Question

Analyze the metamorphic rock sample in Fig. A7.3.4.

Is this rock foliated or nonfoliated (granofelsic)? What features in the photograph did you use to make your interpretation?
What is the name of this metamorphic rock?
What type(s) of rock might have been the protolith for this rock?
a) Slate, Schist, Limestone
b) Foliated, Nonfoliated, Igneous
c) Marble, Quartzite, Gneiss
d) Gneiss, Slate, Basalt

Answer 1

The rock sample in Fig. A7.3.4 is foliated and likely a gneiss. The protolith for this rock could be schist or granite.

Step-by-step explanation:

The metamorphic rock sample in Fig. A7.3.4 appears to be foliated. The presence of parallel planes along which the rock splits and the overlapping sheets of platy minerals suggests a foliated texture. The name of this metamorphic rock is likely gneiss, based on the alternating bands or stripes of light and dark minerals observed in the photograph.

The probable protolith for this rock could be schist or granite. Gneiss is often formed by the metamorphism of these parent rocks.

To make this interpretation, I used the information provided in the course Rock and Mineral Guide as well as the characteristics observed in the photograph.