Regents Earth Science
Metamorphic Rocks
Time: 78 min.
Name ___________________
Date Started ________________
Due date _________ Period ___
Metamorphic Rock Lab
Equipment: Metamorphic rock collection #25-36, hand lens, ESRT, text book
Objective: to practice classifying, identifying and describing various environments of formation.
Environment of formation: example: slate is formed when fine grained foliated material undergo low grade regional metamorphism.
Procedure:
Observe each of the rocks with a hand lens. Note texture, presence of key minerals or other
characteristics in which to give a clue to the environment of formation. Show your notes
below:
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Questions: Please answer all questions in complete sentences. Use the index of the text to
find out about particular rocks, as well as the ESRT. Use on-line resources. Example:
Google the term “Hornfels”, see what kind of pictures and information are revealed.
1. How is regional metamorphism different from contact metamorphism? (ESRT p. 7)
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2. Describe the progression of Slate to Gneiss. (ESRT p.7) Look under “comments”.
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ES Metamorphic Rock Lab 11.2013
Over 
3. What “environment of formation” causes banding? (ESRT p.7)
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4. Describe why Quartzite is more resistant to weathering than Marble? (ESRT p. 7)
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5. Action step, not a writing step:
Open your E.S.R.T. to page 7 and notice the Scheme for Metamorphic Rock Identification
data table. Review the environment of formation for the rocks (ex. Quartzite is formed from
the pressing of sandstone). Align the metamorphic rocks in your kit to the data table to see
the relationships between the rock characteristics and the environment of formation.