Metamorphic Stone
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Metamorphic Stone

Metamorphic rocks are formed due to the effect of heat and pressure on existing rocks. Metamorphic means “changes formed” This can greatly affect the hardness, texture or layer patterns of the rocks.

This changing of one rock type into another new type takes place by an increase in temperature or pressure or a combination of both. The original minerals of the stone recrystallize, small crystals merge to form larger crystals with no changes in the mineral chemistry, fine-grained calcite in limestone recrystallizes to a coarse-grained calcite crystal structure in marble; or there may by a transformation into a different set of metamorphic minerals. This recrystallization transforms the Shale into a colorful Slate "Siliceous". Limestone becomes a multi colored Marble "Calcareous" and the grainy Sandstone alters into a highly crystallized sparkling Quartzite "Siliceous".

[Image: metamorphic.jpg]

Sedimentary or igneous rock is pushed down towards the earth’s mantle. The magma heats it up and changes its structure (re-crystallization) and pressure pushes down on the rocks. The texture, mineral structure and physical properties all change. Marble and Slate are common metamorphic rocks
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