UNIT 15

CLASSIFICATION OF
METAMORPHIC ROCKS

Structure______________________________________________
15.1 Introduction 15.3 Common Metamorphic Rocks
Expected Learning Outcomes Slate

15.2 Classification of Metamorphic Rocks Phyllite

Parent Rock Schist

Structure and Texture Gneiss

Mineralogical Composition Marble

Types of Metamorphism Quartzite

Grade of Metamorphism 15.4 Summary

15.5 Terminal Questions
15.6 References
15.7 Further/Suggested Readings
15.8 Answers

15.1 INTRODUCTION
You have learnt about factors, processes and products of metamorphism in Unit 12; types, grades,
zones and facies of metamorphism in Unit 13; textures and structures of metamorphic rocks in Unit
14. Now in this unit we shall discuss the classification of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks
can be classified on the basis of texture, structure, parent rock, grade and mineralogical
composition or most importantly facies.
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Expected Learning
Outcomes________________________
After reading this unit you should be able to:
❖ list the basis of classification of metamorphic rocks;
❖ discuss the classification of metamorphic rock based on parent rock,
structure and texture, mineralogical composition, types and grade of
metamorphism;
❖ differentiate between the foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks;
❖ describe the megascopic and petrographic characters of foliated rocks such
as slate, phyllite, schist and gneiss; and
❖ explain the megascopic and petrographic characters of non-foliated rocks
such as marble and quartzite.

15.2 CLASSIFICATION OF METAMORPHIC ROCKS

Metamorphic rocks can be classified on the basis of parent rock, texture,
structure, mineralogical composition, metamorphic processes, grade and
facies. Classification of metamorphic rocks have been summarised in Table
15.1.
15.2.1 Parent Rock
In the previous units the importance of temperature and pressure in determining
the mineral assemblage in the metamorphic rocks has been emphasised. Try to
recall!
In Unit 12 you have read that the composition of parent rock also plays an
important role in determining the minerals formed during metamorphism. For
example, it is not possible to form quartzite (composition silica oxide) from pure
limestone (composition calcite). The metamorphic rocks can be classified on
the basis of diverse origin of parent rock, viz. igneous, sedimentary or
metamorphic.
• Metamorphic rock of sedimentary origin: These are the rocks
metamorphosed from rocks of sedimentary origin and are also known as
parametamorphic or metasedimentary rocks. For example, pelitic shale is
metamorphosed to form slate; psammatic sandstone to quartzite; calcareous
limestone to marble. Pelite is a term applied to metamorphic rocks derived
from a fine-grained (<1/16 mm) largely clay bearing sedimentary protolith or
parent rock. Psammite is a term applied to metamorphic rocks derived from
an arenaceous (quartz-dominated) sedimentary protolith.
• Metamorphic rock of igneous origin: They are the rocks metamorphosed
from rocks of igneous origin and are also known as orthometamorphic or
metaigneous rocks. The parent igneous rock can be basic or acidic in nature.
For example, dolerite, a basic igneous rock undergoes metamorphism to
form amphibolite. Let us consider example of granite. It is acidic igneous
rock that undergoes metamorphism to form granite gneiss.

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• Metamorphic rock of metamorphic origin: The metamorphic rocks can
also originate from a pre-existing metamorphic rock.
15.2.2 Structure and Texture
You have read in Unit 14 that metamorphic textures are studied under two
categories based on the presence or absence of foliations viz. foliated and non-
foliated. The term foliation refers to the texture caused by the parallel alignment
of mineral grains. In textural classification, the rocks are classified on the basis
of their physical appearance in hand specimen or outcrop, i.e. rocks may
display slaty cleavage, schistosity or gneissosity. Therefore, the rock names
slate, schist or gneiss are widely used. Rocks constituted of very sheet-like,
tabular mineral grains that spilt into thin and even slabs are said to display slaty
cleavage or foliation. The rocks which contain mineral grains that are large
enough to be recognised in hand specimen, are well foliated and cleave into
thin flakes are characterise schistose rocks. The large mineral grains in
schistose rocks are called porphyroblasts. Gneissic rocks are generally
coarse-grained that comprise alternating light and dark coloured bands of
minerals arranged parallel to each other and may also show lenticular texture.
Non-foliated rocks do not display foliation, and their massive and granular
appearance resembles sedimentary rocks. Metamorphic rocks in which there is
no visible orientation of mineral crystals have a non-foliated texture. For
example, marble and quartzite are massive, medium to coarse grained and
display granular texture with minerals visible to unaided eye.
We have discussed commonly found structures in metamorphic rocks in Unit
14. The metamorphic rocks have been classified on the basis of structures as
follows:
• The phyllitic structure is characteristic of phyllite.
• The slaty structure is distinctive of slate.
• Schistose structure characterises schist displaying a preferred alignment of
platy minerals, for example in mica schist, chlorite schist and hornblende
schist.
• Gneissose structure is exclusively shown by the banded metamorphic rocks
like gneisses, e.g. granitic gneiss.
• Granulose texture is characteristic of massive metamorphic rocks that exhibit
welded interlocking mosaic of crystals, e.g. quartzite and marble.
• Migmatitic texture is observed in the metamorphic rocks like migmatite that
displays alternating light and dark coloured bands, e.g., migmatite.
15.2.3 Mineralogical Composition
The metamorphic rocks can also be classified on the basis of mineralogical
composition or facies. You have read about facies in Unit 13. Each facies
comprise of a stable mineral assemblage depending on the combination of
temperature, pressure and original composition. This classification depends on
the ability of identifying critical or index minerals in a rock using microscope or
other laboratory methods. The name of the rock is modified by the name of an
index mineral placed as a prefix to the group name, e.g. garnet schist. The

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name of the index mineral indicates specific conditions of metamorphism and
metamorphic rocks are classified according to mineral composition.
15.2.4 Types of Metamorphism
The metamorphic rocks can be classified on the basis of the types of
metamorphism. You have learnt about types of metamorphism in Unit 13 in
detail. Types of metamorphism have been categorised into the regional extent
and local extent. The types of metamorphism such as regional (orogenic),
ocean-floor, burial, subduction and collision metamorphism fall under regional
extent. Whereas contact (igneous), cataclastic, hydrothermal, impact (shock),
lightening and combustion metamorphism are of local extent.
Table 15.1: Summary of classification of metamorphic rocks with different
protoliths and their resultant metamorphic rocks and related
textures.

Parent Texture Rock Type Grade Remarks

Rock Name

Mudstone foliated slate regional lower Breaks into plates, slaty

cleavage

Mudstone foliated phyllite regional moderate More shiny and

crenulated than slate

Mudstone foliated schist regional moderately Different schists

high recognised on the basis
of mineral content

Mudstone foliated gneiss regional high Well-developed light and

dark colour banding

Granite foliated gneiss regional high Well-developed light and

dark colour banding

Quartz non- quartzite contact low-high Sugary texture

sandstone foliated composed of interlocking
quartz grains, relatively
hard, won’t fizz with acid

Limestone non- marble contact low-high Sugary texture

foliated composed of interlocking
calcite grains, relatively
hard, fizzes with acid

Basalt non- metabasalt contact low Greenish colour due to

foliated chlorite

15.2.5 Grades of Metamorphism

Grade of metamorphism is also used in classifying metamorphic rocks. You
have learnt about grades in Unit 13 in detail. Grade of metamorphism has been
categorized into low- and high grade. Low-grade metamorphism takes place at
temperatures between about 200oC to 320oC, and relatively low pressure.
Whereas, the high-grade metamorphism takes place at temperatures higher
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than 320oC and relatively high pressure. As grade of metamorphism increases,
hydrous minerals become less hydrous, by losing H2O and non-hydrous
minerals become more common.
There also exists agreement in naming a rock, for example, if a rock is
monomineralic, it may be named after the dominant mineral such as- quartzite
dominated by quartz. But most rocks contain 3 or more minerals, in that case
the minerals are listed (with a hyphen between them) and placed in order of
increasing modal amount before the group name, e.g. garnet-chlorite-
hornblende schist, hornblende being in the maximum amount and garnet being
the minimum. Some geologists also use the prefixes such as para- or ortho-
which are used respectively for sedimentary and igneous protoliths (parent
rock), for e.g. - para-gneiss and ortho-gneiss. If the original protolith is still
recognizable the prefix meta- is added to the name of the rock, e.g. metabasalt,
metagranite, etc.
Learners you have learned about the different classification schemes of
metamorphic rocks in this section. Before discussing about the common
metamorphic rocks, let us spend few minutes to perform an exercise to check
your progress.

