Limestone Marble Metamorphism

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is exposed to high temperatures and pressures.

Limestone marble metamorphism.

Marble is made by regional metamorphism of limestone or dolomite rock causing their microscopic grains to combine into larger crystals. Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to the heat and pressure of metamorphism. In this hand specimen of vermont marble the crystals are small. During metamorphism the calcite limestone recrystallizes forming the interlocking calcite crystals that make up the marble.

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. 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. The variety of colours exhibited by marble are a consequence of minor amounts of impurities being incorporated with the calcite during metamorphism.

Metamorphism causes variable recrystallization of the original carbonate mineral grains. Marbles are limestones or dolostones that have been metamorphosed. Marble forms under such conditions because the calcite forming the limestone recrystallises forming a denser rock consisting of roughly equigranular calcite crystals.