GNEISS

Gneiss
● Gneiss rock is a high-grade and foliated metamorphic rock
that is characterized by its banded appearance which are
composed of different minerals and aligned in a parallel
layers. Gneiss is considered as a strong and durable rock.
Composition of Gneiss
● The composition of a gneiss rock can vary depending on
the original rock that was metamorphosed.
● The most common mineral found in a gneiss rock are
quartz, feldspar, mica, amphibole, garnet, pyroxene, and
biotite.
Characteristics of Gneiss
● Banding is one of the obvious characteristics of gneiss. It
composed the rock with different minerals in a foliated
form.
● Foliation is a parallel alignment of a platy or elongated
minerals in a rock due to metamorphism.
● Texture can vary depending on the original rock that
gneiss was formed from. Gneiss typically has a course to
medium - grained texture.
Types of Gneiss
● Granitic - It is formed from granite and characterized by
its light-colored minerals such as quartz and feldspar.
Types of Gneiss
● Migmatite - It is formed from the mixture of
metamorphosed igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Types of Gneiss
● Amphibolite - It is formed from amphibolite and
characterized by its dark-colored minerals such as
amphibole and biotite.
Formation of Gneiss
● Gneiss rock is formed by the process of metamorphism.
● It is formed by the high-temperature and high-pressure
metamorphism of igneous or sedimentary rocks.
● Metamorphism causes the original rock to recrystallize and
form new mineral in bands that are parallel to the direction
of stress.
● Often found in regions that have experienced tectonic
activities.
Banding of Gneiss
● It is caused by segregation of different minerals during
metamorphism.
● The minerals in gneiss tend to have different densities and
melting points. As the rock heated, the denser minerals
sink to the bottom of the rock and the less dense float to
the top.
● This process leads to the formation of bands of different
minerals in the rock.
Banding of Gneiss
Classification of Gneiss
● Mineral composition - Gneisses are typically classified
according to the predominant minerals they contain. For
example, a gneiss that is rich in quartz and feldspar is
called a granoblastic gneiss, while a gneiss that is rich in
mica is called a micaceous gneiss.
Classification of Gneiss
● Texture - Gneisses can also be classified according to
their texture. For example, a gneiss that has a coarse-
grained texture is called a porphyroblastic gneiss, while
a gneiss that has a fine-grained texture is called a
leptomorphic gneiss.
Classification of Gneiss
● Metamorphic grade - Gneisses can also be classified
according to their metamorphic grade. Metamorphic grade
is a measure of the degree of metamorphism that a rock
has undergone. Gneisses that have undergone high-
grade metamorphism are called high-grade gneisses,
while gneisses that have undergone low-grade
metamorphism are called low-grade gneisses.
Uses of Gneiss
● Building material - Gneiss is a popular building material,
and it is used to make blocks, slabs, and tiles.
● Road construction - Gneiss is used in road construction
because it is a strong and durable rock that can withstand
heavy traffic.
● Decoration - Gneiss is a beautiful rock, and it is often
used in decorative applications, such as countertops and
fireplaces.
QUARTZITE
Quartzite
● Quartzite is a compact, hard, nonfoliated metamorphic
rock composed almost entirely of quartz. It forms when a
quartz-rich sandstone is altered by the heat, pressure,
and chemical activity of metamorphism.
Composition of Quartzite
● Quartzite is a metamorphic rock made from quartz
sandstone, a sedimentary rock predominantly composed
of the silicate mineral quartz.
● At least ninety percent of a quartzite rock is quartz.
● Components of quartzite other than quartz minerals are
called impurities and can affect the color of quartzite
rocks. Some common impurities are mica, feldspar,
amphibole, iron, magnetite and other rock fragments.
Characteristics of Quartzite
● Quartzite will not etch from acids like lemon juice or
vinegar.
● Quartzite is a hard, tough and durable rock due to it's
interlocking crystalline structure.
● Quartzite is usually white to gray in color.
● Quartzite’s hardness is about seven on the Mohs
Hardness Scale.
Formation of Quartzite
● Quartzite is metamorphosed sandstone. It is dominated
by quartz, and in many cases, the original quartz grains of
the sandstone are welded together with additional silica.
Most sandstone contains some clay minerals and may
also include other minerals such as feldspar or fragments
of rock, so most quartzite has some impurities with the
quartz.
Formation of Quartzite
● Most quartzite forms during mountain-building events at
convergent plate boundaries where sandstone was
deposited on a continental plate. There, the sandstone is
metamorphosed into quartzite by the intense pressure of
a plate collision and often by deep burial.
Uses of Quartzite
● Construction Use - Quartzite can be an extremely
durable crushed stone that is suitable for use in the most
demanding applications. Its soundness and abrasion
resistance are superior to most other materials. Bricks
and other strong building material are made of quartzite.
● Manufacturing Use - Quartzite is valued as a raw
