Metamorphic Rock Classification

Rock cycle

General Features metamorphic means “after change” metamorphic rocks can come from any other kind of rock (called the “parent rock”) rocks are changed (undergo metamorphosis) due to heat and pressure

Texture for Metamorphic Rocks is Alignment and Size of Crystals foliated texture = parallel alignment foliated texture = flat or wavy bands or stripes can be coarse, medium, or fine non-foliated texture = not pressed into sheets also called “massive”

Rock Cycle

Types of Metamorphism Contact Metamorphism parent rock came into contact with a heat source what could heat up surrounding rock?

Types of Metamorphism ctd. Regional Metamorphism the parent rock changes over a widespread area what could change a lot of rock at once?

Types of Metamorphism ctd.

Summary Questions What are heat and pressure changing? What can texture tell you about a metamorphic rock?