GEOSPHERE: Rocks
Metamorphic
Rocks
Table of contents
01 02
About metamorphic rock Types of metamorphic rock
Its characteristics and how is it Non-foliated and foliated
formed.
03 04
Types of foliated rock Activities
Gneiss, schist, phyllite, and slate Games/Group Activities
01
About metamorphic
rock
metamorphic rocks
Metamorphic rocks are formed from igneous or sedimentary rocks that
have changed form (recrystallized) due to changes in their physical
environment. The word metamorphism is derived from the Greek word
meaning "change of form." Heat and pressure transform the old, or
parent, rock into a totally new kind of rock, which is how metamorphic
rocks are formed. The parent rock may be another metamorphic rock, an
igneous rock, or sedimentary.
How to distinguish metamorphic rock
The main feature that identifies metamorphic rocks is that
they are shaped by great heat and pressure. The following
traits are all related to that.
• Because their mineral grains grew together tightly
during metamorphism, they're generally strong rocks.
• They're made of different minerals than other kinds of
rocks and have a wide range of color and luster.
• They often show signs of stretching or squeezing, giving
them a striped appearance.
02
Types of
metamorphic rock
non-foliated metamorphic rocks
Not all parent rocks have platy or elongated minerals and
when these rocks undergo metamorphism the individual
mineral grains do not align. These are called NON
FOLIATED rocks. Types of non-foliated metamorphic rocks
include marble, quartzite, anthracite and hornfels.
Foliated metamorphic rock
Foliated metamorphic rock is a type of rock that has undergone
metamorphism, a process in which existing rocks are subjected to
high temperature and pressure, causing them to undergo physical and
chemical changes. Foliated metamorphic rocks have distinct layers
or bands, known as foliation, which are formed due to the alignment
of minerals or the development of parallel mineral grains. Examples
of foliated metamorphic rocks include slate, schist, and gneiss.
03
Types of Foliated
metamorphic rock
Gneiss
Gneiss is a coarse to medium grained banded
metamorphic rock formed from igneous or
sedimentary rocks during regional metamorphism.
Rich in feldspars and quartz, gneisses also contain
mica minerals and aluminous or ferromagnesian
silicates. Gneiss nearly always shows a banded
texture characterized by alternating darker and
lighter colored bands and without a distinct
cleavage.
schist
The rock with schistose structure is
made up of broadly parallel or sub-
parallel layers of flaky, platy or rod-
like minerals making it very weak in
the direction of parallelism.
phyllite
Phyllitic rock is a type of metamorphic rock that has undergone
low-grade regional metamorphism. It is characterized by its fine-
grained texture and parallel alignment of mineral grains, giving it
a slaty or schistose appearance. The main minerals found in
phyllitic rocks are usually mica minerals, such as muscovite or
biotite, which give them a shiny or reflective quality.Phyllitic
rocks typically form from the alteration of pre-existing rocks, such
as shale or slate, under conditions of low to moderate temperature
and pressure. During metamorphism, the minerals in the original
rock recrystallize and align parallel to each other, resulting in the
foliation or layering that is characteristic of phyllitic rocks.These
rocks are commonly found in areas where the Earth's crust has
undergone regional metamorphism, such as mountainous regions.
slate
Foliated slaty metamorphic rock is known
as "slate." It's formed from the
metamorphosis of shale, possessing a fine-
grained structure and a characteristic
ability to be split into thin, smooth sheets.
Slate is often used in roofing, flooring, and
as a material for decorative purposes due
to its durability and unique appearance.
04
activities
activity 1
The class will be divided into two groups. The presenters will show
the class some pictures of rocks. To gain points, the group must raise
the flash card NON-FOLIATED if it is a non-foliated metamorphic
rock and FOLIATED if it is a fiolated metamorphic rock. After
raising the flash card, the group must say what type of non-foliated
or foliated rock is in the picture for another point.
activity 2
With the same group, the group must have one representative per
question. The presenters will dictate the definition of something they
reported earlier. Then, the group representative will be given printed
copies of the terms in their report. The representative must paste the
right answer on the board. The first one to paste the answer gets the
point.
Tha
you!
nk
