Rocks are classified into three types: sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, and metamorphic rocks.Are you wondering what the three types of metamorphic rocks are? In this article, we will identify the types of metamorphic rocks and uncover some cool facts about them.Each one of these rock formations is created by external changes that take place as a part of the geological rock cycle, such as dissolving, condensation, corroding, compacting, or warping. Sedimentary rocks are formed from fragments of other stones or organic components.Sedimentary rocks are classified into three types: clastic, biological (natural), and chemical. Clastic sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone, are formed from fibrils or mineral particles. Natural sedimentary rocks, such as coal, are formed by the compression of strong and tough biological matter such as plants, shells, and bone fragments.Igneous rocks, also known as magma rock types, are among the three major types of rock formations, the others being sedimentary and metamorphic. Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock or lava cools and solidifies. Igneous rocks get their name from the Latin word ‘ignis’, which means fire.Sillimanite, kyanite, staurolite, andalusite, and some garnets are examples of metamorphic minerals. Foliated rocks are types of metamorphic rock with distinct rock layers, textures, and designs. To form foliated rocks, extreme heat and pressure are applied to existing metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks form when already existing rocks are put under high heat and pressure to form entirely new types of rocks.The Earth’s surface is made up of tectonic plates. When these plates move, they create an opening in the Earth’s surface which turns into earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Rocks are mostly formed due to volcanic eruptions since they are subjected to such high temperatures and heat during an eruption. The melted rock, called magma, is hot enough to reach the melting point of even the toughest substances.The hard rock, which is formed when magma solidifies, is an igneous rock, and the rocks which were already present are changed due to the high temperature, and high pressure is a metamorphic rock. The term ‘metamorphic grade’ refers to the relative conditions of pressure and temperature through which metamorphic rocks are formed during the metamorphic process.After reading about the three types of metamorphic rocks, you can also check out our articles on the three types of magnets and space rocks.Characteristics Of A Metamorphic RockA metamorphic rock was previously another type of rock, but it was altered within the Earth to become a fresh piece of stone. The term metamorphism is derived from the Greek words for change, which is ‘meta’, and form, which is a ‘morph’.The protolith is the rock type that a metamorphic rock was before metamorphism. The natural resource concentration and composition of the protolith alters throughout metamorphism due to the change inside the rock’s physical and chemical surroundings. Metamorphism can be induced by mummification, geological pressure, magma thermal, or fluid modification.A metamorphic rock generates such a unique set of mineral resources and a meticulously transformed texture during the advanced stages of metamorphism that it is difficult to recognize what the protolith had been. During the procedure of metamorphism, a rock remains intact. Often during metamorphism, rocks don’t melt. Rocks may partly melt at the highest point of metamorphism, during which the dividing line of metamorphic environments is crossed, and the igneous portion of the weathering of rocks begins.Despite the fact that rocks continue to stay solid throughout metamorphism, fluid is predominantly present in the microscopic spots between mineral deposits. The whole fluid phase may very well play a significant role in the chemical reactions that take place during metamorphism. The fluid is typically composed primarily of water. Metamorphic rocks document the mechanisms that happened within the Earth as the stone was repeatedly exposed to shifting physical and chemical environments.This provides scientists with essential inside knowledge on what happens inside the Earth throughout processes such as the formation of new mountainous regions, continent collisions, oceanic crusts tectonic movement, and the movement of seawater into hot oceanic plates. Metamorphic rocks are analogous to probes that have disappeared deep into the Earth and returned. Metamorphic rocks form with time due to a variety of changes, such as pressure, high temperatures, and the chemical environment.Sedimentary or igneous rocks undergo physical processes, such as compression exposure, temperature changes, and plate mobility at the plate boundary. When these rocks are released into the environment, they undergo rock adjustments. Even though there are lots of different types of this rock, the more common ones are divided into two categories: foliated and non-foliated rocks. Cataclastic metamorphism occurs in conjunction with tectonic plate faults, where rocks rub against each other, resulting in grain size reduction.The conversion of these rocks is categorized as one that cannot form non-foliated rock and is of a low class. The movement of rock causes a large amount of mineral water biochemical processes, which result in various valuable metals and rocks.Distinguishing Facts Between The Three Types Of Metamorphic RocksContact metamorphism, also known as thermal metamorphism, occurs when a rock is subjected to heat by the encroachment of hot magma.Contact metamorphism can take place on scales ranging from the first few millimeters on either side of a comparatively tiny intrusion to many hundreds of meters around a huge