Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks were once igneous or sedimentary rocks, but have been changed (metamorphosed) as a result of intense heat and/or pressure within the Earth’s crust. They are crystalline and often have a “squashed” (foliated or banded) texture.
Slate
Slate is made of fine-grained interlocking crystals which lie flat in the same direction, known as the cleavage direction, along which the rock easily splits.
Schist
Schist is made of medium-grained interlocking crystals. Its shiny appearance is due to the mineral mica. Crystals line up to give the rock wrinkly layers – this is called foliation.
Gneiss
Gneiss is made of coarse-grained interlocking crystals. Crystals line up in pale and dark layers to give the rock a banded texture.
Marble
Marble (metamorphosed limestone) is made of calcium carbonate (fizzes with acid). It has medium-grained Interlocking crystals with no alignment. 