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Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rock to new types of rock in a process called metamorphism. The original rock ( protolith ) is subjected to temperatures greater than 150 to 200 °C (300 to 400 °F) and, often, elevated pressure of 100 megapascals (1,000 bar ) or more, causing profound physical or chemical changes.
The black crystal is garnet, the pink-orange-yellow colored strands are muscovite mica, and the brown crystals are biotite mica. The grey and white crystals are quartz and (limited) feldspar. Metamorphism is the transformation of existing rock (the protolith) to rock with a different mineral composition or texture.
A metamorphic zone is the region between two such easily recognizable isograds. Often they are named for the most characteristic index mineral of the zone. Whether a certain index mineral occurs is also dependent on the composition of the rock itself. Many index minerals have complicated chemical compositions.
Gneiss (/ naɪs / nice) is a common and widely distributed type of metamorphic rock. It is formed by high-temperature and high-pressure metamorphic processes acting on formations composed of igneous or sedimentary rocks. This rock is formed under pressures anywhere from 2 to 15 kbar, sometimes even more, and temperatures over 300 °C (572 °F).
A metamorphic facies is a set of mineral assemblages in metamorphic rocks formed under similar pressures and temperatures. [1] The assemblage is typical of what is formed in conditions corresponding to an area on the two dimensional graph of temperature vs. pressure (See diagram in Figure 1). [ 1 ]
This diamond is a mineral from within an igneous or metamorphic rock that formed at high temperature and pressure. The rock cycle is a basic concept in geology that describes transitions through geologic time among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Each rock type is altered when it is forced out of its ...
Metamorphic core complex. Metamorphic core complexes are exposed areas of deep crust brought to the surface by crustal extension (stretching). [1] They form, and are exhumed, through relatively fast [citation needed] transport of middle and lower continental crust to the Earth 's surface [2] in the form of uplifting welts of hot rock and magma. [1]
Eclogite – Metamorphic rock formed under high pressure; Gneiss – Common high-grade metamorphic rock; Granulite – Class of high-grade medium to coarse grained metamorphic rocks; Greenschist – Metamorphic rock – A mafic metamorphic rock dominated by green amphiboles; Hornfels – Group of metamorphic rocks