SAQ 1
a) What is granulose texture?
b) List the types of metamorphism of regional extent.
c) Quartz sandstone is metamorphosed to ______________.
d) Limestone is metamorphosed to ______________.
e) High grade metamorphism takes place at temperatures greater than
_____________.

15.3 COMMON METAMORPHIC ROCKS

In this section the megascopic and microscopic characters of common
metamorphic rocks will be discussed. This will also help you in identification of
metamorphic rocks in hand specimen and under the microscope. On the basis
of structure and mineralogy, the metamorphic rocks can be divided into foliated
and non-foliated rocks.
1) Foliated Metamorphic Rocks have suffered a good amount of directed
pressure during their genesis. The development of foliation surfaces or
foliation planes takes place due to the pressure. The development of foliation
planes takes place as the result of alignment of platy minerals. This
eventually leads to the formation of weak planes and the rock becomes
easily cleavable along these foliation surfaces. The sequence of foliated
metamorphic rocks in accordance with their grade is: slate, phyllite, and
gneiss.
2) Non-Foliated Metamorphic Rocks do not suffer any shear stress due to
their formation near the surface. The development of foliation planes or
surfaces does not take place in non-foliated rocks. Marble and quartzite are
the types of metamorphic rocks which suffer a high stress but still don’t
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develop foliated texture because of the absence of flaky/platy minerals in the
rock. The absence of foliation surfaces and schistosity in the rock makes the
rock hard and compact.

Fig. 15.1: Development of foliation planes with increase in grade in

metamorphism resulting in different types of foliated metamorphic
rocks.
Now we will discuss megascopic and petrographic characters of foliated rocks
such as slate, phyllite, schist and gneiss.
15.3.1 Slate
Slate generally displays close resemblance to shale. Slate is a fine-grained
foliated metamorphic rock formed by low-grade regional metamorphism of
shale or mudstone. Aluminum rich minerals in shale are metamorphosed to
micaceous minerals in slate. The parallel alignment of these flaky/ platy
minerals gives rise to foliation in slate which causes the slate to break along
these foliation planes easily. Slate exhibits slaty cleavage or excellent rock
cleavage, i.e. tendency to break into thin and flat slabs or sheets (Fig. 15.2).

Fig. 15.2: Metamorphism of shale protolith to slate and evolution of shale fissility
to foliation in slate.

a) Megascopic characters: In hand specimen foliation can be seen at the

millimeter scale with fine grains and variable colours with shades of black,
grey (Fig. 15.4a) and green etc. While in thin section the textural association
could be identified with new mica growing in a direction perpendicular to the
direction of stress. Slate is most often formed by the low-grade
metamorphism of shale, mudstone, or siltstone. Slate’s colour depends on its
mineral constituents. Often black (carbonaceous/graphitic) slate contains
organic material; red slate gets its colour from iron oxide; and green slate
usually contains chlorite. The original shale bedding (relict bedding) is
sometimes preserved as colour contrasts in a slate. In most cases the slate's
fracture cleavage lies at some angle to the original bedding plane. Slate
displays perfect slaty cleavage with smooth surface and breaks easily along
the planes parallel to the sheet silicates, causing a slaty cleavage. Essential
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minerals are biotite, chlorite, muscovite and accessory minerals are apatite,
graphite, magnetite, tourmaline or zircon.

Fig. 15.3: Relation between foliation and bedding plane.

b) Petrographic characters: At microscopic level the fine texture of the rock

doesn’t let the identification of micas easy (Fig. 15.4b). Texturally, slate is
very fine-grained, well foliated with parallel foliation or layering of fine-
grained platy minerals such as chlorite. Crenulation cleavage may be
present. The slate is formed due to metamorphism of mudstone/ siltstone /
shale.

Fig. 15.4: a) Hand specimen of slate; and b) Photomicrograph of indiscernible

mica crystals in slate (XP image, 10x).

15.3.2 Phyllite
You have read about the slate. Now let us read about the phyllite.
Phyllite is a fine-grained foliated metamorphic rock formed by the
metamorphism of slate. The foliation is caused by preferred orientation of very
fine-grained mica. It represents a gradation in the degree of metamorphism
between slate and schist. Its constituent platy minerals are larger than those in
slate but not yet large enough to be readily identifiable with the unaided eye.
Although phyllite appears similar to a slate, it can be easily distinguished from
slate by its glossy lustre and its wavy surface. Phyllite usually exhibits rock
cleavage and is composed mainly of very fine crystals of either muscovite or
chlorite, or both.
The condition of formation of phyllite requires the P-T conditions similar to the
low-grade metamorphism of regional type. Phyllite is characterised by silky
sheen due to the presence of fine-grained mica minerals that is called the

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phyllitic luster commonly observed at the cleavage surfaces. The fissile
property of the protolith doesn’t fade off and is retained in phyllite.
a) Megascopic characters: In hand specimen phyllite resembles slate since it
is fine grained, hard with foliations of millimeter scale (Fig. 15.5a). Phyllite
displays less compaction with tints of grey and phyllitic lustre. Phyllite is
variable in colour with shades of grey with sheen. It is fine to medium
grained, hard but less compact. Phyllite is foliated on mm scale with well-
developed foliations. Surface of the phyllite is typically lustrous and
sometimes wrinkled. Presence of mica (biotite and muscovite) flakes give
rise to a satin luster to phyllite and it displays phyllitic structure. Essential
minerals are muscovite, biotite, quartz and plagioclase. Sericitic mica,
graphite and chlorite are accessory phases. Phyllite is a low grade (higher
than the slate) metamorphic rock. Shale or mudstone is protoliths of phyllite.
b) Petrographic characters: The textural characters of phyllite are similar to
the slate but the most perceptive character is the prominence of foliation
planes due to mica growth (Fig. 15.5b). Phyllite is fine to medium grained
(0.1-1.00 mm particle size), foliated (mm scale) and quite commonly
wrinkled or wavy. The foliations are well-developed. Flaky minerals are
aligned perpendicular to c axis giving rise to lineation. Essential mineral are
muscovite, biotite, quartz and plagioclase. Accessory minerals are sericitic
mica, graphite and chlorite.

Fig. 15.5: a) Silvery phyllite with phyllitic shine due to the presence of white mica;
and b) Discernible mica crystals in Phyllite under XP, (magnification
10x).

15.3.3 Schist
Schist is a strongly foliated medium grained metamorphic rock in general. It is
formed on the continental side of a convergent plate boundary by the
metamorphism of rocks at higher metamorphic grade than slate. Schist is a
medium to coarse-grained metamorphic rock possessing foliation known as
schistosity. Schist is composed of flaky/platy mineral grains that are large
enough to be discerned with naked eye. The alignment of these flaky/platy
minerals leads to the formation of foliation surfaces. The foliation surfaces so
formed are quite distinct and coarse due to higher degree of crystallisation in
micaceous minerals. Apart from describing texture, the term schist describes
rocks having a wide variety of chemical compositions. In order to indicate the
variation in composition, mineral names are prefixed to the rock name ‘schist’.
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For example, schists composed primarily of muscovite and biotite is called mica
schist. Many metamorphic rocks comprise some common accessory minerals
like garnet and staurolite which occur as porphyroblasts. In that case the rock is
called garnet-mica schist, hornblende-schist, and staurolite-mica schist
depending on the dominance of minerals occurring as porphyroblasts.
a) Megascopic characters: Hand specimen identification could be done with
the help of prominent schistosity planes which range from millimeter to
centimeter scale. The rock has suffered high directional stress and has thus
become hard and compact and the growth of mineral grains make it
somewhat coarse-grained rock (Fig. 15.6a). Schist is fine to medium
grained and often crystals can be seen by unaided eyes. Quartz and
feldspar grains show no preferred orientation. Schist is smooth and rough in
touch. The flaky minerals in schist form roughly parallel layers. The rock
breaks easily when hammered due to the presence of mica. It displays
schistose structure. Essential minerals are mica, quartz, and plagioclase.
Quartz, feldspars, kyanite, chlorite, garnet, staurolite and sillimanite may be
present as accessory minerals. Schist is intermediate/medium metamorphic
grade between phyllite and gneiss.
b) Petrographic characters: Microscopically the schist can be identified by
the continuous foliation planes and coarse texture (Fig. 15.6b). The foliation
is in the form of banding in which flakes of micaceous minerals could be
seen oriented in a particular direction. Parallel orientation of mica flakes
give rise to schistose structure. Essential minerals are muscovite, quartz
and plagioclase. Porphyroblasts of garnet are common. Quartz, feldspars,
kyanite, chlorite, garnet, staurolite and sillimanite are accessory minerals.

Fig.15.6: a) Biotite Schist showing folded schistosity; and b) Schistose bandings

showing fold in schist (XPL image, 2x).

15.3.4 Gneiss
Gneiss is a compositionally layered metamorphic rock; typically composed of
alternating dark-coloured and light-coloured layers with variable thickness.
Gneiss is a medium to coarse grained rock that shows much similarity with
schist rocks as they both show light and dark coloured bands of felsic and mafic
minerals respectively. Most of the gneisses are felsic in composition and are
derived from high grade metamorphism of granite or often from shale. During
high-grade metamorphism the light and dark components separate, giving

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gneisses their characteristic banded or layered appearance. Gneisses can also
comprise primarily of dark minerals. For example, an amphibole-rich rock that
exhibits a gneissic texture is called amphibolite. Gneiss is formed by regional
metamorphism from a variety of protoliths. These banded gneisses often exhibit
evidence of deformation, including folds and sometimes faults.
a) Megascopic characters: Gneisses are metamorphic rocks in which granular
and elongated (as opposed to flaky/platy) minerals predominate. It is
characterised by alternate light and dark coloured bands comprising minerals
of respective colours which is responsible for the compositional and/or
structural variation. The banding is not continuous unlike schist. Foliation is
distinct but the rock does not cleave along the foliation planes like slate and
schist. Colour is variable with alternate dark and light bands. Gneiss exhibits
gneissose structure. Quartz, feldspars, mica and amphiboles with alternate
light and dark coloured bands give rise to the gneissic bands in the rock.
Light and dark bands of felsic (such as feldspar and quartz) and mafic
minerals (biotite, pyroxene, amphibole, garnet etc) characterise gneiss.
b) Petrographic characters: In thin section petrography of the gneiss is
differentiated form the schist by the foliated bands which are discontinuous
and wane off in gneisses. This is due to the inactivity of slip planes with
increase of temperature. Also, the grains are relatively bigger in size than
schist due to static recrystallisation. Quartz, feldspars, mica and amphibole
grains alternate as light and dark coloured bands giving the rock a gneissic
banding. Light band comprise felsic minerals such as feldspar and quartz
while the dark bands comprise mafic minerals such as biotite, pyroxene, and
amphibole.

Fig. 15.7: a) Folded gneiss; and b) Coarse grains with discontinuous foliation
bandings in gneiss (XPL image, 2x).

15.3.5 Marble
Marble is a non-foliated, high temperature and pressure, thermal and regionally
metamorphosed rock generally formed by metamorphism of limestone or
dolostone. Marble comprising dolomite (18 mole% of Mg + limestone) is called
a dolomarble. Pure marble is white and composed essentially of the mineral
calcite. During the formation of marble, calcite comprising the protolith
recrystallises so the fossil shells, pore spaces and distinction between grains
and cement disappears. On metamorphism the calcite crystals are
reconstituted in a denser and equigranular form of calcite crystals (Fig. 15.8)
rendering the rock compact even though the calcite has a hardness of only 3 on
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the Moh’s hardness scale. Marble usually forms in convergent tectonic setting
or due to the heating of limestone or dolomite by the ascending magma. Unlike
quartzite, marble could be scratched with a metal blade. Marble is easy to cut
and shape because of its low hardness. White marble is particularly prized as a
stone from which monuments and statues are made developed, such as the Taj
Mahal in India. Unfortunately, marble’s composition of calcium carbonate
causes it to weather when exposed to acid rain. Marble formed from limestone
interbedded with shale appears banded and exhibits visible foliation. On their
deformation, these banded marbles develop highly contorted mica-rich folds
that give the rock a rather artistic design. These decorative marbles have been
used as a building stone ever since human civilisation.

Fig. 15.8: Protolith and grain differentiation between quartzite and marble.
(Source: https://bostoncollege.instructure.com/courses/1325378
/pages/vl1b-metamorphic-rocks)
a) Megascopic characters: Marble is medium to coarse grained, crystalline,
equigranular, hard and compact. Marble displays granular and saccharoidal
(sugary) texture. It typically consists of fairly uniform mass of interlocking
calcite crystals. The marble can be of pink, grey, green, or even black colour
which is due to the impurities inherited from parent rock or protolith. Pure
marble is white, whereas, marble with traces of iron is reddish or pink. As
primarily the marble is composed of calcium carbonate it reacts with dilute
acid.

Fig. 15.9: a) Hand specimen of Marble; and b) Coarse grains with sugary texture
in marble (XPL image, 4x).

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b) Petrographic characters: Marble is medium to coarse grained and displays
crystalline, granular and sugary texture with interlocking grains. Three sets of
calcitic rhombohedral cleavage are present in marble at microscopic level.
This cleavage pattern becomes more prominent when there is presence of
dolomite in marble. Though, marble is very much confused with quartzite still
mineralogical composition and compactness of marble makes the distinction
easy. Its mineral composition is dominantly calcite or dolomite. Clay
minerals, micas, quartz, pyrite, iron oxide, and graphite may also be present.
15.3.6 Quartzite
Quartzite is a non-foliated hard metamorphic rock. It is formed by the
metamorphism of pure quartz sandstone. Alteration of quartz rich (>90%
quartz) sandstone takes place due to the pressure, heat and chemical activity
during the metamorphism. During metamorphism, the pre-existing quartz grains
recrystallise, giving rise to the new larger grains. Under moderate- to high-
grade metamorphism, the quartz grains in sandstone fuse together and make
the rock denser, equigranular and hard. In the process, the distinction between
cement and grains as also open pore spaces disappear and grains become
interlocking. The recrystallisation is often so complete that when broken,
quartzite will split through or across the quartz grains rather than along their
curved boundaries. It is formed along the convergent plate boundaries and
along the orogens. Quartzite is a common metamorphic rock as its protolith
sandstone too is common.
a) Megascopic characters: Pure quartzite is white, but iron oxide may produce
reddish or pinkish stains due to presence of ferrous mineral. It is sometimes
green also (fuchsite quartzite). Quartzite looks glassier than sandstone and
does not have the grainy, sandpaper like surface characteristics of
sandstone. It is medium grained, equigranular comprising interlocking grains
of quartz giving a sugary appearance. It is hard and compact and shows
granulose texture and structure. Unlike marble, quartzite cannot be
scratched with a metal blade due to the predominance of quartz which gives
the rock hardness corresponding to 7 on Moh’s hardness scale. Quartzite is
dominantly composed of quartz but some mineral impurities such as
hematite may be present. Minerals like micas, feldspars, garnets and some
amphiboles may also be present.

Fig. 15.10: Quartzite samples from IGNOU Headquarters: a) Quartzose quartzite;

and b) Ferruginous quartzite.

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b) Petrographic characters: Quartzite in thin section is medium grained,
equigranular, with interlocking grains of quartz with appreciable
compactness. It shows granular, sugary texture. Apart from quartz other
minerals if present are considered to be impurities (hematite etc.). Other
mineral like hematite, mica, feldspar, garnet and some amphibole may be
present.

Fig. 15.11: Coarse grains with sugary texture in marble (XPL image, 4x).

Table 15.2: Characteristics of some of the common metamorphic rocks.

Non-foliated
Parent Metamorphic Dominant Distinguishing Characteristics
Rock Rock Minerals
Limestone, Marble Calcite or Coarse, interlocking grains with
Dolomite Dolomitic dolomite rhombohedral cleavage, effervesces
marble to drop of acid
Quartz Quartzite Quartz Interlocking grains of granular
sandstone quartz, hard, scratches glass
Shale, Hornfels Fine-grained Fine-grained dark rock, may have
Basalt mica some coarser minerals present,
usually scratches glass
Foliated
Parent Rock Metamorphic Dominant Characteristics
rock minerals
Shale Slate Clay minerals, Fine grained, splits easily, slaty
micas cleavage
Shale Phyllite Micas Fine-grained rock with silky lustre,
usually splits along wavy surfaces

Learners, you have learnt about the common metamorphic rocks in this section.
Before progressing further, let us spend a few minutes to perform an exercise
to check your progress.

