* Metamorphic rocks form from existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or even other metamorphic rocks) that are transformed by heat and pressure. This happens deep within the Earth's crust or where tectonic plates collide.
* The intense heat and pressure cause changes in the rock's mineral composition, texture, and sometimes even chemical composition. This results in the formation of new minerals and a distinctive layered or banded appearance.
Specifically in Virginia, the Appalachian Mountains were formed by the collision of tectonic plates, which subjected the region to intense heat and pressure, leading to the widespread formation of metamorphic rocks.
