Geology 11

Handout 10: Metamorphic Rocks

2nd sem. AY 12-13

METAMORPHIC ROCKS Metamorphism is the change undergone by an existing rock (e.g. igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic), in the solid state, to another rock Agents of metamorphism Heat Pressure Chemically active fluids Heat Sources of heat? Geothermal gradient Large bodies of molten rock or intrusive bodies Effect of increased temperature: Minerals convert to new high temperature minerals Fluids are released Example: clay = mica +H2O Crystals grow larger Rocks become weaker and easier to deform Pressure 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 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

Hydrothermal metamorphism Chemical alteration at high temperatures and moderate pressures by hot, ion-rich (hydrothermal) fluids that circulate through fissures and cracks. Shock (impact) metamorphism ultrahigh pressures can be generated in the impacted rock. These ultrahigh pressures can produce minerals that are only stable at very high pressure, such as the SiO2 polymorphs coesite and stishovite. How metamorphism alters rocks Textural changes o increased density o larger crystals o banding of mineral grains Mineralogical changes o new minerals formed Degree of metamorphism: low grade -> high grade high grade -> low grade Classification of metamorphic rocks 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

1 Mendoza, J.A.

Geology 11

Handout 10: Metamorphic Rocks

2nd sem. AY 12-13

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.