Question

Match each metamorphic rock with the correct parent rock. 1. quartzite limestone 2. marble sandstone 3. slate shale

Answer 1

The correct pairings for the given rocks are: quartzite from sandstone, marble from limestone, and slate from shale. These pairings are identified by analyzing characteristics such as texture and mineral content, and understanding the conditions of metamorphism that transform the protolith into the metamorphic rock.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about the relationship between metamorphic rocks and their parent rocks, also known as protoliths. I'll provide the correct pairings along with an explanation of how each metamorphic rock is formed from its parent rock.

• Quartzite is formed from the metamorphism of sandstone. The process involves heat and pressure that bonds the quartz grains together, creating a rock that is hard and has a non-foliated texture.
• Marble is the result of the metamorphism of limestone or dolostone. Under the conditions of metamorphism, calcite in the limestone recrystallizes into a denser, more crystalline rock.
• Slate is a fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock that originates from shale. The shale is subjected to low to medium-grade metamorphism, which aligns the clay minerals into thin layers, or foliation.

When identifying metamorphic rocks, one must consider several characteristics such as color, texture, mineral content, and the grade of metamorphism. For instance, quartzite, a metamorphic rock derived from sandstone, is hard, usually non-foliated, and does not react with acid, as opposed to marble, which may fizz due to the presence of calcite from its limestone parent rock. By analyzing these aspects, we can better understand the transformation from protolith to metamorphic rock.

Answer 2

1. Quartzite - sandstone
2. Marble - limestone
3. Slate - shale

Explanation:

• Metamorphic rocks are named after the term metamorphism, which means 'to change'. These rocks are called so because they change from one form to another due to several external factors.

• Parent rocks are the original rocks from which the metamorphic rocks are formed after undergoing changes.

• Sandstone, limestone, and shale are all sedimentary rocks which change their form due to high heat, pressure, temperature, and chemical activity and form their respective metamorphic rocks.

• Thus, sandstone, limestone, and shale are parent rocks and quartzite, marble and slate are the respective metamorphic rocks formed from them.