Metamorphic rock the foliation is called "gneissosity"), granoblastic (includes granulite, some marbles and quartzite), and hornfelsic (includes hornfels and skarn). Metamorphic rock Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rock types, in a process called metamorphism, which means "change in form". The original rock (protolith) is subjected to heat (temperatures greater than 150 to 200 °C) and pressure ( or more), causing profound physical or chemical change. The protolith may be a sedimentary, igneous, or existing metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks make up a large part of the Earth's crust and form 12% of the Earth's land surface. They are classified by
Slate industry in Spain has led to the region’s unique geological development in respect of slate. Slate deposits are over 500 million years old, having been formed during the Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian periods of the Palaeozoic era. Essentially, slate forms when the clay minerals in shale are put under increased pressure with high temperatures. The clay starts to revert to the mica minerals which cause the rock to grow hard with pronounced cleavage) directions. It is this cleavage which enables slate to be broken along flat, even planes. A large variety of colours and textures of slate can be produced, and the final