Rock Process

Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic comes from the Greek word "meta" and "morph", meaning "change in form".

They are formed when sedimentary and igneous rocks become changed by pressure and heat. Deep underground rocks are exposed to high pressures from the overlying layers of rocks and high temperatures from magma. This combination of high pressure and high temperature squeezes and heats the rock which chemically changes the minerals of the rock, thus forming metamorphic rocks.

It is important to remember that the rocks do not melt as this is how igneous rocks are formed rather they undergo a chemical change to form a new mineral.

 

Examples of Metamorphic Rocks

 

Marble	Slate
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed by the action of heat and pressure on limestone.	Slate is a metamorphic rock formed from shale.