Metamorphic Rock

by heat and very great pressure

Metamorphic rocks are not typically mined directly since they are formed deep within the Earth's crust through the process of metamorphism. However, certain metamorphic rocks, such as marble and slate, can be quarried using mining techniques to extract blocks or slabs for construction or decorative purposes. Specialized tools and equipment are used to extract, cut, and transport metamorphic rocks from quarries.

Engineering problems associated with metamorphic rocks include their variable composition and hardness, which can make them difficult to predict and work with. Metamorphic rocks can also have foliation and bedding planes, which may impact stability in construction projects. Additionally, their response to stress and pressure can lead to deformation or fracturing, affecting the durability of structures built with them.

The short answer is that they don't! For metamorphism to occur rocks require either heat, pressure or a combination of the two.

Both of these conditions occur together in the mantle, however they can occur in other places to. Such as in the rocks around igneous intrusions (high temperatures and low to moderate pressures) which cause contact metamorphism.

It can also occur in zones of high tectonic stress (such as continental collision zones where mountains are being built where there is a relatively low temperature by mantle standards but very high pressure) which causes regional metamorphism.

Finally in zones characterised by very high strains (e.g. the rocks in very close proximity to fault zones) metamorphism can occur. The type depends on the strain rate and the depth (which affects the pressure and temperature). This type of metamorphism is known as dynamic metamorphism).

All the above conditions (and a number of others) can cause metamorphism to occur in sections of the earth outside the mantle.

The differing types of metamorphism at differing temperatures and pressures create differing assemblages of minerals. These are known as metamorphic facies.

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Foaliated rock can form in one or two ways. Extreme pressure may cause the mineral crystals in the rock to realign or regrow to form parallel bands. Foaliation also occurs as minerals that have different compositions separate to produce a series of alternation dark and light bands. Most nonfoliated metamorphic rocks share at least one or two main characteristics. First, the original rock that is metamorphosed may contain grains of only one mineral or contains very small amounts of other minerals.

No, nitratine is a mineral, sodium nitrate. The largest deposits of nitratine are the deserts of Northern Chile, but it is also known from TX, NM, UT, CA, as well as Bolivia, Peru, North Africa, Egypt, Russia, Kazakhstan, and India. Quite uncommon and also water soluble, hence seldom seen on the market and of little interest to collectors.

Metamorphic rocks are brought to the surface through tectonic processes such as uplift and erosion. These processes can expose rocks that were once buried deep within the Earth's crust, allowing them to be visible on the surface.

Granulite's color can vary, but it is typically light gray to pinkish-gray or reddish-brown. This variation in color is due to the different minerals present in granulite rocks.

The parent rock of soapstone is typically serpentine. Soapstone forms when talc, a soft mineral, replaces the magnesium in the parent rock serpentine through a process called metasomatism.

The essential force in the metamorphic rock formation is pressure. The needed changes are driven by changes in the physical measures of temperature and pressure. As these conditions change, alterations in the composition of the minerals and textures follow.

Slate is a type of metamorphic rock that is generally hard and dense. It has a smooth, fine-grained texture and is often used in construction for things like roofing tiles and countertops.

Schist rocks are commonly mined in regions with high metamorphic activity, such as mountainous areas and along plate boundaries. Countries known for schist mining include the United States, Norway, and regions in the Alps. Mines typically target areas where schist is exposed or easily accessible.

Minerals form in igneous rock as magma or lava cools. The minerals will form from the available chemicals in the magma as their crystallization temperature is reached. The sequence of mineral crystal formation from magma is described in the Bowen's Reaction Series.

Metamorphic rock minerals are aligned, altered, or recrystallized from existing rock minerals due to the effects of heat and/or pressure.

Metamorphic rocks are created from intense heat and pressure being applied to an existing rock. The existing rock is called the protolith. They can also be formed from lava being poured over the top of the earth's surface, where rocks lay underneath. Metamorphic rocks make up a large part of our earths crust. It is around 40-60% of the earts crust.

The mineralogy (i.e. the types of minerals present within the rock) and also the texture of the rock (i.e. the size, arrangement and orientation of mineral grains within the rock) along with it's structure (the presence of features such as foliation and cleavage).

The price per square meter for labor-only slate roofing can vary depending on location, roofing company, and the complexity of the project. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 to $100 per square meter for labor costs for slate roofing installation. It's always best to get multiple quotes from reputable contractors to ensure you are getting a fair price.

It commonly has some form of layering to it, what is called a "foliation". If it is distinctly foliated it is called a schist, somewhat less foliated: a gneiss.

! Naming a metamorphic rock on sight is subjective, also naming (and translations) vary (e.g. terms used in Europe are sometimes different than those used in the United States, etc.).

For the correct terminology see: "Metamorphic Rocks : A classification and Glossary of Terms" Recommendations of the International Union of Geological Sciences, Subcomission on the Systematics of Metamorphic Rocks', (D. Fettes & J. Desmons, Editors), Cambridge University Press, 2007.

Bloodstone is not a rock, but a gemstone variety of the mineral quartz, in cryptocrystalline form.

When a metamorphic rock is weathered, it undergoes physical and chemical breakdown due to exposure to the elements. This can lead to the rock breaking apart into smaller pieces or being chemically altered, potentially forming new minerals. Over time, the weathering process can transform the metamorphic rock into sediment that may eventually become part of a sedimentary rock.

When the rock is in a high temperature and pressure environment for a long time, their properties changes as much that you can't say that it's the same rock, so we call it a metamorphic rock. There are 3 ways: Hydrotermal, by contact or differential pressure metamorphosis.

Metamorphic rocks are typically identified by their foliated texture, which means they have layers or bands. They may also show signs of recrystallization due to high pressure and temperature underground. Chemical composition and the presence of specific mineral crystals can also help determine if a rock is metamorphic.

Interesting question, generally they can, in "layman" terms. Metamorphic rocks are rocks that undergo intense heat and pressure through either REGIONAL or CONTACT metamorphism. Regional - high pressure low temperature - environments eg within a mountain range. Contact - as it implies "contact" , hot magma comes in contact with surrounding rocks and is in an area of high temperature and low pressure eg; below volcanoes or around plutons (magma pockets or buldges in rocks )

The term "metamorphic" is derived from the Greek words "meta" which means change, and "morph" which means form. This reflects how metamorphic rocks undergo a transformation in their mineral composition and texture due to heat and pressure.

Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks undergo changes in temperature and pressure due to processes such as tectonic plate movement, burial deep within the Earth's crust, or contact with hot intrusions. These changes cause the minerals in the existing rocks to recrystallize and reorganize, leading to the formation of metamorphic rocks.

A metamorphic rock can be classified according to its texture, mineral composition, and metamorphic grade. Texture refers to the size and arrangement of mineral grains, while mineral composition indicates the minerals present. Metamorphic grade refers to the temperature and pressure conditions under which the rock formed.