Name ____________________________ Date ________
Use the website www.geology.com
Metamorphic Rocks LAB
Introduction: The word “metamorphic” comes from Greek words meaning to change
form. (Meta=change, morph=form). Metamorphic rocks are those that have formed
from other rocks as a result of heat and pressure, and /or chemical reaction.
Generally metamorphic rocks are divided into two groups: Regional metamorphic
rocks or Contact Metamorphic Rocks.
Regional metamorphic rocks are formed by forces acting over areas under
extreme conditions of temperature and pressure at great depth.
Contact metamorphic rocks are formed at the interface of hot magma and
existing rocks. The surrounding rock is changed or metamorphosed as a result of
being in contact with the hot magma.
Objectives: You will investigate the properties by which different types of
metamorphic rocks can be identified.
Material: Schist, Quartzite, Gneiss, Slate, Marble
Procedures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use the unidentified rocks in the box provided.
They are arranged in order from 1 to 8.
Complete the observation table and identify each type of metamorphic rock.
The teacher will perform the vinegar acid test on mystery rock/rocks. Try
to identify the rock. What is this rock made from? What minerals react in
a similar way to this metamorphic rock? What type of metamorphic rock is
this? Is it foliated or non-foliated?
Discussion Questions:
1. How do geologists classify metamorphic rocks?
2. What are the 2 types of metamorphic rocks?
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3. Name a foliated metamorphic rock.
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4. Name a non-foliated metamorphic rock.
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5. What is the parent rock for gneiss?
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6. What is the parent rock for schist?
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7. What is the parent rock for quartzite?
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8. What is the parent rock for marble?
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9. Name 2 uses of metamorphic rocks.
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Data Table
Rock
Samples
1
2
3
4
5
Arrangement
of the grains
(foliated or
non-foliated)
Draw a
picture
Parent Rock
Rock Name