Name:                                                                                                                                                    Grade:

GEOL 101 - Physical Geology Laboratory

SEDIMENTARY AND METAMORPHIC ROCKS PRELAB #5

 

I. Introduction & Purpose:

  The purpose of this laboratory exercise is to become familiar with both identifying common sedimentary and metamorphic rocks and understanding their depositional origin.   In this lab you will learn to identify sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in hand samples from their physical properties.  You will become familiar with the most common sedimentary and metamorphic rock- forming minerals and processes.   The nature and origin of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, the major types of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and their structures, and the connection between plate tectonics and sedimentary and metamorphic rocks in the rock cycle will be explored. 

 

II. General Overview and Classification of Sedimentary Rocks   

    A. The classification of sedimentary rocks is based upon two major criteria (see page 110 in text)

                   1. Texture = grain size and rock “fabric”

                   2. Composition = mineralogy

  Sedimentary rocks are divided into three major groups:

             1) Detrital clastic

             2) Biochemical crystalline

             3) Chemical crystalline

  Detrital sedimentary rocks consist of sediment grains (called clasts) that are cemented together; these rocks have a "clastic" sedimentary texture.  The sediment grains consist of one or more mineral crystals that come from the weathering and erosion of preexisting source rock, such as granite or volcanic rock; any source rock type is possible.  Detrital sedimentary rocks are classified primarily upon grain size, e.g. sand(-sized)stone versus silt(-sized)stone.

    In contrast, biochemical and chemical sedimentary rocks consist mainly of mineral crystals that have crystallized directly out of aqueous solutions (water), either secreted by living organisms (biochemical), or by inorganic precipitation (chemical), respectively.  Most of these chemically derived sedimentary rocks have a "crystalline" sedimentary texture, much like that of igneous rocks.   Biochemical and chemical sedimentary rocks are classified primarily upon mineral composition, e.g. limestone (CaCO3) versus chert (SiO2).

 

B.    Grain Size and Texture:  Examine Figures 6.1 and 6.2 (pages 111-112) in your lab manual. 

     These images of sediment grains and the major sedimentary rock types show the variation in     

     sediment textures and chemical compositions by which sedimentary rocks are classified.

     Directions: The 6 types of sedimentary grain sizes and the textures (1st column of Fig. 6.1)

                Grain Size Name                                      Grain Size Description Notes 

         1.  _____Gravel-size___           ______________________________________________________

         2. _____Sand-size_____          ______________________________________________________

         3.  _____ Silt-size _____           ______________________________________________________

         4.  _____ Clay-size ____           ______________________________________________________

         5.  ___Microcrystalline__           ______________________________________________________

         6.  ___Macrocrystalline_            ______________________________________________________

 

C.    Grain Shape:  Detrital grains are typically rock fragments that have been weathered and

    eroded from pre-existing rock and transported, over time, a certain amount of distance from its

    source.  As a general rule of thumb, the farther and longer the grains have been transported

    form their source, the more rounded they become. Thus, the detrital grain shape gives an

    indication of its “maturity” in the sedimentary cycle.

    1. List the three types of sediment grain shapes exhibited in detrital rocks (2nd column of Fig 6.1)

                                                         Detrital Grain Shapes

              1.  ____________ __        2. ______________                        3. ________________

     

       2. Question:  Which grain shape type would you expect to be the least “mature”?   Why?

 

       3. Question:  Which grain shape type would you expect to be the most “mature”?   Why?      

 

D.    Grain Arrangements:  Transported sediment grains become sorted (according to size), over

  time, as the fluid mediums that transport them, such as running water and wind, selectively  

     deposit some grains while continuing to carry the smaller grains ever greater distances from the

     source region.  The causes for sorting include systematic variation in flow rate and turbulence of

     the transporting medium over distance and time.  As a general rule of thumb, greatest sorting

     occurs within consistently medium to high energy transport mediums over long periods of time     

     (effective winnowing of sediment), whereas the conditions of poorest sorting occurs where

     either, flow rate changes drastically or is very inconsistent (effective dumping of sediment). 

     Additionally, non-fluid transport mediums such as glaciers do not have the capability to sort

     sediment by size, and therefore sediments directly deposited by glaciers are virtually unsorted.

