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The alignment of minerals into bands (foliation) is caused by the massive force of pressure and high temperature which results from mountain building processes caused by plate collisions. The heat and pressure combine to realign the existing minerals from a random orientation to one of parallel orientation, thus creating the visible lines or platy cleavages found in foliated metamorphic rocks. The lines of foliation are created perpendicularly to the force being applied.

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Q: Why do minerals in metamorphic rocks often rearrange in layers?
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Why do metamorphic rocks often rearrange in layers?

The alignment of minerals into bands (foliation) is caused by the massive force of pressure and high temperature which results from mountain building processes caused by plate collisions. The heat and pressure combine to realign the existing minerals from a random orientation to one of parallel orientation, thus creating the visible lines or platy cleavages found in foliated metamorphic rocks. The lines of foliation are created perpendicularly to the force being applied.


What are foliated metamorphic rocks?

Foliated rocks have layers in them. We often refer to the layers as Banding.


Are sediments in sedimentary rocks often formed when atoms of melted minerals rearrange themselves?

Yes.


Type of Rock forms in layers?

Sedimentary rocks, and foliated metamorphic rocks form in layers.


What kind of metamorphic rocks have banding?

Gneiss is a metamorphic rock of variable composition with distinct banded layers. The layers or banding are called foliations, the result of the alignment of mineral grains in a direction perpendicular to the direction of pressure being exerted on the rock.


How big are the particles in metamorphic rock compared to those in sedimentary rock?

If by particles you mean the size of the crystals, then the crystals in metamorphic rock are often larger than in the sedimentary rock. High heat and pressure can cause the minerals to recrystallize. This would be the case in the metamorphosis of limestone (sedimentary) to marble (metamorphic).


What is an example of a foliated metamorphic rock?

Foliated rocks have layers in them. We often refer to the layers as Banding.


How you will know that the rock is metamorphic rock?

You can identify metamorphic rocks by various minerals or a lack of thereof (mineralogy), also by foliation: whether they're foliated or non-foliated. If they show presence of shistosity or gneissosity (alignment of minerals ) , fissility and grunular appearance.


Is pyrite an element?

Pyrite is actually a mineral. It is often found within metamorphic and sedimentary rocks though.


Can heat and pressure change other types of rocks into a metamorphic rock?

Weathering changes it to a sediment and compaction changes it to a sedimentary rock.


How do metamorphic rocks form from metamorphic rocks?

Sedimentary rocks form from layers of sand, silt or clay, sometimes mixed with pebbles, and the bodies of living things (that may the be fossilised) The rocks are often quite soft. Metamorphic rocks form when rocks (usually sedimentary rocks) are subjected to extreme heat and/or pressure, usually deep underground. The rocks are changed in form, often becoming harder. Fossils are usually destroyed by the process.


What are the characteristics of a metamorpic rock?

Metamorphic rocks may display foliation, which is the layering, banding, or platiness that is associated with the rearrangement of mineral crystals due to directional pressure. Examples of foliated metamorphic rock include schist, slate, and gneiss. Some minerals are typically formed due to the metamorphism of existing rock, and include those minerals that form due to the loss of water. When minerals that contain water can no longer exist due to heat and pressure, new minerals form. Garnet is a non-hydrous mineral that is often associated with metamorphic rock. Metamorphism in rock can also manifest itself by the replacement of existing minerals by other minerals due to the invasion of the host rock by heated fluids which are created by a nearby magmatic intrusion. Metamorphic rocks can also display a recrystallization and interlocking crystalline structure that is common when limestone or dolostone is metamorphosed into marble, or sandstone is metamorphosed into quartzite.