Here's a breakdown:
* Metamorphism: This process involves changes in the mineral composition and texture of existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or even other metamorphic rocks) without melting them completely.
* Heat: Intense heat, often from the Earth's interior or from the intrusion of magma, can cause atoms within minerals to rearrange, forming new minerals.
* Pressure: Extreme pressure, usually from the weight of overlying rock layers, can cause mineral grains to recrystallize and become more tightly packed.
Examples of metamorphic rocks:
* Marble: Formed from limestone (a sedimentary rock) by heat and pressure.
* Slate: Formed from shale (a sedimentary rock) by heat and pressure.
* Gneiss: Formed from a variety of rocks by high-grade metamorphism.
* Quartzite: Formed from sandstone (a sedimentary rock) by heat and pressure.
The type of metamorphic rock formed depends on the original rock type, the intensity of heat and pressure, and the presence of fluids during the transformation process.
