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Contributor: Meghan Vestal. Lesson ID: 11101
How is a butterfly like the statue of David? They both have gone through metamorphosis! Rocks can change form to become different rocks. Transform yourself into a rock expert with this fun experiment!
Michelangelo’s statue of David is one of the most famous statues in the world. This statue is made of metamorphic rock, but at one time, the stone was considered sedimentary.
Find out!
There are three classifications of rocks.
In this lesson, you will learn about the third and final type of rock: metamorphic rocks.
The name metamorphic rock comes from the term metamorphosis because the formation of a metamorphic rock involves changing the structure of an igneous or sedimentary rock.
For a metamorphic rock to form, an igneous or sedimentary rock must be exposed to extreme heat or pressure.
Examples of situations that could create metamorphic rocks include heat from within the earth, the pressure created by the movement of the earth’s plates, and pressure created as layers of the earth push down on the different types of rocks that already exist in the earth.
It is important to keep in mind that when heat is involved in the process of forming a metamorphic rock, it does not fully melt the rock. Rather, it transforms it into a more dense rock.
Metamorphic rocks are always formed within the earth.
Like sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks often have layers, although the layers in a metamorphic rock appear slightly different. Layers in a metamorphic rock are often more curved or bent. Sometimes, the layers have a different density.
Metamorphic rocks are always formed from igneous or sedimentary rocks. Use the flow charts below to see what metamorphic rocks were formed from.
To continue learning about sedimentary rocks, watch the video below.
Michelangelo’s statue is made of marble.
Continue on to the Got It? section to show off what you have learned!
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