igneous area like a batholith. Because contact metamorphism doesn’t require the suppression of geological formations, these rocks lack the foliated textures found in regional level metamorphosed rocks. The commodity of hydrothermal contact metamorphism is primarily determined by protolith composition and temperature and secondarily by pressure, with no discernible stress effect.Regional metamorphic rocks form when rocks are modified by high temperatures or high pressures, which are typically found deep within the Earth. These rocks are subjected to intensely focused pressures. This tends to result in displacement and the formation of foliations in the metamorphic rocks that are created as a result.Pressures and temperatures gradually change over large areas. A protolith extending across an area may be subjected to varying pressures and temperatures, resulting in a gradual transition from unaffected protolith to low grade, medium grade, and high-grade metamorphic rocks. The protolith, mud-rich, sedimentary rock with distinguishable layers (known as shale) best demonstrates this.Shale is transformed into slate under low-grade metamorphic pressure and temperature conditions. This metamorphic rock type is represented by slate. The differences are subtle, but slate is tougher and may have a noticeable sheen on smooth surfaces. If you tap a piece of shale with something hard, it will sound different.At elevated metamorphic pressure and temperature, phyllite will transform into schist. This metamorphic rock type is represented by the schist shown below. Its foliation is also characterized by mica grains known as biotite or muscovite, but they are bigger and more visible. Nevertheless, the planar foliation is now being compelled to wrap around new metamorphic minerals that just aren’t platy, causing large bumps to form inside the foliated mica.These new minerals could be garnets, quartz, feldspar, or staurolite, depending on the chemistry of the protolith. The mineral andalusite is represented by the prismatic crystals in a rock.It grew as a result of metamorphism. The remaining rock is made up of quartz and white mica. Because of the shiny foliation surfaces with visible micas, the rock is schist. The majority of regional level metamorphosed rocks form as a result of continent-continent collisions and collisions among both oceanic and continental plates.As a direct consequence, early age metamorphic belts that were matched are roughly parallel to today’s continental margins, such as the Pacific margin, as well as aging metamorphic belts, are used to deduce the geometries of continental margins at earlier times in Earth’s history.The Alps, Himalayas, northern Appalachians, and Scottish Highlands are spectacular examples of regionally metamorphosed rocks that make up the majority of the world’s mountain ranges. Dynamic metamorphism, also known as cataclasis, is primarily caused by mechanical deformation with very few long-term changes in temperature.Layers generated by such changes extend from breccias made up of pointy, fractured rock fragments to some very fine-grained, granular, or powder form rocks with visible foliation and lineation. Stress can cause large, pre-existing mineral grains to deform.Fun Facts About Metamorphic RocksNumerous metamorphic rocks are composed of layers that can be separated. Slate is frequently separated to make thin, long-lasting roofing tiles.Magma beneath the Earth occasionally warms rocks, allowing them to change their structures. The strenuous pressure and heat produced where two plates meet and grind against one another can cause changes in rocks near tectonic plates.Marble is a type of metaphoric rock that is typically found in mountains and is made of limestone or chalk. Veins are common in marble. Despite its toughness, this rock can be disintegrated by lemon juice or other acids. Foliated rocks are a type of rock. This is a piece of rock with simultaneous grain bands. There are also non-foliated rocks. The Taj Mahal in India is entirely made of various types of marble, a metamorphic rock. The Taj Mahal is a massive national monument in India and one of the world’s seven wonders.Although marble is extremely durable, it can be dissolved by lemon juice and other acids. Because of the country’s pollution, the rains have begun to carry acid with them when they fall. Because acid dissolves marble, the Taj Mahal has begun to turn yellow.Geology Facts About Metamorphic RocksMetamorphic rock makes up the majority of the Earth’s crust. Extreme pressure and heat have changed metamorphic rocks over time.Metamorphic rocks can be created by pressure and tension deep beneath the Earth’s surface, by magma’s extreme heat, or by the violent collisions and friction of tectonic plates. Improvement and deterioration both contribute to the transport of metamorphic rock to the Earth’s surface.Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone, which is a sedimentary rock. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone, which is again a sedimentary rock. Slate is a metamorphic rock formed from mudstone, which is a sedimentary rock.Granulite is a metamorphic rock formed from basalt, which is an igneous rock. Metamorphic rocks get their name from the fact that they are always formed from another type of rock. Metamorphic rock can form from igneous and sedimentary rock, as well as other rocks like different kinds of metamorphic rock. Metamorphic literally means ‘changed form’. This is how metamorphic rocks got their name.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our metamorphic rock facts, then why not take a look at our articles on the three states of matter for kids or three magnetic metals?
Rocks are classified into three types: sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, and metamorphic rocks.
