Geology 11 Handout 10: Metamorphic Rocks 2nd sem.

AY 14-15

METAMORPHIC ROCKS Hydrothermal metamorphism

Metamorphism is the change undergone by an Chemical alteration at high temperatures and
existing rock (e.g. igneous, sedimentary or moderate pressures by hot, ion-rich (hydrothermal)
metamorphic), in the solid state, to another rock fluids that circulate through fissures and cracks.

Agents of metamorphism Shock (impact) metamorphism

• Heat ultrahigh pressures can be generated in the impacted
• Pressure rock. These ultrahigh pressures can produce minerals
• Chemically active fluids that are only stable at very high pressure, such as the
SiO2 polymorphs coesite and stishovite.
Heat
Sources of heat? How metamorphism alters rocks
• Geothermal gradient Textural changes
• Large bodies of molten rock or intrusive o increased density
bodies o larger crystals
o banding of mineral grains
Effect of increased temperature:
• Minerals convert to new high temperature minerals Mineralogical changes
• Fluids are released o new minerals formed
• Example: clay = mica +H2O Degree of metamorphism:
• Crystals grow larger low grade -> high grade
• Rocks become weaker and easier to deform high grade -> low grade

Pressure Classification of metamorphic rocks

When subjected to pressure, minerals may
recrystallize
into more compact/stable forms. Platy or elongate
minerals may align in a preferred direction
Confining pressure
Differential stress
Chemically active fluids
Sources of fluids?
• Water trapped in pore spaces
• Water released during dehydration of minerals
• Water from magmatic bodies
Effects
• Speed up reaction rates (catalyst)
• Deposit or remove certain elements,
can lead to formation of ore deposits
Based on:
1. Texture – size, shape and relationships of
constituent minerals (foliated and non-foliated)
2. Protolith – original rock that was transformed by
metamorphism
3. Mineralogy – mineral assemblage present
Textures of metamorphic rocks
1. Foliated – exhibits a pervasive planar structure
known as foliation which is due to the nearly parallel
alignment of minerals and/or compositional and
mineralogical layering in the rock
2. Non-foliated – no preferred mineral orientations;
metamorphism leads to transformation of one
mineral to another
Protolith of Metamorphic Rocks

Types of metamorphism
Contact metamorphism - occurs when magma
invades pre-existing rock. A zone of alteration called
an aureole (or halo) forms around the emplaced
magma .

Regional metamorphism
Takes place at considerable depths over an extensive
area under high pressure

1 Mendoza, J.A.
Geology 11 Handout 10: Metamorphic Rocks 2nd sem. AY 14-15

Resources from Metamorphic Rocks

1. Marble is used for statues and ornamental building stone.
2. Slate is used for roofing, flooring, billiard/pool tables, and blackboards.
3. Talc is ground into powder.
4. Graphite is used in pencils and lubricants.
5. Garnet and corundum used as gemstones and abrasives.
6. Kyanite, andatusite, sillimanite used as raw material in the ceramics industry.
7. Sulfide deposits (bornite, chalcopyrite, galena, pyrite, and sphalerite)
8. Iron and tin oxide deposits (hematite, magnetite, and cassiterite)
9. Tungsten deposits (wolframite and scheelite)
10. Precious metal deposits (gold)

Metamorphic Environment

2 Mendoza, J.A.