Metamorphic rocks are the rocks that were igneous or sedimentary and change either physically or chemically by heat, pressure or hot, mineral-rich water. The term metamorphic comes from the Greek words “meta†which means change and “morph†which means form. This is a great outdoor experiment for colder climates or indoors if you have a shaved ice machine. With this experiment, you can see how pressure and heat can change a rock using this this simple experiment with snow or ice chips!
Filed under: Geology Education, Geology Experiments & Activities, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic on May 5th, 2014 | No Comments »
Cory wrote to us and asked: What rocks are changed by high pressure and high temperature? Metamorphic rocks are the rocks that change either physically or chemically by heat and pressure. The term metamorphic comes from the Greek words “meta†which means change and “morph†which means form. Metamorphism is a solid state change meaning that the minerals within the rock recrystallize in response to heat, pressure and the chemical reaction with hot fluids without melting the original rock.
Filed under: Ask-a-Geologist Q&A, Mini Me Geology Videos, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic on April 3rd, 2014 | No Comments »
Quartzites are metamorphic rocks that were once quartz sandstones. The quartz sandstones change to quartzite from high heat and pressure deep inside the Earth. Sometimes quartzite rocks have the same, bedded look as the original sandstone, making the two hard to tell apart.
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Geology Education, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic on October 21st, 2011 | No Comments »
Garnet Schist is a beautiful gray, silvery or brown colored metamorphic rock which shiny mica layers and an abundance of well-formed garnet crystals. Garnet schist is the same rock as a mica schist with the exception of the inclusion of the garnets (too cool!). The original rock type is typically a clayey rock with some […]
Filed under: Geology / Earth Science, Minerals & Crystals, Rocks - Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic on September 7th, 2008 | 1 Comment »