Limestone Marble Metamorphism

Marble forms under such conditions because the calcite forming the limestone recrystallises forming a denser rock consisting of roughly equigranular calcite crystals.

Limestone marble metamorphism.

Marble is formed from limestone when the limestone is affected by heat and high pressure during a process known as metamorphism. Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to the heat and pressure of metamorphism. This type of metamorphic rock consists of recrystallized calcite in limestone or dolomite in dolomite rock. The resulting marble rock is typically composed of an interlocking mosaic of carbonate crystals.

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is exposed to high temperatures and pressures. The variety of colours exhibited by marble are a consequence of minor amounts of impurities being incorporated with the calcite during metamorphism. Marble is made by regional metamorphism of limestone or dolomite rock causing their microscopic grains to combine into larger crystals. In this hand specimen of vermont marble the crystals are small.

Since metamorphism recrystallizes the individual calcite or dolomite crystals in the parent rock slightly metamophosed limestones have textures that look slightly blurred compared to a fresh limestone. During metamorphism the calcite limestone recrystallizes forming the interlocking calcite crystals that make up the marble. It is composed primarily of the mineral calcite caco 3 and usually contains other minerals such as clay minerals micas quartz pyrite iron oxides and graphite.