Final answer:
Sandstone, a clastic sedimentary rock, can undergo metamorphism to become quartzite, a metamorphic rock. The process is induced by exposure to high pressures and temperatures, changing the original sandstone's structure and composition due to recrystallization of quartz grains.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sandstone is a type of clastic sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of sand-sized minerals or rock fragments. When sandstone undergoes deep burial and exposure to high temperatures and pressures, it can transform into a metamorphic rock called quartzite. This process, known as metamorphism, involves the re-crystallization of the sandstone's quartz grains, resulting in a much harder and more compact rock.
Sedimentary rocks like sandstone typically form in layers and may feature structures such as cross-bedding, ripple marks, mud cracks, and sometimes fossils. These features offer insights into the environmental conditions present at the time the rock formed. Besides sandstone, other related sedimentary rocks include shale, siltstone, and mudstone, each with its unique composition and formation process.
In the case of sandstone metamorphism, compaction and cementation are important. Compaction occurs as sediments are buried and the weight of the overlying material compresses them, reducing pore space. Cementation follows when minerals precipitate into the pore spaces, effectively gluing the particles together. Common minerals that serve as the 'cement' in sedimentary rocks include calcite, quartz, and sometimes pyrite.