Name ___________________________________ Date _______________
Lab Period ______ Lab Day ______
Metamorphic Rocks
Rock
Number
1
2
3
4
5
Texture
Foliated
Nonfoliated
Grain Size
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Rock Name
Parent Rock
(before
metamorphism)
ESRT p. 7
Type of
Metamorphism
Regional
Contact
Both
Map Symbol
Questions: For questions #1-3, use complete sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
A
B
C
D
5.
A
B
C
D
6.
A
B
C
D
7.
A
B
C
D
8.
A
B
C
D
Lab #10 Metamorphic Rocks
INTRODUCTION:
Metamorphic rocks are rocks that form from other rocks due to
exposure to heat, pressure or chemical change. "Meta" means change and "morph" means
form, thus metamorphic rocks are rocks that have changed form. In this lab, some
metamorphic rocks will be identified using their characteristics, the Scheme for Metamorphic
Rock Identification in the Earth Science Reference Tables and help from the information
given below.
Many changes can take place during metamorphism. Density may increase, and foliation
may take place if the minerals align themselves in “bands.” Distortion may occur if these
“bands” become bent or wavy. In addition, new minerals may form. For example, garnet is
a mineral that only forms in metamorphic rocks.
Types of metamorphism include regional and contact. Regional takes place over a large area
while contact takes place along a narrow boundary between an igneous and sedimentary rock.
PROCEDURE:
Texture
List whether the rock is foliated or non-foliated. Foliation is layering or banding so if the
rock shows layering or banding, it is foliated. All rocks without layers or banding are nonfoliated.
Grain Size
Tell whether the grain size is fine, medium or coarse. If you can see grains easily, it is
coarse. If grains are not easily seen, it is fine.
Rock Name
Use the reference table to determine the metamorphic rock name. Use the texture, grain size
to try to determine the name.
Rock Before Metamorphism
Try to determine which rock was the original rock before metamorphism. Go by the
comments on the metamorphic chart in the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Type of Metamorphism
From the Earth Science Reference Tables, determine whether the metamorphism is Regional,
Contact or both.
Rock Symbol
Draw it (refer to your Earth Science Reference Tables)
Questions: For questions #1-3, use complete sentences.
1.
Which rock(s) were difficult to determine whether they were foliated? Why?
2.
What are the three things that cause metamorphism?
3.
What types of changes can happen to a rock when it undergoes metamorphism due to
heat and pressure?
4.
Metamorphic rocks result from the
A)
recrystallization of rocks
B)
erosion of rocks
C)
cooling and solidification of molten magma
D)
compression and cementation of soil particles
5.
Which rocks would most likely be separated by a transition zone of altered rock
(metamorphic rock)?
A)
sandstone and limestone
B)
shale and sandstone
C)
granite and limestone
D)
conglomerate and siltstone
6.
Which of the following metamorphic rocks are foliated?
A)
hornfels
B)
metaconglomerate
C)
anthracite coal
D)
schist
7.
Which rock is most likely metamorphic?
A)
a rock showing mud cracks
B)
a glassy rock with no crystals formed
C)
a rock composed of distorted light-colored and dark-colored mineral bands
D)
a rock consisting of layers of rounded sand grains
8.
The metamorphism of sandstone rock will cause the rock to
A)
become more dense
B)
be melted
C)
contain more fossils
D)
occupy a greater volume