Which type of rock can be formed from limestone through metamorphism?

Study for the USTET Science Test. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate, and when it undergoes metamorphism, the heat and pressure alter its mineral structure without melting it. This metamorphic process transforms limestone into marble, which is characterized by its crystalline structure and varied coloration due to impurities present during formation. The transformation involves recrystallization, where the original limestone's calcite or aragonite recrystallizes into a denser form, resulting in the formation of marble. This metamorphic rock retains many of the original features of limestone but gains enhanced durability and a more aesthetically appealing appearance.

Other types of rock listed serve different geological processes. Slate is formed from the metamorphism of shale, basalt is an igneous rock that solidifies from lava, and granite is an intrusive igneous rock that forms from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. Therefore, the specific relationship between limestone and marble through the process of metamorphism clearly identifies marble as the correct answer.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy