answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

A metamorphic rock is an igneous, sedimentary, or another metamorphic rock that has either been squeezed by incredible pressures deep underground and/or has been exposed to very high temperatures, altering its structure, mineral alignment, or chemical composition. Metamorphic rocks are classified as contact (from proximity to a magmatic intrusion) or regional (resulting from deep burial and pressures from plate collisions Metamorphic rock is also classified as foliated or non-foliated, foliation being the parallel alignment of the constituent minerals in bands that are perpendicular to the applied pressure. Metamorphic rocks can also be described by the grade of metamorphism which has taken place from low to high, high being the closest to the next stage in the rock cycle, melting. Examples of metamorphic rock are slate, quartzite, marble, phyllite, schist, and gneiss.

An igneous rock is simply a rock that has solidified from magma or lava upon cooling. Igneous rocks can be intrusive (solidified from magma underground) or extrusive (solidified from lava at or near the surface). The bulk of Earth's crust is formed from igneous rock. Examples of igneous rock include basalt, obsidian, rhyolite, granite, diorite, gabbro, and pumice. A sedimentary rock is one that is formed by the accumulation of small to large sediment particles derived from all three types of rock and in some cases organic material, and undergoes compaction, cementation, or evaporation from/precipitation from a saturated mineral solution. Sedimentary rock is classified as organic, (derived from organisms), clastic (formed from any size particle of preexisting rock), or non-clastic (also referred to as chemical), where the sedimentary rock is formed from the evaporation of a solution that is saturated with mineral compounds. Examples of organic sedimentary rocks are coal and limestone. Examples of clastic sedimentary rocks are conglomerate and shale. Examples of non-clastic or chemical sedimentary rocks are rock gypsum and rock salt.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How do metamorphic rocks differ from igneous and sedimentary rocks?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What are three types of rocks?

igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic


Can Metamorphic rocks can form from igneous but not from sedimentary rocks.?

Metamorphic rocks can form from both igneous and sedimentary rocks


Can metamorphic rocks can form from igneous but not from sedimentary rocks?

Metamorphic rocks can form from both igneous and sedimentary rocks


What are 3 major rock types?

Igneous Rocks,Sedimentary Rocks,Metamorphic Rocks.


What are the three types of rocks involved in the rock cycle?

The three types of rocks involved in the rock cycle are igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Igneous rocks form from the solidification of molten magma, sedimentary rocks form from the deposition and lithification of sediments, and metamorphic rocks form from pre-existing rocks that are subjected to high heat and pressure.


How are metamorphic rocks igneous rock and sedimentary rocks different?

Metamorphic rocks originate as igneous and sedimentary rocks, but have been changed by heat and pressure.


Can metamorphic rocks form form igneous but not from sedimentary rocks?

Metamorphic rocks can form from both igneous and sedimentary rocks through the process of heat and pressure, but they are more commonly associated with forming from existing metamorphic or sedimentary rocks. Igneous rocks can indirectly contribute to the formation of metamorphic rocks by heating up and altering surrounding rocks, leading to the formation of new metamorphic rocks.


Name the 3 kinds of rocks?

The three main types of rocks are igneous, formed from cooling lava or magma; sedimentary, formed from compressed layers of sediment; and metamorphic, formed from existing rocks that undergo high heat and pressure.


What is the name of all three rocks sedimentary igneous and?

Sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic.


Name the three types of rocks?

Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are the three main types of rocks. Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling of molten rock, sedimentary rocks from the accumulation of sediment, and metamorphic rocks from the transformation of existing rocks under heat and pressure.


What are the 3 rocks in the rock cycle?

Three (3) rocks in the rock cycle are sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rock.


What are the the three classes of rocks?

The three classes of rocks are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form from the cooling of magma or lava, sedimentary rocks result from the accumulation and compression of sediment, and metamorphic rocks form from the alteration of existing rocks due to high heat and pressure.