   

      1. List the three types of sediment grain arrangements found in detrital rocks (3rd column of Fig 6.1)

                                                            Detrital Grain Arrangements

               1. ______________     2. ______________    3. __ ______________

 

      2. Question:  Why would a river be good at sorting sediment and a glacier not?        

 

      

      3. Question:  Would you expect there to be a direct relationship to exist between grain shape,

                             i.e. roundness, and grain arrangement, i.e. sorting?   Explain your answer.

 

E.     Composition of Sedimentary Rocks: The mineral composition of a sedimentary rock is a

reflection of 1) source material and 2) sedimentary processes. Sources include virtually all types of geologic, biologic, hydrologic, and cosmologic materials such as: 1) land-derived materials such as weathered and eroded igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks; 2) hard-part remains (shells) of marine organisms; and 3) seawater chemical precipitates.  Sedimentary lithification processes, termed “diagenesis” can both, alter and add chemicals and minerals to the rock, such as rock cement.  A review of the composition of all the major sedimentary rock types shows a surprising conclusion: that there are only a small number of major sedimentary rock-forming minerals and rock fragment detrital types.  The vast bulk of sedimentary rocks have one or more of the following mineral constituents: quartz/ silica, feldspar, mica, clay, iron oxide, amphibole, calcium carbonate, and various minor amounts of sulfate, phosphate, and halide minerals. The primary reason for this compositional simplicity, compared to those of igneous and metamorphic rocks, is the fact that most of the sedimentary rock-forming minerals are stable or meta-stable at Earth surface conditions; many of the igneous and metamorphic rock-forming minerals are unstable at the surface and with sufficient time will alter to minerals such as the clays, silica, and carbonates.

The major source materials for each of the three sedimentary rock types (see Figure 6.2 page 114)

     Detrital (Clastic-origin)

    1.  Rock fragments   2. Quartz  3.  Feldspar   4. Clay   5)  Dark silicates and oxides

 

    Biochemical (Organic-origin)

    1. Shells and Shell and coral fragments (carbonates and silica)   2. Carbon and Charcoal 

 

    Chemical (Inorganic-origin)

    1. Calcite  2. Dolomite  3. Quartz_  4. Gypsum_  5. Halite  6. Iron-bearing minerals

     1. Question: Clay is the most common sedimentary mineral.  How is it derived?  Why so much?

 

     2. Question: Calcium carbonate is another major sedimentary constituent.  How is it derived?

 

  F. Naming the Detrital Rocks: Detrital rocks are named based primarily upon their grain size,

       while their composition, which is a reflection of the source rocks and subsequent weathering

    erosion history, is secondary to naming a detrital rock, e.g. arkose and wacke.

   1. The five major detrital (clastic) rock types that are based on grain size and shape.

      List the grain size and typical mineral(s)/material(s) associated with that rock type. Note:

      siltstone and shale are lumped together as “mudstones”. (See top of Figure 6.8, page 118). 

                     Rock Name                 Grain Size                     Texture and Distinctive properties

         1. _____Breccia______         _________        ______________________________________

         2. ___ Conglomerate__         _________         ______________________________________

         3. ____Sandstone____         _________         ______________________________________

         4. ____ Siltstone_____         _________         ______________________________________

            5. ______Shale______         _________         ______________________________________

      2. List four types of cement that bond sediment grains together in detrital rocks (Fig. 6.4, page 114)

            a. ____________    b. _____________   c. _____________  and d. ______________

 

      3. Question: How might you test whether calcite is the cementing agent in sandstone?

 

      4. Question: Based on your experience with mineral hardness, which of the above bonding

           agents would you expect to be the strongest?                           The weakest?

 

 G.  Naming of Biochemical Rocks:  Biochemical rocks are named based primarily upon their

    composition, e.g. calcium carbonate fossil shell or plant material, and secondarily upon their

    texture, e.g. sandy, shelly, crystalline, microcrystalline, etc.  Limestone is a sedimentary rock

    named primarily for being rich in calcium carbonate.  The types of limestone are named by the

    type and texture of the calcium carbonate.  As an example, coquina is a poorly cemented mass

    of large-sized shell fragments, whereas, chalk is a super fine-grained mass of microfossils.

