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  • Identifying Hard, Non-Porous Layered Rocks: A Guide
    There isn't a single rock type that perfectly fits the description of having "very hard and non-porous crystals in the layers." However, several rocks can be described with similar characteristics, depending on what you mean by "layers."

    Here are some possibilities:

    Rocks with hard, non-porous crystals in distinct layers:

    * Foliated metamorphic rocks: These rocks are formed under intense pressure and heat, which causes their minerals to align in parallel layers. Examples include:

    * Schist: Often contains distinct layers of mica, which gives it a shiny, layered appearance.

    * Gneiss: Has alternating layers of light and dark minerals, creating a banded look.

    * Slate: Has very fine-grained layers, often used for roofing.

    Rocks with hard, non-porous crystals forming a dense structure:

    * Quartzite: A metamorphic rock formed from sandstone, with tightly interlocked quartz crystals. It's very hard and resistant to weathering.

    * Marble: A metamorphic rock formed from limestone, with recrystallized calcite crystals. While it can have a layered appearance, the layers are less pronounced than in foliated rocks.

    * Igneous rocks: Some igneous rocks, like granite, can have hard, non-porous crystals formed from the slow cooling of magma. However, they don't typically exhibit layering in the same way as metamorphic rocks.

    Important considerations:

    * Porosity: While these rocks have hard crystals, they may still have some porosity depending on the size and arrangement of the crystals.

    * Definition of "layer": The term "layer" can be ambiguous. If you're referring to distinct bands of different minerals, then foliated metamorphic rocks are the best fit. If you're referring to a more general layering within the rock structure, other options like quartzite or igneous rocks might be more appropriate.

    To give you a more specific answer, it would be helpful to have more information about the rock you're looking for.

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