Metamorphic
Rocks
Witnessing a butterfly
metamorphose is a wonderful thing
to see.
Metamorphosis is a Greek word
which means “to change form”.
Like this butterfly, rocks can also
metamorphose.
Metamorphic Rocks
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• Metamorphic rocks are
rocks that have been
altered, changed, or
transformed in the solid
state due to changes in
pressure, temperature
conditions, and chemical
actions of hot fluids.
Slate, a metamorphic rock
Formation of Metamorphic
Learn about It Rocks
• Metamorphism refers to the alteration of
rocks due to different factors, like
temperature and pressure. There are many
ways by which this occurs.
Formation of Metamorphic
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Rocks
Changes in minerals during
metamorphism can happen in three
possible ways.
1. Recrystallization occurs
when small crystals of one
mineral will slowly convert to
fewer, larger crystals of the
same mineral without melting Shale (top) can change
the rock. its mineral assemblage
into schist (bottom)
during metamorphism.
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Formation of Metamorphic
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Rocks
2. Neomorphism is the
process whereby
minerals not only
recrystallize, but also
form different minerals
from the same chemical
elements.
Cements in Oligocene barnacle
(ba) – bryozoa (br) limestone.
Formation of Metamorphic Rocks
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3. Metasomatism is the
addition or loss of elements
new minerals form with only
some of the original
elements, and new
elements were added
through hydrothermal
migration.
TwoLearn
mainabout
scales
It of Metamorphic Rocks
The scale indicating the level of pressure and temperature during the
formation of a particular metamorphic rock is called metamorphic
grade . The higher the temperature and pressure, the higher the
metamorphic grade.
Contact metamorphism occurs
only at a local area adjacent to large
intrusions and along fractures that
are in contact with hot fluids.
Contact metamorphism.
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TwoLearn
mainabout
scales
It of Metamorphic Rocks
• Regional metamorphism
occurs when there are
major igneous intrusions,
presence of extreme
pressure and heat due to
deep burial.
Regional metamorphism.
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“See Bigs Kiss”
“CBGSKS”
“ C hlorite - B iotite - G arnet - S taurolite - K yanite - S illimanite”
Types of about
Learn Metamorphic
It Rocks on Texture
Metamorphic rocks can be classified as Foliated or NonFoliated based
on texture.
• Foliated metamorphic
rocks are formed when
parallel planes of platy or
elongated minerals
creating what is called as
foliations.
Increasing metamorphism causes
distinct bands or foliation to form.
Examples of Foliated Metamorphic Rocks
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slate schist
Types of Metamorphic
Learn about It Rocks
• Nonfoliated
metamorphic
rocks do not have
layered
appearance.
Examples are
marble, quartzite,
and anthracite.
Some metamorphic rocks with their corresponding protoliths
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Examples of Non-Foliated Metamorphic Rocks
quartzite marble
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Rock Cycle
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• The rock cycle shows
that all rocks are
related to each other.
• Igneous rocks can
change into
sedimentary or
metamorphic rocks.
Rock Cycle
Classifying Rocks
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• To identify an
unknown rock
sample, just follow
this key shown
below for you to be
guided on
classifying the rock
sample in an
accurate manner.
Classifying Rock Types
Check Your Understanding
Factors Affecting
Learn about It Weathering of Rocks
• Goldich stability series
illustrates the relative stability
or weathering rate of
numerous minerals. This
series is roughly the inverse
order of original crystallization
for minerals found in the
Bowen’s reaction series.
Goldich stability series