1.  Five major biochemical rock types are based primarily on mineral composition.   List the

     distinctive mineralogy and texture of each rock type. (Middle section of Figure 6.8, page 116)

                 Rock Name                  Rock Mineralogy               Textural and Distinctive properties

         1. ______Coal______       _________________       _________________________________

         2. _Coquina Limestone_    _________________       ________________________________

         3. Fossiliferous Limestone  _________________       ________________________________

         4. __Chalk Limestone__     _________________       ________________________________

 

    H. Nomenclature of Chemical Rocks:  Chemical sedimentary rocks are also named based

      primarily on composition.  However, all chemical sedimentary rocks have crystalline textures

      that reflect their direct precipitation of ions from an aqueous fluid such as seawater.

      1. Seven major chemical (inorganic) rock types that are based mainly on mineral composition,

       and describe the distinctive properties of each rock type. (Bottom far-right column of Fig. 6.8 page 116)

                   Rock Name                Rock Mineralogy               Texture and Distinctive properties

         1. _Oolitic Limestone_      _________________       ________________________________

         2. Travertine Limestone     _________________       ________________________________

         3. ____Dolostone____      _________________        ________________________________

         4. ____Rock salt_____      _________________        ________________________________

         5. __Rock Gypsum___      _________________        _______________________________

         6. _____Chert_______      _________________        ________________________________

 

          2.  Question: What is the primary difference between a chemical and biochemical limestone?

III. Depositional Settings of Sedimentary Rocks   

 A. Sedimentary rocks retain a memory of the conditions in which they formed in, and that information is recorded by the rock’s texture, composition, fossils, and structure.  By observing and studying today’s depositional environments and the type and structure of the sediments that collect there, we can infer the depositional setting and history of sedimentary rock assemblages by comparing their sedimentary characteristics to that of modern day depositional systems.

 

B.  Examine Figure 6.12 (page 128) in your lab manual.  This illustration shows most of the major types of modern sedimentary environments where sediments are depositing and sedimentary rocks are forming.   Directions: List the depositional environments where each type of sedimentary rock forms as shown in Figure 6.12 in your lab manual.

            Sedimentary Rock                         List of Associated Depositional Environments 

         1.  Breccias and Conglomerates  ___________________________________________________

         2.  Sandstones   _________________________________________________________________

         3.  Mudstones   ___________________________________________________________________

         4.  Limestones  ___________________________________________________________________

         5.  Cherts      _____________________________________________________________________

         6.  Rock Salt and Gypsum     ________________________________________________________

 

VI. General Overview and Classification of Metamorphic Rocks   

 

   A. Defining Metamorphism:

         Directions: Answer the following (from lecture and lab text: see page 133):

 

1) Define "metamorphism"  _________________________________________________

  

            2) Every metamorphic rock has a _________________ rock (or protolith) - the original rock

               type that was metamorphosed into the resultant metamorphic rock, i.e. the source rock.

 

B.  Conditions of Metamorphism:

  Metamorphic rocks form as a result of changing crustal conditions, e.g. increasing pressures and/or

    temperatures, that are between that of igneous and sedimentary rock-forming environments. 

    1). The four major agents of change that cause rocks to metamorphose (see page 133):

 

        a)     _____________ , b) _____________ , c) _____________ , and/or d) ______________

 

C.  Processes of Metamorphism:

    Metamorphic processes that are forming the metamorphic rocks occur at various scales within the

     Earth, and the type of internal earth agents involved is used to define the type of metamorphism. 

     One type is related to magmatism, and the other type is related to faulting and mountain building. 

      1) The two major types of metamorphism that are agent-dependent (page 134):

 

                a) ________________________ ,  and  b) ________________________

 

       2) Question: Very briefly describe the differences between these two types of metamorphism: 

     ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. Classification and Identification of Metamorphic Rocks

1) Classification and identification of metamorphic rocks are based upon two major physical criteria:

 

             a) ______________________ ,  and b) _______________________

    2) Metamorphic rocks are divided into two major groups based on whether the rock has a layered

         versus non-layered texture.  See Figure 7.4, page 136. Special alternative names for these are:

 

              a) Layered =  ___________________   and   b)   Non-layered = ___________________

 

 E.  Foliated Metamorphic Rocks

     1)  Metamorphic rocks that possess a foliated and/or layered fabric have a crystalline texture

        consisting of elongate and/or platy crystals that all share a preferred orientation within the rock.

