Lab 6: Metamorphic Rocks and the Rock Cycle

Lab Structure

Recommended additional work Yes – review rock and mineral ID in preparation for Test 2
Required materials Mineral ID kit, Rock Kits 1 and 2, hand lens, pencil

Learning Objectives

After carefully reading this chapter, completing the exercises within it, and answering the questions at the end, you should be able to:

  • Summarize the factors that influence the nature of metamorphic rocks and explain why each one is important.
  • Recognize foliation and explain the mechanisms for its formation in metamorphic rocks.
  • Classify metamorphic rocks on the basis of their texture and mineral content, and explain the origins of these differences.
  • Describe the various settings in which metamorphic rocks are formed and the links between plate tectonics and metamorphism.
  • Describe the rock cycle and the types of processes that lead to the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Key Terms
  • Metamorphism
  • Metamorphic grade
  • Geothermal gradient
  • Index minerals
  • Protolith
  • Recrystallization
  • Foliation
  • Slaty
  • Schistose
  • Gneissic
  • Massive

License

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A Practical Guide to Introductory Geology Copyright © 2020 by Siobhan McGoldrick is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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