material because of its high silica content. It used in
manufacturing glass, silicon metal and other materials.
Uses of Quartzite
● Decorative Use - Quartzite can be a very attractive stone
when it is colored by inclusions.
● Stone Tools - Quartzite has been used by humans to
make stone tools for over one million years. It was mainly
used for impact tools, but its conchoidal fracture allowed it
to be broken to form sharp edges. Broken pieces of
quartzite were used for crude cutting and chopping tools.
Uses of Quartzite
● Architectural Use - Quartzite is extremely versatile and
can be used both indoors and outdoors. It can be used in
many different shapes and forms including landscaping,
building stone, as a feature wall, tiles or even stone
cladding. Some of the most common uses indoors are
floors, countertops, vanities, fireplace surrounds, etc.
MARBLE
Marble
● Marble is a granular metamorphic rock, that is composed
of recrystallize carbonate minerals, usually limestone or
dolomite.
Composition of Marble
● The chemical composition of marble is primarily made up
of calcium carbonate, which typically makes up more than
90% of the rock.
● Marble may also contain small amounts of other minerals,
such as quartz, mica, feldspar, and iron oxides that can
give marble its characteristic colors and patterns.
Types of Marble
● Carrara Marble - This is one of the most popular and
well-known types of marble, known for its white or blue-
grey color and fine, uniform grain. Carrara marble is
quarried in Italy and is commonly used for sculpture and
building facades.
Types of Marble
● Calacatta Marble - Calacatta marble is a high-end type of
marble that is known for its distinctive veining and bright
white color. It is often used for high-end architectural
projects and luxury interior design.
Types of Marble
● Emperador Marble - This type of marble is characterized
by its rich, warm brown color and distinctive veining. It is
often used for flooring, countertops, and fireplace
surrounds.
Types of Marble
● Crema Marfil Marble - This type of marble is known for its
creamy, beige color and relatively uniform grain. It is a
popular choice for flooring and countertops.
Types of Marble
● Statuario Marble - Statuario marble is prized for its bright
white color and bold, dramatic veining. It is often used for
sculpture and high-end interior design projects.
Types of Marble
● Nero Marquina Marble - This is a rare type of marble that
is characterized by its deep black color and bright white
veining. It is often used for accents and decorative
elements in interior design.
Formation of Marble
● The formation of marble begins with the deposition of
calcium carbonate-rich sediments on the ocean floor. Over
time, these sediments may be buried and subjected to
increasing levels of heat and pressure, causing them to
undergo a process called metamorphism.
Formation of Marble
● During metamorphism, the sedimentary rocks are heated and
compressed, causing them to undergo a series of physical
and chemical changes. As the rocks are subjected to
increasing heat and pressure, the minerals within them begin
to recrystallize, forming new mineral structures and textures.
In the case of marble, the primary mineral that forms is
calcium carbonate, which recrystallizes into interlocking grains
that give the rock its characteristic texture and appearance.
Formation of Marble
● Marble is found in many parts of the world, including
Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Some of the
most famous and productive marble quarries are located
in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, China, and the United
States. The location and quality of marble deposits can
vary widely depending on geological factors such as the
type of rock, the age and depth of the deposit, and the
presence of other minerals and impurities.
Uses of Marble
● Building and architecture - Marble is a popular choice
for building facades, interior walls, flooring, and decorative
elements such as columns, arches, and moldings.
● Sculpture - Marble’s fine grain and ability to hold detail
make it an ideal material for sculpture.
Uses of Marble
● Countertops and tabletops - Marble is a popular choice
for kitchen and bathroom countertops, as well as dining
and coffee tables.
● Flooring - Marble flooring is a luxurious and elegant
choice for residential and commercial applications. It is
durable, easy to maintain, and can add value to a
property.
Uses of Marble
● Landscaping - Marble can be used for landscaping and
outdoor hardscaping, such as retaining walls, pathways,
and garden sculptures.
● Art and crafts - Marble can be used in a variety of art and
craft projects, such as mosaic work, jewelry making, and
carving.
Thank you for listening!!!
Prepared by: Jerremie O. de Luna
References:
Gneiss - Formation, Types, Classification, and Composition. (n.d.). Geology In.
Retrieved November 13,2023, from
https://www.geologyin.com/2023/07/gneiss-formation-types-classification.html

King, H. (n.d.). Quartzite. Geology.com. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from

https://geology.com/rocks/quartzite.shtml

Mahmut, M. (2023, August 21). Marble. Geology Science. Retrieved November

13, 2023, from https://geologyscience.com/rocks/metamorphic-rocks/marble/?amp