Limestone Marble Metamorphism

This type of metamorphic rock consists of recrystallized calcite in limestone or dolomite in dolomite rock.

Limestone marble metamorphism. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is exposed to high temperatures and pressures. During metamorphism the calcite limestone recrystallizes forming the interlocking calcite crystals that make up the marble. The resulting marble rock is typically composed of an interlocking mosaic of carbonate crystals. Metamorphism causes variable recrystallization of the original carbonate mineral grains.

Marble forms under such conditions because the calcite forming the limestone recrystallises forming a denser rock consisting of roughly equigranular calcite crystals. Marble is a rock resulting from metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks most commonly limestone or dolomite rock. Marble is formed from limestone when the limestone is affected by heat and high pressure during a process known as metamorphism. In this hand specimen of vermont marble the crystals are small.

Marbles are limestones or dolostones that have been metamorphosed. 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. Marble is made by regional metamorphism of limestone or dolomite rock causing their microscopic grains to combine into larger crystals.