M

e
t
a
m
o
r
p
h
i
c

R
o
c
k
s

What is Metamorphism?
Metamorphism is a change in form that
happens in Earths crustal rocks in
response to changes in temperature
and pressure.


Metamorphic rocks
When rocks are baked by heat of molten magma (internal
heat) or squeezed by the movements of huge tectonic
plates or by the pressure of overlying thick succession of
rocks
They are altered which results into change in
Chemical composition, texture and structure
Metamorphic rocks
Factors controlling Metamorphism
Simplest way to understand metamorphism is to remember cooking
effects

What you cook ?

Same is in the metamorphism process the end product will depend
upon the initial composition and then the pressure/temperature

Factors that controls or influence metamorphism:
Chemical composition of the initial rock
Intergranular fluids
Temperature and pressure
Time

Type of Metamorphism
Metamorphic changes that
occur while temperature and
pressure are rising (with
abundant inter-granular fluid)
are termed prograde
metamorphism

Metamorphic changes that
occur as temperature and
pressure are declining (with
less inter-granular fluid) are
called retrograde metamorphic
effects.

The intergranular fluid are not pure and plays important role in
process of metamorphism (fluids mainly includes small amount of
gases, salts and mineral constituents dissolved from the host rock

If the fluids are absent or available in very less quantity the process
of metamorphism is very slow and few changes in mineral
composition occurs

The source of temperature is either from magma or due
to the depth factor

Metamorphism usually result into change in mineral
composition and texture of rocks (Igneous and
Sedimentary Rocks) which are subjected to temp.
>100
0
C and pressure >1000s Mpa.

Low-grade metamorphism:
Occurs at about 100
0
C to 500
0
C

High-grade metamorphism:
Occurs at > 500
0
C
Temperature

Uniform Stress Differential Stress
min
inter
max
Pressure
Pressure (stress) result into change in texture of the original
rocks
Rock are solid, which can be squeezed more strongly in one
direction
Texture in metamorphic rocks are the result of differential
stress
Whereas, the texture resulted from uniform stress are
commonly seen in igneous rocks, because igneous rocks
crystallize from Liquid magma.
Development of different
textures in rocks of the same
composition different stresses
Granite Granite-Gneiss
Granite, consisting of quartz,
feldspar, and mica (the dark
mineral) will crystallized under
a uniform stress and mica
grains will be randomly
oriented.
Whereas, under a
differential stress. Major
as well as Mica grains will
be oriented parallel to the
maximum stress direction,
giving the rock a distinct
foliation
Granite
Gneiss

Type of Metamorphic
Rocks classified based on
Textures
Foliated
Non-foliated
Foliated Rocks

Non-foliated
Rocks
Foliated Rocks
Foliation: when platy, lamellar or flaky minerals
(e.g., sheet silicate minerals the micas: biotite,
muscovite, chlorite etc.), occurring in rock orient
themselves parallel to one another (i.e.,
perpendicular to the direction of maximum pressure or
stress).
Random
orientation
of minerals
Preferred
orientation
of minerals
Slate: fine grained foliated metamorphic rock formed under low-
grade metamorphism (from mudstone, shales or claystones)
Further deformation
Slate when metamorphosed further will give rise to more
foliated rock known as Phyllite

It is characterized by wavy texture/foliation

Formed under low-grade metamorphism

Foliation under microscope (mica and quartz
[darker grains])
Phyllite to- Schist
Schist: is formed under
intermediate to high grade
metamorphism from
Phyllites

Gneiss: parallel foliation; medium to coarse grained; quartz-feldspars
marked by lighter layers and darker are the ferromagnesian minerals
Non foliated rocks
These rocks lack foliation
Common e.g., are Quartzite and Marble
Quartzites
Medium to coarse grained
made up of fused quartz
grains

Has sandy texture, also
termed as Granulose texture.
Marble
Metamorphosed from limestone
Medium to coarse grained
Crystalline texture
Shows tight interlocking of calcite grains
Formed under intermediate to high grade
metamorphism


Other examples of use of Makrana
Marble from India
Birla Mandir, Jaipur
Victoria Memorial, Calcutta
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Importance of Metamorphic rocks-
SLATES
Fine grained impermeable, cleavable and soft
Incompetent; cannot withstand great loads
But since they are impermeable and split easily; thin large sized slabs of
uniform thickness can be extracted for roofing purpose.
Economic importance: Since they are bad conductor of electricity used in
electrical industries for switch board base
GNEISS
Gneissic rocks are rich in SILICA i.e. predominantly Quartz and Feldspars
along with garnet, pyroxene, Hornblende etc.
Non-porous and impermeable nature increases the strength of the rock
Foliated character to some extend improves workability
Load perpendicular to foliated planes gives more stronger foundation
If mineral assemblage is more or less similar to Granite (with less % mafic
minerals) then:
It is used as building stone
As aggregate for making concrete
As road metals etc.
SCHIST
Mainly composed of prismatic or platy minerals, which contributes in
development of Schistose Structure. Eg. Hornblende, tourmaline, sillimanite
etc (prismatic); chlorite, muscovite, biotite, talc, kyanite etc. (platy)
Cleavable nature of Schists is the main reason for their weakness; they are
incompetent
QUARTZITE
SANDSTONE (composed of quartz/feldspars/feldspathoid minerals) when
under go metamorphism result into Quartzite.
Granulose texture/structure (Granoblastic) makes them most competent rock
amongst all other metamorphic rocks.
Because metamorphism of Sst. Result disappearance of cementing material,
bedding planes, fossil content etc.
Quartzites are compact, hard and strong; very less porous and less permeable
than the parent Sst.
Predominance of Quartz makes the rock very hard and suitable for road
metal; can be used as concrete aggregate etc.
Acts as strong foundation for any CE structure.