Final answer:
The difference between slate and gneiss rocks formed from shale is determined by metamorphic grade. In contact metamorphism, foliation is not expected.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a slate and a gneiss rock that are both formed from a shale is primarily determined by the metamorphic grade. Slate is formed from low-grade metamorphism, while gneiss is formed from high-grade metamorphism. The parent rock, shale, plays a role in determining the type of metamorphic rock that will be formed as it provides the starting composition and mineralogy.
In a rock that undergoes contact metamorphism, foliation is not usually expected. Contact metamorphism occurs when rocks come into contact with a heat source, such as a magma chamber. The intense heat causes recrystallization, but the pressure is relatively low compared to regional metamorphism, resulting in a non-foliated texture.