Civil Thinking

Engineering  properties of metamorphic rocks

  • Changes in T, P, and composition create metamorphic minerals & rocks
    • Again – variable properties => variable strength
      • foliated rocks
        • planes of weakness along foliation
        • strength: depends on directions of stress relative to foliation, and metamorphic grade  (slate to schist)
        • gneiss:   interlocking crystals & limited foliation
    • Nonfoliated (i.e. “massive”) rocks
      • quartzite, hornfels  –  very strong
      • marble:  large interlocking crystals   
        • BUT  soft, weak minerals => lower strength

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