Metamorphic Rock Pressure & Heat Experiment

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!

Ask-a-Geologist Q&A #16: What Types of Rocks Were Changed by High Temperature and High Pressure?

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.

Metamorphic Rocks Tell A Story

Metamorphic rocks form when sedimentary or igneous rocks changes form. The change occurs when the original rocks are exposed to high heat or pressure when the rock is buried deep below the land surface. This change can tell a geologist about the history of an area giving us insight into the formation of the land […]