Understanding What Metamorphic Rock Is
Metamorphic rock forms when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or both. These forces alter the rock’s minerals and texture without melting it.
How Metamorphic Rock Forms
Deep inside Earth, rocks experience intense conditions. Heat rearranges minerals, while pressure squeezes and reshapes the rock, creating new forms.
Types of Metamorphic Rock
Marble forms from limestone.
Slate forms from shale.
Gneiss develops from granite under extreme conditions.
Where Metamorphic Rocks Are Found
They occur in mountain ranges, deep crustal layers, and areas with strong tectonic activity. Their formation is closely linked to Earth’s internal forces.
Textures in Metamorphic Rocks
Some have banded or layered patterns called foliation, while others are non-foliated with smooth, uniform minerals. These textures reveal how the rock changed.
Why Metamorphic Rocks Matter
They record Earth’s geological history, show past heat and pressure conditions, and are widely used in construction, art, and architecture.
The Simple Takeaway
Metamorphic rock is formed when heat and pressure transform existing rocks. It reveals Earth’s inner processes and produces strong, unique materials.