* Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
* Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks (including igneous rocks) are subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. These conditions cause changes in the rock's mineral composition, texture, and sometimes even chemical composition.
Here's a simple example:
1. Igneous rock: Imagine a granite rock, formed from cooled magma.
2. Metamorphic transformation: This granite rock is buried deep underground. Over time, it experiences intense heat and pressure from tectonic plate movement or nearby magma.
3. Metamorphic rock: The heat and pressure cause the minerals in the granite to recrystallize and rearrange, forming a new rock called gneiss. Gneiss is a metamorphic rock with a distinct banded texture.
Key takeaways:
* Igneous rocks provide the starting material for metamorphic rock formation.
* Heat and pressure are the driving forces behind the transformation.
* The resulting metamorphic rock will have different properties and characteristics from the original igneous rock.
Let me know if you'd like more details about specific types of igneous rocks and their metamorphic counterparts!