Common Minerals in Metamorphic Rocks

Common Minerals in Metamorphic Rocks

Andalusite, Sillimanite, Kyanite, Almandine (garnet), Grossular (garnet), Biotite, Muscovite, Albite, Anorthite, Cordierite, Diopside, Jadeite, Wollastonite, Enstatite, Hypersthene, Tremolite, Actinolite, Forsterite, Fayalite, Brucite, Talc, Serpentine, Chlorite, Sphene, Calcite, Aragonite, Dolomite, Prehnite, Magnetite, Hematite, Ilmenite, Corundum, Periclase, Heulandite, Analcime, Chloritoid, Epidote, Lawsonite, Pumpellyite, Staurolite, Idocrase, Anthophyllite, Glaucophane (Mineral list taken from http://www.nsm.buffalo.edu/courses/gly206/MetaMinerals.htm).

Kyanite Photo by Mario Arcouett Kyanite is the result of regional metamorphism. Some deep blue blades found in North Carolina are good enough to make gemstones.		Garnet Photo by Mario Arcouett The Almandine variety is the common garnet found in metamorphic rocks. Almandine occurs in medium-grade metamorphic environments. This garnet variety is sometimes used as inexpensive gemstones.
	Talc Photo by Mario Arcouett Talc is a typical characteristic mineral found exclusively in low-grade metamorphic rock. If you have used talcum powder, then you have used the mineral talc.
Staurolite Photo by Mario Arcouett Staurolite is formed exclusively by medium-grade regional metamorphism. The cruciform twins are worn as religious jewelry.		Graphite Image from http://gis.geo.ncu.edu.tw/ mineral/m03.htm Graphite is formed exclusively by regional metamorphism. Its parent rock is from carbonaceous material found in sedimentary rocks.
Some mineral pictures were taken from Mario Arcouett's mineral collection web site. Descriptions are from Chesterman, Klein, and Simon and Schuster

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This web presentation is for the partial fulfillments of Mineralogy
from Emporia State University and the Earth Science department.

Please direct questions to the author.