Classifying Metamorphic Rocks: Layered Rocks Quiz and Flashcards

What is the main factor used to classify metamorphic rocks?

What is the defining characteristic used by geologists to identify metamorphic rocks?

What type of change occurs in the crystal structure of metamorphic rocks due to intense heat and/or pressure?

Which process of rock formation involves the heat and pressure from the mechanical weight of overlying sediment or the Earth's mantle?

What is the main difference between regional metamorphism and contact metamorphism in terms of the rock affected?

What type of metamorphism occurs when other types of rock come in contact with or are impacted by the heat of magma?

What is the primary location of magma, which is liquid rock under the Earth's surface?

Which type of metamorphic rock is often made of a single mineral and can be used for construction and sculpture?

What is the result of foliation in layered metamorphic rocks?

What mineral is found in metamorphic rocks such as gneiss, schist, and phyllites, and is highly reflective and used as glitter in many cosmetics?

Which mineral is the most abundant on Earth?

What type of rock is formed from quartz-rich sandstone?

Which type of rock is a protolith for slate?

What is the parent rock of marble?

Which mineral group contains large amounts of aluminum and silica?

Metamorphic Rocks Classification

The main factor used to classify metamorphic rocks is the mineral composition.

Characteristics of Metamorphic Rocks

The defining characteristic used to identify metamorphic rocks is their mineral composition and structure.
Intense heat and/or pressure can change the crystal structure of metamorphic rocks.

Rock Formation Processes

Lithostatic pressure, which is the heat and pressure from the mechanical weight of overlying sediment or the Earth's mantle, causes rock formation.

Types of Metamorphism

Regional metamorphism affects large areas of rock, while contact metamorphism affects rock in a smaller area surrounding magma.
Contact metamorphism occurs when other types of rock come into contact with or are impacted by the heat of magma.

Magma

Magma, which is liquid rock, is primarily found under the Earth's surface.

Metamorphic Rocks Types

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that can be made of a single mineral and is often used for construction and sculpture.

Foliation

Foliation in layered metamorphic rocks results in the formation of parallel layers or bands.

Minerals in Metamorphic Rocks

Mica, a highly reflective mineral, is found in metamorphic rocks such as gneiss, schist, and phyllites, and is used in cosmetics as glitter.
Quartz is the most abundant mineral on Earth.

Protoliths and Parent Rocks

Quartz-rich sandstone can form quartzite.
Shale is a protolith for slate.
Limestone is the parent rock of marble.
The mineral group feldspar contains large amounts of aluminum and silica.

Learn about the classification and identification of metamorphic rocks. Understand the various ways in which metamorphic rocks are classified and identified based on their formation and characteristics.