Chapter no 4

Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks:
Metamorphic rocks means transformation of rocks in to new types by re-crystallization
of their constituents of their constituents. The original rocks may igneous, sedimentary or
already metamorphosed. The changes occur due to high temperature and pressure generally at
greater depths. Metamorphism is classified as under:

a) Thermal or contact metamorphism, where rise the temperature is dominant factor.

b) Dynamic or dislocation metamorphism, where dominant control is stress.
c) Regional metamorphism, where both temperature and pressure have operated.

As a result of metamorphism already existing rock take new from e.g.

Sandstone changes to quartzite.

Limestone changes into marble.

Clay changes to slate.

Sedimentary and igneous rocks changes to schist.

Economic value of metamorphic Rocks:

Slate for roofing, marble, for decoration and construction, migmatite for facing, special
minerals found in metamorphic rocks are asbestos, graphite, talc, porcelain etc.

Agent of metamorphism:
The agents of metamorphism which bring about metamorphism of rocks are as follows:

I. Physical agents heat, uniform pressure, and directed pressure.

II. Chemical agent chemically Active water and gases.

In sedimentary or igneous rocks these agents produce changes that are either physical,
chemical both. Physical changes produce new texture whereas chemical changes cause the
formation of new minerals.

Metamorphic zones:
The degree or intensity of metamorphism increases with depth because temperature and
pressure increase with increasing depth. From the earth’s surface download, there are three
metamorphic zones.
 I. Epizone or upper zone:
Near surface where temperature is low, i.e. 300ᵒC and directed pressure is high. Alteration is
weak. Phyllites are the typical rocks.

II. Meozone or intermediate zone:

In this zone temperature is 300ᵒC to 500ᵒC. directed pressure is high. Schist’s are typical rocks
of this zone.

III. Ketazone:
It is bottom most zone, where directed pressure is absent, but uniform pressure is high (500ᵒC
to 800ᵒC). Even grained rocks are produced.

Some common metamorphic rocks:

Quartzite --------------------------- Metamorphism of sand stone.

Slate, Phyllite --------------------------- Metamorphism of shale’s.

Schist ---------------------------- Metamorphism of igneous and sedimentary Rocks.

Genis ---------------------------- composed of feldspar and quartz.

Granulite ---------------------------- composed of feldspar and quartz with biotite.

Marble ---------------------------- metamorphism of dolomite and limestone.

Rock circle: