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  • Which Rocks Resist Melting? Understanding Rock Stability
    It's not accurate to say that a rock type *never* melts. All rocks can melt under the right conditions, which are primarily extreme heat and pressure.

    However, some rock types are more resistant to melting than others:

    * Ultramafic rocks: These rocks are very rich in magnesium and iron and are found deep within the Earth. They have very high melting points, so they are less likely to melt than other rock types.

    * Metamorphic rocks: These rocks have already been subjected to heat and pressure, so they are more stable and less likely to melt than other rocks.

    Here's why we can't say a rock type never melts:

    * Depth and Pressure: The deeper you go into the Earth, the hotter it gets. The pressure also increases, which can lower the melting point of rocks.

    * Water Content: The presence of water can lower the melting point of rocks. This is why rocks near subduction zones, where water is introduced, are more likely to melt.

    * Composition: The specific minerals that make up a rock also influence its melting point.

    So, while some rocks are more resistant to melting than others, all rocks can melt under the right conditions.

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