For kids, a metamorphic rock is basically a rock that started out as one type of rock but changed into a completely different kind of rock!
Think of it like a caterpillar changing into a butterfly – it's still an insect, but it looks and acts very differently.
How Do Rocks Change?
Rocks change when they are affected by great temperatures and pressures deep inside the Earth.
- Imagine being squeezed really hard and heated up at the same time! That's kind of what happens to these rocks.
- The important thing is, the rocks do not melt during this process.
- Instead, the tiny pieces (the chemicals or crystals) inside the rock rearrange themselves or change their shape. This is why they look different from the original rock.
The name "metamorphic" actually comes from old Greek words that mean “change of shape.” Pretty cool, right?
Examples of Metamorphic Rocks
Here are some examples of rocks that changed into metamorphic rocks:
| Original Rock | Metamorphic Rock | What It's Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Limestone | Marble | Statues, buildings, countertops |
| Shale | Slate | Roof tiles, chalkboards |
| Sandstone | Quartzite | Building material, landscaping |
| Granite | Gneiss | Buildings, countertops |
Marble and slate are two famous examples of metamorphic rocks that started out as other types of rocks before they were heated and squeezed.
Key Facts About Metamorphic Rocks
Here are the main things to remember about these amazing rocks:
- They form from other rocks (like igneous or sedimentary rocks).
- They need lots of heat and pressure to form.
- They don't melt, but their inside parts change shape or rearrange.
- The word "metamorphic" means "change of shape."
So, next time you see a beautiful marble statue or a slate roof, remember that you're looking at a rock that went through a big transformation!
