Here's how it works:
* Heat: Intense heat from the Earth's interior causes the atoms within existing rocks (like sedimentary or igneous rocks) to vibrate more rapidly. This weakens the bonds holding the minerals together.
* Pressure: The immense weight of overlying rock layers creates tremendous pressure. This pressure forces the minerals within the rock to rearrange and recrystallize.
* Chemical Reactions: The heat and pressure also facilitate chemical reactions, introducing new minerals and altering the existing ones.
The resulting metamorphic rocks have a different texture, mineral composition, and often a different appearance than the original rock. Some examples of metamorphic rocks include:
* Marble: Formed from limestone
* Slate: Formed from shale
* Gneiss: Formed from granite
* Quartzite: Formed from sandstone
The specific type of metamorphic rock that forms depends on the original rock type, the intensity of the heat and pressure, and the presence of fluids.
