What are metamorphic rocks?

1. Common types

Metamorphic rocks are rocks that have been transformed by forces within the Earth. There are many types of it, among which the more common ones are slate, schist, phyllite, marble, quartzite and so on. In addition to them, there are some less common ones, such as gneiss, mylonite, andalusite hornfels, skarn and so on.

2. Introduction to Typical Metamorphic Rocks

1. Slate: It is a plate-like rock formed by some muddy or silty rocks through metamorphism. It can be easily cut along the grain direction. It has many advantages such as durability and non-slip.

2. Schist: It is a coarse-grained metamorphic rock composed of some fibrous minerals arranged in parallel. It is lighter and less strong. It is also easily weathered or cracked by frost.

3. Marble: It is a rock containing carbonate components, which is transformed into rock after metamorphism. It has beautiful stripes and very good hardness, making it suitable for architectural decoration. However, it is not resistant to strong acid corrosion.

4. Quartzite: It is a rock formed by metamorphism of quartz and some other siliceous rocks. It has extremely high hardness, is not easily affected by water, and has beautiful texture. It is an important raw material for many industries such as metallurgy and chemical industry.