            Metamorphic rock s that have foliated/layered fabrics originate in two types of metamorphic

         environments: Regional Metamorphism (RM) and Dynamic Metamorphism (DM).

 

     2) There are four common types of metamorphic rock s that have foliated-layered textures.  Each

        foliation type is unique and represents a progressive increasing scale of intensity of regional

        metamorphism as go from slate to gneiss.  The textural character of foliated and/or layered

        metamorphic rock can vary greatly as a function  of 1) grain size, 2) degree of preferred

        orientation of the rock's mineral crystals, and 3) degree of  layered segregation of light minerals

        from dark minerals.

 

     3) The foliated/layered metamorphic rocks are classified primarily upon texture, with mineralogy

        a secondary criteria. There are four visually distinctive types of foliated rocks (listed below).

       Directions: Describe the texture and mineralogy of the four foliated rock types (see Figure 7.15)

 

      Rock Name                     Textural Features                                                      Rock Mineralogy                                                

 

        1.  Slate    _______________________________________          ________________________

        2.  Phyllite ______________________________________           ________________________

        3.  Schist _______________________________________           ________________________

        4.  Gneiss _______________________________________         ________________________

        Please note that there are infinite shades of gray between these four types – no sharp divisions

 

F.  Non-Foliated-Non-Layered Metamorphic Rocks

   1)  Metamorphic rocks that have non-foliated (non-layered) textures originate in two types of

     metamorphic environments: regional metamorphism (RM) and contact metamorphism (CM).

      Note that the nonfoliated metamorphic rocks that form by regional metamorphism RM are mostly

      mono-mineralic (mostly of one mineral type), having mineral crystals that are neither platy nor

      tabular, such as quartz and calcite. Note that amphibolite and serpentinite may exhibit foliation. 

 

    2)  As noted above, the non-foliated (non-layered) metamorphic rocks consist of equant shaped 

    mineral crystals that have no preferred orientation or arrangement.   These rocks have a massive,

    homogenous "crystalline" texture, much like that of either, phaneritic granite, or aphanitic basalt.  

    The non-foliated metamorphic rocks are classified primarily upon mineral composition.

 

    3) There are four common types of metamorphic rock s that have non-foliated/ non-layered fabrics:

     Directions: Describe the texture and mineralogy of the four non-foliated rock types (see Fig. 7.15)

 

      Rock Name                     Textural Features                                                      Rock Mineralogy

 

  1. Quartzite   _______________________________________          ________________________

   2.  Marble    _______________________________________          ________________________

   3.  Amphibolite ____________________________________         ________________________

    4.  Serpentinite ____________________________________          ________________________

Name:                                                                                                                                                    Grade:

GEOL 101 - Physical Geology Laboratory

SEDIMENTARY AND METAMORPHIC ROCKS IDENTIFICATION IN-LAB #5

 

I. Preliminary Examination of the Sedimentary Rock Types:

 A. Introduction: The instructor has assembled 3 reference collections of sedimentary rocks for

        you to become familiarized with the three major types of sedimentary rocks. 

       Directions:  Carefully study each rock’s: 1) physical characteristics, including texture and

         composition, and 2) sedimentary origin – the rock’s original depositional environment.

         Make observational notes of the samples.  Discuss your observations with your group.

 

   B. The Detrital Rocks: Sample Collection “A”

                                                                                        Observational Notes      

  Sample # A1 – Conglomerate _________________________________________________

 

  Samples # A2 – Breccia  _____________________________________________________

 

  Samples # A3 and A4 – Sandstones   ___________________________________________

 

  Samples # A5  Siltstone ____________________________________________________

 

  Samples # A6 and A7 – Shales ________________________________________________ 

     1 .Question: What is the primary difference between a breccia and a conglomerate?

 

 C. The Biochemical Rocks: Sample Collection “B”

    1. Directions: Carefully study the various samples of the biochemical rocks in your group.  Make

       observational notes of the samples.  Discuss with your group your observations and ideas, and

       the questions that are asked below. Note: Most bio-sedimentary rocks are fossil-rich limestone.

