In foliated rock the grains are arranged in
parallel layers or bands.
These may appear as alternating layers of
color or just as flat layers that break or cleave.

Gneiss

Muscovite Mica Schist

 Nonfoliated Metamorphic Rock
In nonfoliated rock the grains are random.
They do not split into layers.

Quartzite
 Parent Rocks
Parent Rocks are rocks that were one type of
rock that were Morphed into a different
Sandstone
type of rock Gneiss
Granite

Shale Slate
 Uses of Metamorphic Rock
Marble and Slate used
the most because it has
fine grain and easily cut
Buildings and statues
Slate is foliated thus
easily split into flat
pieces
Flooring
Roofing
Walkways
Chalkboards