metamorphism
Heat-pressure rock change
Metamorphism is the process by which rocks change form under heat, pressure, or chemical action without melting completely.
Limestone becomes marble; shale becomes slate.
The term applies almost exclusively to geology, though metamorphic processes shape much of Earth's crust: The metamorphism occurred deep underground over millions of years.
Foliated metamorphic rock
- marbleRecrystallized limestone rock
- slateFissile metamorphic rock
- quartziteMetamorphic silica-rich stone
- schistPlaty-mineral metamorphic rock
amphibolite · serpentinite · prograde · retrograde · foliation · recrystallization · pseudomorph · contact
Red semiprecious stone
- kyaniteBlue aluminosilicate mineral
- biotiteIron-rich layered silicate
- chloriteGreen sheet silicate mineral
- muscoviteCommon pale mica
feldspar · quartz · amphibole · pyroxene · olivine · serpentine · talc · calcite
To make different
- alterationAct of modifying
- conversionAct of changing states
- transmutationComplete change of form
- transfigurationExalted change in appearance
reconstitution · restructuring · transition · evolution · adaptation · grade · intensity
Complete change of form
- alchemistPractitioner of proto-chemistry
- hermeticismAirtight, impervious condition
- esotericAccessible to few
- arcaneUnderstood by few
gneiss
Foliated metamorphic rock
- marbleRecrystallized limestone rock
- slateFissile metamorphic rock
- quartziteMetamorphic silica-rich stone
schist · amphibolite · serpentinite · prograde · retrograde · foliation · recrystallization · pseudomorph · contact · regional
garnet
Red semiprecious stone
- kyaniteBlue aluminosilicate mineral
- biotiteIron-rich layered silicate
- chloriteGreen sheet silicate mineral
muscovite · feldspar · quartz · amphibole · pyroxene · olivine · serpentine · talc · calcite · dolomite
change
To make different
- alterationAct of modifying
- conversionAct of changing states
- transmutationComplete change of form
transfiguration · reconstitution · restructuring · transition · evolution · adaptation · grade · intensity
transmutation
Complete change of form
- alchemistPractitioner of proto-chemistry
- hermeticismAirtight, impervious condition
- esotericAccessible to few
- geologybedrock, fault lines, faults, rock, basalt
- Natural Processesphotosynthesis, decomposition, evaporation, erosion, carbon cycle
- Earth processesplate tectonics, erosion, weathering, volcanism, sedimentation
- geology termsfossils, rock layers, schist, core sample, gneiss
- gemstone formationcrystallization, heat, pressure, crystal growth, nucleation
- geological processesweathering, erosion, sedimentation, crystallization, compaction
metamorphismerosion
Gradual wearing away
weathering · melting · sedimentation · dissolution · denudation
metamorphismstasis
State of inactivity
stability · preservation · inertness · dormancy · quiescence
- metamorphic rockStone transformed by subsurface conditions
- contact metamorphismRock change from adjacent heat
- metamorphic faciesPressure-temperature defined rock types