Metamorphic rock

I can describe how rock can be changed deep underground.

  1. Starter quiz

    6 questions · Warm up with what you already know

    Sign in to take this quiz
  2. Exit quiz

    6 questions · Show what you've learned

    Sign in to take this quiz

You can explore every lesson for free. Try part of a quiz, then ask a parent to save your progress.

What you'll learn

  • In a crystal, the atoms are all arranged in a very regular pattern.
  • In some substances, very high pressure, at a high temperature, can push particles together to form crystals.
  • Between tectonic plates, the pressure and temperature are high enough for large crystals to grow inside solid rock.
  • Metamorphic rocks form under extreme pressure and temperature, altering original structures.
  • Aligned crystals in metamorphic rocks give them useful properties (e.g. decoration or easily separated into sheets).

Keywords

See all the words in the word bank

pressure
The effect of a force acting over an area.
metamorphic rock
Rocks that have changed due to heat and/or pressure (e.g. marble, slate).
aligned
Grains that line up in the same direction are described as aligned.

Try the first question

Which of the following statements about minerals is correct?

  • Minerals do not have any crystal structure.
  • Minerals are pure substances with a crystal structure.
  • All minerals are human-made.
  • Minerals are only found in sedimentary rocks.

Year 8 · Science · Key Stage 3 · Lesson 7 of 7

All Year 8 Science units

A Science lesson by Oak National Academy licensed under Open Government Licence (OGL). Open Government Licence v3.0. quizo.school is not associated with or endorsed by Oak National Academy.