SAQ 2
a) Differentiate between foliated and non-foliated metamorphic rocks.
b) Mention two examples each of foliated and non-foliated rocks.
c) Gneiss exhibits_______________ structure.
d) Marble displays granular and ___________ texture.
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15.4 SUMMARY
Let us summarise what we have learnt in this unit:
• Metamorphic rocks can be classified on the basis of parent rock, texture,
structure, mineralogical composition, metamorphic processes and grade.
• Metamorphic rock can be of sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic origin.
• Metamorphic rocks have been classified as phyllitic structure, slaty structure,
schistose structure, gneissose structure, granulose texture and migmatitic
texture.
• The metamorphic rocks can also be classified on the basis of mineralogical
composition or facies.
• Types of metamorphism has been categorised into regional extent and local
extent. The types of metamorphism such as regional (orogenic), ocean-floor,
burial, subduction and collision metamorphism fall under regional extent.
Whereas contact (igneous), cataclastic, hydrothermal, impact (shock),
lightening and combustion metamorphism are of local extent.
• Grade of metamorphism has been categorized into low- and high grade.
• On the basis of structure and mineralogy, the metamorphic rocks can be
divided into foliated and non-foliated rocks.
• The foliated metamorphic rocks in accordance with their grade are: slate,
phyllite, and gneiss.
• Marble and quartzite are non-foliated rocks having granular and
equidimensional texture.

15.5 TERMINAL QUESTIONS

1. How are metamorphic rocks classified on the basis of parent rock?
2. Discuss the megascopic and petrographic characters of slate.
3. Describe the megascopic and petrographic characters of schist.
4. Explain the megascopic and petrographic characters of quartzite.

15.7 REFERENCES
• Bard, J.P (1980) Microtextures of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks. D.
Reidel Publishing Company, KJuwer Academic Publishers Group, Boston
and Dordrecht, Holland 264p.
• Best, M G. (1986) Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, CBS Publications.
ISBN 81-239-0984-5.
• Haakon Fossen (2010) Structural Geology. Cambridge University Press.
503p.
• Lapworth, C. (1899) An Intermediate Textbook of Geology. Blackwood,
Edinburgh, 414p.
• Mukherjee, P.K. (2000) A Text Book of Geology. The World Press, Kolkata,
ISBN:81-87567-09-0, 638p.

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Unit 15 Classification of Metamorphic Rocks
………………………………………………………………………………………………….............….….....….
• Philpotts, A.R. (1990) Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology.
Printice Hall, 498p.
• Spry, Alan (1969) Metamorphic Textures, 1st Edition, Pergamon Press,
350p.
• Tyrell, G. W. (1973) The principles of Petrology. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN
0470894806, 9780470894804, 349p.
• bostoncollege.instructure.com/courses/1325378/pages/vl1b-metamorphic-
rocks.
• www.earthscienceeducation.com/Scottish%20Virtual%20Activities/start_here
.html
(Websites accessed between 20th to 25th July 2020)

15.8 FURTHER/SUGGESTED READINGS

• Best, M G. (1986) Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, CBS Publications.
ISBN 81-239-0984-5.
• Mukherjee, P.K. (2000) A Text Book of Geology. The World Press, Kolkata,
ISBN:81-87567-09-0, 638p.
• Tyrell, G. W. (1973) The principles of Petrology. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN
0470894806, 9780470894804, 349p.

15.9 ANSWERS
Self Assessment Questions
1 a) Granulose texture is found in massive metamorphic rocks exhibiting
welded interlocking mosaic of crystals, e.g. quartzite and marble.
b) The types of metamorphism such as regional (orogenic), ocean-floor,
burial, subduction and collision metamorphism fall under regional extent.
c) Quartzite
d) Marble
e) 320oC
2 a) Foliated metamorphic rocks have suffered a good amount of directed
pressure during their genesis. The development of foliation surfaces or
foliation planes takes place due to the pressure. Whereas non-foliated
metamorphic rocks do not suffer any shear stresses due to their
formation near the surface. The development of foliation planes or
surfaces does not take place in non-foliated rocks.
b) Foliated-schist and gneiss; non-foliated-marble and quartzite
c) Gneissose
d) Saccharoidal

Terminal Questions
1. Please refer to subsection 15.2.1.

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Block 4 Metamorphic Petrology
……………………………………………………………………………………………….….............….….....…
2. Please refer to subsection 15.3.1.
3. Please refer to subsection 15.3.3.
4. Please refer to subsection 15.3.6.

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 GLOSSARY
Apparent fibers : Cross sections of serpentine plates that look fibrous in
thin section.

