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Schistosity refers to a particular rock texture found in certain metamorphic rocks, that is a reaction to increases in directionally applied stress and temperature. Schistosity is present where the texture of the rock exhibits a platy, layered appearance, with visible crystals of micas and other minerals, oriented in the same direction. The mineral crystals have become aligned perpendicularly to the direction of the applied stress.

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What is schistosity and how does it differ from slaty cleavage?

Schistosity refers to the parallel arrangement of mineral grains in a metamorphic rock, creating a visible foliation. Slaty cleavage, on the other hand, describes the highly defined parallel alignment of fine-grained minerals in a rock, resulting in a distinct splitting property. While both features involve foliation, schistosity typically exhibits coarser grains and is associated with higher grade metamorphic rocks, while slaty cleavage is characterized by its very fine-grained nature and is commonly found in lower grade metamorphic rocks like slate.


If a metamorphic rock has grains arranged in parallel layers or bands what is the rock probably displaying?

Generically it is displaying a metamorphic fabric, specifically a schistosity. If the fabric is well developed it could also be displaying planes of cleavage.


What metamorphic rock has straight wavy or light and dark layers?

The metamorphic rock that features straight, wavy, or light and dark layers is called schist. Schist is characterized by its schistosity, which refers to the alignment of its mineral grains, giving it a layered appearance. The distinct layering often results from the presence of various minerals, such as mica, which contribute to its texture and visual patterns.


Which characteristic would indicate that a rock has undergone metamorphic change?

One key characteristic indicating that a rock has undergone metamorphic change is the presence of foliation, which is the alignment of mineral grains in parallel layers due to pressure. Additionally, the rock may exhibit new mineral formations that are stable under high temperature and pressure conditions. Other signs include a denser texture and the presence of schistosity or granoblastic textures. These features differentiate metamorphic rocks from their sedimentary or igneous counterparts.


Where does a schist rock form?

SchistMedium- to coarse-grained, mica-bearing metamorphic rock with well-developed foliation (layered structure) termed schistosity. Schist is derived primarily from fine-grained, mica-bearing rocks such as shales and slates. The schistosity is formed by rotation, recrystallization, and new growth of mica; it is deformational in origin. The planar to wavy foliation is defined by the strong preferred orientation of platy minerals, primarily muscovite, biotite, and chlorite. The relatively large grain size of these minerals (up to centimeters) produces the characteristic strong reflection when light shines on the rock.For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (Answers.com) indicated below.

Related Questions

What does schistosity tell geologists?

Schistosity tells about the transportation, deposition and compaction of sediments in terms of shape, size etc


What is schistosity and how does it differ from slaty cleavage?

Schistosity refers to the parallel arrangement of mineral grains in a metamorphic rock, creating a visible foliation. Slaty cleavage, on the other hand, describes the highly defined parallel alignment of fine-grained minerals in a rock, resulting in a distinct splitting property. While both features involve foliation, schistosity typically exhibits coarser grains and is associated with higher grade metamorphic rocks, while slaty cleavage is characterized by its very fine-grained nature and is commonly found in lower grade metamorphic rocks like slate.


If a metamorphic rock has grains arranged in parallel layers or bands what is the rock probably displaying?

Generically it is displaying a metamorphic fabric, specifically a schistosity. If the fabric is well developed it could also be displaying planes of cleavage.


Is amphibolite foliated?

Yes, amphibolite is a foliated metamorphic rock. It forms through the metamorphism of basalt or gabbro and typically exhibits a well-developed foliation called schistosity due to the alignment of its mineral grains.


What is surface of a break in a section of rocks?

This could be a beading plane, a plane of cleavage or schistosity, or a fault plane.


What metamorphic rock has straight wavy or light and dark layers?

The metamorphic rock that features straight, wavy, or light and dark layers is called schist. Schist is characterized by its schistosity, which refers to the alignment of its mineral grains, giving it a layered appearance. The distinct layering often results from the presence of various minerals, such as mica, which contribute to its texture and visual patterns.


What is the texture used to identify the highest degree of regional metamorphism in a foliated rock?

Gneissic texture is used to identify the highest grade of metamorphic rock that still displays foliation. Granulite is the highest grade metamorphic rock, period, but does not display foliation due to the instability of sheet silicates.


Which characteristic would indicate that a rock has undergone metamorphic change?

One key characteristic indicating that a rock has undergone metamorphic change is the presence of foliation, which is the alignment of mineral grains in parallel layers due to pressure. Additionally, the rock may exhibit new mineral formations that are stable under high temperature and pressure conditions. Other signs include a denser texture and the presence of schistosity or granoblastic textures. These features differentiate metamorphic rocks from their sedimentary or igneous counterparts.


Where does a schist rock form?

SchistMedium- to coarse-grained, mica-bearing metamorphic rock with well-developed foliation (layered structure) termed schistosity. Schist is derived primarily from fine-grained, mica-bearing rocks such as shales and slates. The schistosity is formed by rotation, recrystallization, and new growth of mica; it is deformational in origin. The planar to wavy foliation is defined by the strong preferred orientation of platy minerals, primarily muscovite, biotite, and chlorite. The relatively large grain size of these minerals (up to centimeters) produces the characteristic strong reflection when light shines on the rock.For the source and more detailed information concerning this subject, click on the related links section (Answers.com) indicated below.


Muscovite calcite schist in California?

Muscovite calcite schist in California is a metamorphic rock that typically forms from the alteration of sedimentary rocks like limestone or dolomite. It is characterized by the presence of muscovite mica, calcite, and schistosity (foliation). This rock type is commonly found in the metamorphic terranes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and northern California.


How does gneiss cleavage?

Gneiss cleavage, or gneissic banding, refers to the distinct foliation or layering seen in gneiss, a metamorphic rock. This structure arises from the high-grade metamorphism of pre-existing rocks, where intense heat and pressure cause the reorganization of minerals, typically resulting in alternating light and dark bands. The alignment of platy minerals, such as mica and feldspar, contributes to this characteristic cleavage, allowing the rock to break along these planes. Gneiss cleavage is not as well-defined as schistosity in schist but is still a key feature for identifying gneiss in the field.


What kind of metamorphic rock that are massive and lack bindings?

The type of metamorphic rock that is massive and lacks a defined banding or layering is called "granofels." Granofels typically forms under high-grade metamorphic conditions and is characterized by its granular texture, composed of interlocking mineral grains that are not aligned in any particular direction. Unlike schist or gneiss, granofels does not exhibit foliation or schistosity, resulting in a more uniform appearance. Common minerals found in granofels include quartz, feldspar, and various metamorphic minerals.