Metamorphic Rocks Characteristics Flashcards

Study Notes

Gneiss

Foliated metamorphic rock with medium to coarse grain size.
Characterized by alternating lighter and darker bands that are sub-parallel and discontinuous.
Formed from parent rocks such as mudstone, shale, slate, phyllite, schist, granite, and diorite.

Anthracite Coal

Nonfoliated type of metamorphic rock with a glassy appearance.
Exhibits conchoidal fracture.
Derived from peat, lignite, and bituminous coal.

Slate

Foliated metamorphic rock known for its dull luster and slaty cleavage.
Typically originates from mudstone or shale.

Schist

Foliated rock with a fine to medium grain that feels smooth to the touch.
Contains visible crystals of mica minerals (biotite, chlorite, muscovite), quartz, and plagioclase.
Parent rock includes mudstone, shale, slate, and phyllite.

Phyllite

Foliated rock featuring breaks along wrinkled or wavy foliation.
Formed from mudstone, shale, or slate.

Quartzite

Nonfoliated metamorphic rock with closely interlocked quartz grains.
Light in color, but may appear in various shades like gray, purple, brown, and yellow.
Derived from sandstone and quartz.

Serpentine

Nonfoliated rock with a dull to glossy finish.
Formed from basalt, gabbro, and ultramafic igneous rocks.

Marble

Nonfoliated metamorphic rock with a medium-grained, granular texture that feels gritty.
Contains interlocking calcite crystals visible to the naked eye and is reactive with HCL.
Derived from limestone, often found in colors like pink and white.
Commonly used as a building stone and in products like toothpaste, paint, and paper.

Description

Test your knowledge of metamorphic rocks with these flashcards. Each card features a rock name along with its characteristics, types, and parent rocks. This quiz is perfect for geology students or anyone interested in understanding metamorphic geology better.