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Formation Of Metamorphic Rocks

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Geological Specimen Supply

The landscape around us keeps changing, depending on where we live. People who live near the coast, for instance, witness changes in the shape of the coastline over the years. However, the same is not true for people living deep in the continent’s interiors. They witness a sudden change only when there is an event like a flood, volcanic eruption, or earthquake. 


The series of changes over millions of years within the Earth create a rock cycle. There is no beginning or the end of the cycle. Sediments, little broken pieces of rocks, compact together to form sedimentary rocks. Due to changes in temperature and pressure, these rocks turn into metamorphic rocks. When these rocks travel to the Earth’s core and melt into magma, they crystalize and create igneous rocks. And finally, these rocks turn into sediments because of erosion, weathering, and deposition. This way, the cycle continues. 


Metamorphic rocks are preexisting rocks that turn into a new type of rock due to significant changes in temperature and pressure conditions. During the metamorphism procedure, the mineral content of the rock, known as protolith, is changed, along with the texture, due to the surrounding physical and chemical environment. It can be caused by heating, burial, tectonic stress, or chemical alteration by fluids. Several examples of metamorphic rocks include marble, slate, schist, gneiss, and quartzite. Specimens of metamorphic rocks for classrooms are available at renowned stores to study the rocks closely and examine their texture and properties. 


Metamorphism mainly occurs when the composition of a solid rock changes without the melting of mineral crystals. Heat is one of the main causes of metamorphism. When temperature increases, the chemical equilibrium in minerals also changes. Atoms vibrate and change their positions in crystal lattice when the temperature rises without hampering the overall structure of the rock. 


Pressure or strain is another factor contributing to the changes within rock composition. When a rock is under pressure due to the overlying layer of rock, its composition changes, resulting in the formation of new minerals. Direct stress also results in changes in the arrangement, shape, and size of mineral crystals. Instead of chemical composition, the parent rock changes at the mechanical level. 


Chemical fluids are one of the metamorphic agents that causes metamorphic reactions. Reactive fluids, such as water and carbon dioxide, react with minerals and change their mineral composition and chemical equilibrium. After reacting with the rock’s crystals, these fluids create mineral deposits next to magma bodies like igneous intrusions. Sometimes, fluids circulate through the fractures in the rock and react or replace minerals, leading to hydrothermal alteration. 


Metamorphism is the process that creates new rocks with new textures and minerals by changing the parent rocks. It happens due to an increase in temperature or pressure; however, chemical fluids also react with existing minerals within the rock. To understand the texture of metamorphic rocks, a physical examination of specimens is essential. Consider looking for metamorphic rocks for the classroom. You can also search for mica classroom specimens to study their texture and composition.


Author’s Bio – The Author is an online blogger. This article is about metamorphic rocks

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