                                                                           Observational Notes      

Sample # B1 – Coal  __________________________________________________________

 

Samples # B2 – Coquina (shelly) Limestone ______________________________________

 

         Samples # B3, 4, 5  Fossiliferous Limestone _____________________________________

 

         Samples # B6 – Chalk  _______________________________________________________ 

 

     2. Questions:  Which of the samples contain fossils you can see? _______________________

 

                             What types of fossils? _____________________________________________

 

 D. Chemical Rocks: Sample Collection “C” 

    1. Directions: Carefully study the various samples of the chemical rocks in your group.  Make

       observational notes of the samples.  Discuss with your group your observations and ideas, and

       the questions that are asked below. Note that most chemical sedimentary rocks are either

       limestone or chert; these rock types make “look” similar but have very different hardnesses.

                                                                                              Observational Notes      

Sample # C1 – Travertine Limestone ____________________________________________

 

         Sample # C2  Oolitic (Sandy) Limestone _________________________________________

 

Samples # C3  - Chert _______________________________________________________

 

Samples # C4 – Rock Salt ____________________________________________________

 

Samples # C5 – Rock Gypsum _________________________________________________

 

  

    2. Questions:  Which of the “C” rocks fizzed in acid?  ___________ Which is very hard? ______

 

    3. Question: Which of the above samples can be scratched by a fingernail?  __________.

 

II. Classification of Sedimentary Rock Samples:

A.Introduction: Sedimentary rock analysis and classification of are done in a systematic manner, utilizing a step-by-step procedure that is outlined in Figure 6.8 in your Lab manual.   Sedimentary rocks - in outcrops in the field, or as hand samples - are analyzed and identified based on 1) compositional make-up, 2) textural qualities, and 3) other distinctive properties.  The sedimentary rock analysis and classification chart in Figure 6.8 is a 3-step procedure for identifying sedimentary rock samples.   The process is as follows:

 

            Step 1:  Identify and record the rock’s composition (rock fragments? minerals?, fossils?)

 

            Step 2:  Identify and record the rock’s texture and other distinctive properties.

 

            Step 3:  Name the rock.

 

III. Analysis and Identification of Unknown Sedimentary Rock Samples:

  Directions:  Identify the eight unknown sedimentary rock samples found in sample Collection “D”. 

   Be sure to check the following information about the rock: a) Composition (circle one or more);

   b) Texture (grain type and size – circle one or more) c) Other distinguishing characteristics (fossils,

   layering, fizz in acid, etc); d) Rock name; e) Rock origin: Speculate as to what type of depositional

   environment the rock originated in?   Depositional environments are shown in Figure 6.12, page 128

Sample# D1

a) Composition:    Rock fragments;   quartz;   feldspar;   clay;   carbonate;   fossils;   gypsum;  salt;  carbon 

b) Texture: Grain type? = Detrital; Biochemical; Chemical      Grain size? = Very fine; Fine; Medium; Coarse

c) Other distinctive features ________________________________________________________

d) Rock name ___________________________________________________________________

e) Which depositional setting(s) did the rock form?  ______________________________________

Sample# D2

a) Composition:    Rock fragments;   quartz;   feldspar;   clay;   carbonate;   fossils;   gypsum;  salt;  carbon 

b) Texture: Grain type? = Detrital; Biochemical; Chemical      Grain size? = Very fine; Fine; Medium; Coarse

c) Other distinctive features ________________________________________________________

d) Rock name ___________________________________________________________________

e) Which depositional setting(s) did the rock form?  ______________________________________

Sample# D3

a) Composition:    Rock fragments;   quartz;   feldspar;   clay;   carbonate;   fossils;   gypsum;  salt;  carbon 

b) Texture: Grain type? = Detrital; Biochemical; Chemical      Grain size? = Very fine; Fine; Medium; Coarse

c) Other distinctive features ________________________________________________________

d) Rock name ___________________________________________________________________

e) Which depositional setting(s) did the rock form?  ______________________________________

 

 

 

Sample# D4

a) Composition:    Rock fragments;   quartz;   feldspar;   clay;   carbonate;   fossils;   gypsum;  salt;  carbon 

b) Texture: Grain type? = Detrital; Biochemical; Chemical      Grain size? = Very fine; Fine; Medium; Coarse

c) Other distinctive features ________________________________________________________

d) Rock name ___________________________________________________________________

e) Which depositional setting(s) did the rock form?  ______________________________________

 

