Home > Rocks > Metamorphic Rocks > Non-Foliated Metamorphic Rocks

Non-foliated metamorphic rocks are commonly transformed from their parent rocks when they are touched by magma.

Characteristics
These rocks are characterized by a high density and hardness. Often they have swirls of color, due to impurities being excluded from recrystallization.

How they are formed
These rocks are recrystallized from single-mineral sedimentary rocks, usually by being touched by very hot magma. Because the minerals in their parent rocks are not flat like those in the parents of foliated metamorphic rocks, they do not develop any flakes. When they are recrystallized, any impurities in the rock are excluded, often creating swirls of color.

Where they are found
These rocks can be found near where their parent rocks once were. Some famous non-foliated metamorphic rocks include marble, which is formed from limestone, and quartzite, which is formed from quartz sandstone.

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