Many different rocks are used as building materials.
Which building material is a metamorphic rock?
A. granite
B. limestone
C. marble
D. sandstone
C. marble
A metamorphic rock that is used as a building material is marble, which is option C.
To determine which building material is a metamorphic rock, we need to understand what metamorphic rocks are. Metamorphic rocks are formed from pre-existing rocks, such as sedimentary or igneous rocks, through a process called metamorphism, which involves intense heat, pressure, or both. This process causes the minerals in the rock to reorganize, resulting in a new rock with different characteristics.
Now, let's go through the options:
A. Granite: Granite is an igneous rock formed from the cooling and solidification of molten magma. It is not a metamorphic rock.
B. Limestone: Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of organic and inorganic material, such as shells, coral, and minerals. It is also not a metamorphic rock.
C. Marble: Marble is a metamorphic rock that originates from limestone. Through metamorphism, the crystalline structure of the limestone is changed, resulting in a new rock with a polished and often veined appearance. Therefore, marble is a building material made from a metamorphic rock.
D. Sandstone: Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized grains cemented together. It is not a metamorphic rock.
Based on this information, the correct answer is C. marble.