Sample# D5

a) Composition:    Rock fragments;   quartz;   feldspar;   clay;   carbonate;   fossils;   gypsum;  salt;  carbon 

b) Texture: Grain type? = Detrital; Biochemical; Chemical      Grain size? = Very fine; Fine; Medium; Coarse

c) Other distinctive features ________________________________________________________

d) Rock name ___________________________________________________________________

e) Which depositional setting(s) did the rock form?  ______________________________________

 

Sample# D6

a) Composition:    Rock fragments;   quartz;   feldspar;   clay;   carbonate;   fossils;   gypsum;  salt;  carbon 

b) Texture: Grain type? = Detrital; Biochemical; Chemical      Grain size? = Very fine; Fine; Medium; Coarse

c) Other distinctive features ________________________________________________________

d) Rock name ___________________________________________________________________

e) Which depositional setting(s) did the rock form?  ______________________________________

 

Sample# D7

a) Composition:    Rock fragments;   quartz;   feldspar;   clay;   carbonate;   fossils;   gypsum;  salt;  carbon 

b) Texture: Grain type? = Detrital; Biochemical; Chemical      Grain size? = Very fine; Fine; Medium; Coarse

c) Other distinctive features ________________________________________________________

d) Rock name ___________________________________________________________________

e) Which depositional setting(s) did the rock form?  ______________________________________

 

Sample# D8

a) Composition:    Rock fragments;   quartz;   feldspar;   clay;   carbonate;   fossils;   gypsum;  salt;  carbon 

b) Texture: Grain type? = Detrital; Biochemical; Chemical      Grain size? = Very fine; Fine; Medium; Coarse

c) Other distinctive features ________________________________________________________

d) Rock name ___________________________________________________________________

e) Which depositional setting(s) did the rock form?  ______________________________________

 

IV.  Foliated-Non-Layered Metamorphic Rocks

    A. Exercise 1 - Sample Group “X” has representative hand samples of each of the foliated rock

        types.  Study each sample carefully and make some brief descriptions of the rock's character

        (texture, foliated fabric & minerals).  Carefully study pages 137-139 for reference.

                                                                                                Observational Notes

 

     Sample #s X1 and X2 = Slate _____________________________________________________

     Sample #s X3 and X4 =Phyllite _____________________________________________________

     Sample #s X5, and X6 = Schist _____________________________________________________

     Sample #s X7 and X8 = Gneiss ____________________________________________________

   B. Exercise 2 – Compare and contrast the foliated metamorphic rocks in Sample Collection “X”.

 

         Question: How does slate differ from both phyllite and schist?  

 

         Question: How does gneiss differ from the other three foliated rocks? 

 

         Question: What are the main criteria you use to distinguish between these four rock types?

 

 

V.  Non-Foliated-Non-Layered Metamorphic Rocks

    A. Exercise 1 - Sample Collection “Y” has representative hand samples of the nonfoliated rock

      types.  For each hand sample, briefly describe the rock's character (texture, fabric, minerals)

                                                                                                Observational Notes

 

     Sample #s Y1 = Quartzite ____________________________________________________

     Sample #s Y2 = Marble ______________________________________________________

     Sample #s Y3 = Amphibolite __________________________________________________

     Sample #s Y4  = Serpentinite _________________________________________________ 

   B. Exercise 2 – Compare and contrast nonfoliated metamorphic rocks in Sample Collection “Y”.

 

         Question: How does quartzite differ from marble?   How are they similar?

 

         Question: How does amphibolite differ from serpentinite?   How are they similar?

 

         Question: What are the main criteria you use to distinguish between these four rock types?

 

VI. Procedure for Describing and Identifying Metamorphic Rocks:

   A  4-Step chart for the analysis and classification of metamorphic rocks is found in Figure 2.33

   on page 32 .   Use this chart, and the additional directions found on page 32 to help you learn to

   identify metamorphic rocks both, in hand sample and in the field.

 

   A. Four-step Identification Procedure - A brief description of the 4 determinant steps:

      Step 1: Texture = a) Foliated or Non-Foliated?  AND  b)  Coarse-, medium-, or  fine-grained?

      Step 2:  Rock Composition  = Identifiable Minerals?

      Step 3:  Name the Rock.    

      Step 4:  Name the Most Likely Parent Rock. 

 

VII. Identifying Unknown Metamorphic Hand Samples

 InstructionsSample Collection “Z” has eight unknown metamorphic rock samples.  Using the

 4-step procedure outlined above, complete the worksheet chart below for all eight unknown samples.  Be sure to Circle only the appropriate texture and mineralogy.    List rock name and parent rock. 

Unknown Metamorphic Rock Hand Samples Worksheet – Collection “Z”

Sample# Z1

a) Texture:    Foliated   or  Non-foliated?     AND     Fine-Grained.   or    Medium-Gr.   or   Coarse-Gr.?

b) Mineralogy:  Quartz;  Feldspar;  Mica;  Amphibole;  Carbonate;  Garnet;  Serpentine;  None Obs.

c) Other distinctive features =  ______________________________________________________

d) Rock name _______________________________

e) Most likely parent rock ______________________________

 

Sample# Z2

a) Texture:    Foliated   or  Non-foliated?     AND     Fine-Grained.   or    Medium-Gr.   or   Coarse-Gr.?

b) Mineralogy:  Quartz;  Feldspar;  Mica;  Amphibole;  Carbonate;  Garnet;  Serpentine;  None Obs.

c) Other distinctive features =  ______________________________________________________

d) Rock name _______________________________

e) Most likely parent rock ______________________________

 

Sample# Z3

a) Texture:    Foliated   or  Non-foliated?     AND     Fine-Grained.   or    Medium-Gr.   or   Coarse-Gr.?

b) Mineralogy:  Quartz;  Feldspar;  Mica;  Amphibole;  Carbonate;  Garnet;  Serpentine;  None Obs.

c) Other distinctive features =  ______________________________________________________

d) Rock name _______________________________

e) Most likely parent rock ______________________________

 

Sample# Z4

a) Texture:    Foliated   or  Non-foliated?     AND     Fine-Grained.   or    Medium-Gr.   or   Coarse-Gr.?

b) Mineralogy:  Quartz;  Feldspar;  Mica;  Amphibole;  Carbonate;  Garnet;  Serpentine;  None Obs.

c) Other distinctive features =  ______________________________________________________

d) Rock name _______________________________

e) Most likely parent rock ______________________________

 

Sample# Z5

a) Texture:    Foliated   or  Non-foliated?     AND     Fine-Grained.   or    Medium-Gr.   or   Coarse-Gr.?

b) Mineralogy:  Quartz;  Feldspar;  Mica;  Amphibole;  Carbonate;  Garnet;  Serpentine;  None Obs.

c) Other distinctive features =  ______________________________________________________

d) Rock name _______________________________

e) Most likely parent rock ______________________________

 Sample# Z6

a) Texture:    Foliated   or  Non-foliated?     AND     Fine-Grained.   or    Medium-Gr.   or   Coarse-Gr.?

b) Mineralogy:  Quartz;  Feldspar;  Mica;  Amphibole;  Carbonate;  Garnet;  Serpentine;  None Obs.

c) Other distinctive features =  ______________________________________________________

d) Rock name _______________________________

e) Most likely parent rock ______________________________

 

Sample# Z7

a) Texture:    Foliated   or  Non-foliated?     AND     Fine-Grained.   or    Medium-Gr.   or   Coarse-Gr.?

b) Mineralogy:  Quartz;  Feldspar;  Mica;  Amphibole;  Carbonate;  Garnet;  Serpentine;  None Obs.

c) Other distinctive features =  ______________________________________________________

d) Rock name _______________________________

e) Most likely parent rock ______________________________

 

Sample# Z8

a) Texture:    Foliated   or  Non-foliated?     AND     Fine-Grained.   or    Medium-Gr.   or   Coarse-Gr.?

b) Mineralogy:  Quartz;  Feldspar;  Mica;  Amphibole;  Carbonate;  Garnet;  Serpentine;  None Obs.

c) Other distinctive features =  ______________________________________________________

d) Rock name _______________________________

e) Most likely parent rock ______________________________

 

VIII. Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rock Laboratory Reflection

Directions:  Write a reflection (minimum 100 words in length) about your experience in doing the rock exercises lab today.  Include the following: 1) What was the purpose of the lab?; 2) What did you learned from this laboratory?; 3) What did you find interesting? 4) What were the problems and challenges you encountered; and 5) Your opinion on how this lab was designed.