Where Do Metamorphic Rocks Come From?
By definition, metamorphic rocks are rocks that have changed due to the application of high temperatures and/or high pressures. Therefore a metamorphic rock has a PARENT ROCK. This is the rock type before it underwent metamorphism. Below is a chart with common metamorphic rocks, with their parent rocks, and the characteristics common in these metamorphic rocks. ROCKNAME——PARENTROCK——–CHARACTERISTICS SLATE shales and muds prominant splitting surfaces SCHIST fine grained rocks mica minerals, often crinkled or wavy GNEISS coarse grained rocks dark and light bands or layers of aligned minerals QUARTZITE sandstone interlocking almost fused quartz grains, little or no porosity MARBLE limestone interlocking, often coarse,calcite grains,little or no porosity __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Under What Conditions Do Metamorphic Rocks Form ? Metamorphic rocks are formed due to intense pressures, in
