Glossary :: Metamorphic Petrology

Andalusite

A polymorph whose other two minerals are kyanite and sillimanite. A particularly notable variety of andalusite is chiastolite, which has crosses of carbon in it....More

Blueschist

A low temperature, high pressure regionally metamorphic rock, containing abundant glaucophane. ....More

Ecologite

A metamorphic rock of mantle origin. It is usually composed of garnet and omphacite (a pyroxene).

Gneiss

Metamorphic rock, showing distinct banding of light and dark minerals. Usually made of feldspars, micas and hornblende.

Kyanite

A polymorph whose other two minerals are sillimanite and andalusite. Usually blue.

Metamorphism

Metamorphosis require heat, pressure and time and is an extension of lithification, but it can occur on any rocks type (including metamorphic rocks). There is a continuum of type from heat dominated (marble) to pressure dominated (blueschist). Metamorphis...More

Porphyroblast

Unusually large crystal contained in a finer crystalline matrix occurring in metamorphic rocks. The resultant texture is a porphyroblastic texture....More

Regional Metamorphism

Metamorphism on a large scale involving heat and pressure.

Sillimanite

A polymorph whose other two minerals are kyanite and andalusite.

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