What are the two categories of metamorphic rocks? What are the distinguishing characteristics between the two categories of rocks?
the answer?
Is that foilated and nonfoilated?
That is correct! The two categories of metamorphic rocks are foliated and non-foliated.
Foliated rocks have a layered or banded appearance due to the alignment of minerals within the rock. This occurs during the process of metamorphism, when intense heat and pressure cause the minerals to reorient themselves into parallel layers or bands. Examples of foliated rocks include gneiss, slate, and schist.
On the other hand, non-foliated rocks do not have a layered or banded appearance. These rocks have a more uniform texture and lack the alignment of minerals found in foliated rocks. Non-foliated rocks typically form under lower pressure conditions or through the recrystallization of minerals. Examples of non-foliated rocks include marble and quartzite.
So, in summary, the distinguishing characteristic between the two categories of metamorphic rocks is the presence or absence of layered or banded structures.