Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Previous section
Sedimentary Rocks: Examples and Uses

Metamorphic Rocks: Examples and Uses

This page reveals some of the ways in which common metamorphic rocks are used:

 

Slate

If the  sedimentary rock shale becomes buried under the surface of Earth and heated and pressured, it can turn into metamorphic slate. Slate varies in colour but is generally grey. It is water-resistant and when it splits, it breaks in straight lines with flat surface top and bottom.

 

Piece of slate, metamorphic rock

Slate is a good roofing material, but people also use it for decorative gardening stones, as a base for snooker tables and it was used as a writing board (or writing slate) in the Victorian classroom.

 

Marble

Marble is limestone that has undergone some changes. It is a hard crystalline rock and has many uses.

 

Lump of white marble that looks crystalline and has rounded angles to it.
White Marble

Around 22,000 tonnes of marble were used to build the Parthenon, an important temple in Ancient Greece. It is still used as a building and sculpture material today. Marble can even be ground down and used in soaps and cleaning products.

 

Head of a female figure sculpted from marble
Head Sculpted from Marble

Schist

Dark rock with different colours in it ranging from dark brown to orange.  Folded layers can be seen.
Folded schist

Schist is formed from shale or mud but at a much higher temperature than slate. Schist is not a very strong rock, so it is not often used as a building material. However it can be used for garden decoration, paving and sometimes sculpture.

 

Glossary

Crystalline - something that contains or is made from crystals

Metamorphic - something that involves a physical change

Sculpture - a three-dimensional art work