Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks form when minerals in an existing rock are changed by heat and
pressure below the surface.
They will form new minerals that are more stable in the new environment. Extreme
pressure may also lead to the formation of foliation, or flat layers in rocks that form as
the rocks are squeezed by pressure.
The prefix, ‘meta’ has several meanings some of which are ‘after’ and ‘change’ and
the root word ‘morph’ also means ‘form’ or ‘shape’.
Two ways rocks change
Contact Metamorphism:
Contact metamorphism is caused by the heat and fluids released by a
magma intrusion into surrounding rocks. The intensity of the metamorphism
depends on the temperature of the magma, the size of the intrusion, and the
type of country rock being intruded.
The heat from the magma causes the surrounding rocks to heat up and
recrystallize. This process can change the minerals in the rocks, create new
minerals, and change the texture of the rocks. For example, limestone can be
metamorphosed into marble, and sandstone can be metamorphosed into
quartzite.
Regional Metamorphism:
Most metamorphic rocks occur in fold mountain belts or cratonic
areas. Such rocks cover large areas of the Earth's crust and are therefore
termed regional metamorphic rocks. This typically happens where tectonic
plates collide, such as in mountain ranges or where one plate sinks below
another.
During regional metamorphism, rocks are subjected to intense
directional pressure and elevated temperatures, causing minerals within the
rock to recrystallize without melting. These conditions facilitate the formation
of new mineral assemblages and foliated textures, such as schist and gneiss,
characterized by the alignment of minerals.
Classification
Foliated:
As pressure squeezes on a parent rock during recrystallization it causes the
platy or elongated minerals within the rock to become aligned, or foliated. Foliated
rocks develop a platy or sheet-like structure that reflects the direction that pressure
was applied in. Types of foliated metamorphic rocks include slate, schist, and gneiss.
Non-Foliated:
Non-foliated rocks form when pressure is uniform, or near the surface where
pressure is very low. They can also form when the parent rock consists of blocky
minerals such as quartz and calcite, in which individual crystals do not align because
they aren’t longer in any one dimension.
Examples of metamorphic rocks with foliated textures:
Flat, slaty cleavage is well developed.
Dense, microscopic grains may exhibit slight sheen (or dull
luster)
Clanky sound when struck.
Breaks into hard, flat sheets.
Finely crystalline; mica's hardly discernible, but impart
a sheen or luster.
Breaks along wavy surfaces.
Foliation formed by alignment of visible crystals.
Rock breaks along scaly foliation surfaces.
Sparkling appearances.
Examples of metamorphic rocks with non-foliated textures:
Microcrystalline texture.
Glassy black sheen.
Conchoidal fracture.
Low density.
Crystalline. Hard (scratches glass)
.Sandy or sugary texture.
Color variable; can be white, pink, brown, red, or purple.
Finely crystalline (resembling a sugar cube) to medium or coarse texture.
Color variable; white, pink, or gray among others.
Fossils in some variety.
Minerals
The common minerals in metamorphic rocks are the
same as the rock-forming silicates found in igneous
rocks with the addition of a few high-temperature,
high-pressure forms.
Kyanite- Silicate mineral that is formed during the regional metamorphism of
clay-rich sediments
Garnet- Group of silicate minerals that have been used since the Bronze Age as
gemstones and abrasives.
Corundum- Extremely hard aluminum oxide, used as an abrasive.
Quartz- A hard, crystalline mineral composed of silica
Amphibole- A major group of hydrous minerals that occur in a wide range of rock
types.
Engineering Properties:
Strength and Hardness
High Compressive Strength: Metamorphic rocks generally have high
compressive strength due to their recrystallized nature. Examples include marble and
quartzite, which are often used in construction.
Many metamorphic rocks, like gneiss and schist, are very hard and resistant to
abrasion, making them suitable for use as aggregates in construction projects.
Thermal Conductivity
Metamorphic rocks typically exhibit moderate to high thermal conductivity.
This property can be important in geothermal applications and in the stability of
structures subjected to temperature variations.
Composition and Structure
The mineral composition and texture of metamorphic rocks often provide high
resistance to abrasion, making them suitable for high-wear environments like road
surfaces and railway ballast.
Engineering Applications
Aggregates
Gneiss and quartzite are commonly used as aggregates in concrete and asphalt,
providing strength and durability to these materials.
Roofing and Flooring
Slate is popular for roofing and flooring tiles due to its cleavage properties,
allowing it to be split into thin, durable sheets.
Foundation
The high strength and stability of metamorphic rocks make them ideal for use
in foundations and other load-bearing structures.
Conclusion
Metamorphic rocks possess a range of properties that make them valuable in
engineering and construction. Their high strength, durability, and resistance to
environmental factors ensure their suitability for various applications, from structural
foundations to decorative building materials. Understanding these properties allows
engineers to effectively utilize metamorphic rocks in their projects, ensuring safety,
stability, and longevity.