Augen structure : It refers to a larger, stronger crystals (like

feldspar, quartz, garnet) embedded in
a metamorphic matrix and sheared into an
asymmetrical eye-shaped crystal.

Aureole : A zone of contact metamorphism that surrounds an

intrusion.

Background : Alteration has pervasively affected the entire rock and

alteration is not primarily bound to veins or foliation planes

Banded structure : Term used for prominent layering or banding in veins or

nodules. These types of structures are formed due to
successive deposition or replacement of pre-existing
rocks such as granite gneiss.

Banded vein : Vein with rhythmic layering parallel to the vein walls.

Bastite : Serpentine texture after chain and layer silicates

preserving important textures of the protolith (e.g.,
plastic deformation) and pre-serpentine alteration
assemblages.

Black smokers : The mineral laden water emerging from the seafloor
through hydrothermal vents. It is named after the dark-
colored precipitates produced when the hot vent water
meets cold seawater.

Burial : It occurs when rocks are deeply buried, at depths of

metamorphism more than 2000 meters. Burial
metamorphism commonly occurs in sedimentary
basins, where rocks are buried deeply by
overlying sediments.

Cataclasite : A type of breccia that forms in a brittle way within fault

zones.

Chrysotile : White asbestiform serpentine, usually in veins with

magnetite.

Composite vein : Compositionally zoned vein containing different mineral

assemblages that may or may not represent different
generations.

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Confining pressure : It has equal pressure on all sides and is responsible for
causing chemical reactions to occur just like heat.

Contact : It occurs in rock exposed to high temperature and low

metamorphism pressure when hot magma intrudes into or lava flows
over pre-existing country rocks.

Cross-fiber vein : Asbestiform or pseudofibrous vein in which the fibers

(or apparent fibers) are oriented perpendicular to the
vein walls.

Directed stress : An unequal balance of forces on a rock in one or more

directions. It is also called differential or tectonic stress.
These stresses are generated by the movement of
lithospheric plates.

Fibrous : Single crystals resembling organic fibers or crystalline

aggregates that look like they are composed of fibers.

Foliation : This term describes minerals lined up in planes.

Minerals most notably the mica group, are mostly thin
and planar.

Geothermal : The average change in temperature that is experienced

gradient as material moves into the Earth. Near the surface, this
rate is about 25°C/km.

Glaucophane : This mineral has a distinctive blue color, is an index

mineral found in blueschist facies, associated with
converging plate boundary.

Gneissic banding : Metamorphic foliation in which visible silicate

minerals separate into dark and light bands or lineation.
These grains tend to be coarse and often folded.

Gondite : Metamorphic rock comprising spessartine variety of

garnet.

Hornfels : Non-foliated rock which is identified by its dense, fine

grained, hard, blocky or splintery texture composed of
several silicate minerals.

Hydrothermal : Metamorphism which occurs with hot fluids going within

metamorphism rocks, altering and changing the rocks.

Index minerals : They form at certain temperatures and pressures to

identify metamorphic grade and provide important

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 clues to a rock’s protolith and metamorphic conditions.

Khondalite : Khondalite is quartz–manganese-rich garnet–

rhodonite schist. It may also contain sillimanite and
graphite. It is found in the Eastern
Ghats between Vijayawada and Cuttack in India.

Metamorphic : Group of minerals called facies assemblages. They

facies provide information about the metamorphic processes
that have affected the rocks and are useful in
interpreting the history of a metamorphic rock.

Metamorphic : This term is used for the description of the shape and
texture orientation of mineral grains in a metamorphic rock.

Migmatite : Since gneisses form at the highest temperatures and

pressures, some partial melting may occur. This
partially melted rock is a transition
between metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Migmatites appear as dark and light banded gneiss.

Mylonites : Metamorphic rocks created by dynamic

recrystallisation, generally resulting in a reduction
of grain size.

Non-foliated : This type of texture does not exhibit lineation, foliation,

or other alignments of mineral grains. Non-foliated
metamorphic rocks are typically composed of just
one mineral, and usually show the effects of
metamorphism with recrystallisation in which crystals
grow together but have no preferred direction.

Phase diagram : Chart that show the stability of different phases of a

substance at different conditions.

Regional : It occurs when parent rock is subjected to increase

metamorphism temperature and pressure over a large area.

Subduction zone : It is a type of regional metamorphism that occurs when

metamorphism a slab of oceanic crust is subducted under the
continental crust.

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