Igneous Rocks vs. Metamorphic Rocks: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 22, 2024
Igneous rocks form from cooled and solidified magma or lava, whereas metamorphic rocks are transformed by heat and pressure from existing rocks without melting.
Key Differences
Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of magma or lava, either below or on the Earth's surface. Metamorphic rocks, however, originate from pre-existing rocks that undergo a transformation due to intense heat and pressure, deep within the Earth.
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Feb 22, 2024
Igneous rocks can be fine-grained or coarse-grained, depending on their cooling rate, and are often rich in minerals like quartz and feldspar. Metamorphic rocks exhibit varied textures, including foliated layers, due to the alignment of minerals under pressure.
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Feb 22, 2024
Common types of igneous rocks include granite and basalt. Metamorphic rocks include schist, gneiss, and marble, each with distinctive characteristics due to their formation process.
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Feb 22, 2024
Igneous rocks tend to be hard and dense, with a crystalline structure. Metamorphic rocks can range from very hard, like quartzite, to relatively soft, like soapstone, depending on their mineral composition and the degree of metamorphism.
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Feb 22, 2024
Igneous rocks are primary rocks that contribute to the Earth’s crust formation. Metamorphic rocks indicate past geological environments and processes, providing clues about the Earth's interior conditions.
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Feb 22, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Syllables
Four syllables in “Igneous Rocks.”
Five syllables in “Metamorphic Rocks.”
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Feb 22, 2024
Origin of Word
From Latin “ignis,” meaning fire.
From Greek “meta” (change) and “morph” (form).
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Feb 22, 2024
Use in Compound Words
Examples include “igneous intrusion,” “igneous layer.”
Examples include “metamorphic zone,” “metamorphic grade.”
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Pronunciation
Pronounced as /ɪgˈniːəs rɑks/ in American English.
Pronounced as /ˌmɛtəˈmɔrfɪk rɑks/ in American English.
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Feb 22, 2024
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Igneous Rocks and Metamorphic Rocks Definitions
Igneous Rocks
Igneous rocks are characterized by a crystalline structure.
The igneous rock sample showed clear crystal formations.
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Jan 16, 2024
Metamorphic Rocks
Rocks that indicate the conditions of the Earth's interior.
The presence of metamorphic rocks suggests past geological activity.
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Igneous Rocks
A primary type of rock in the Earth's crust.
Granite, an igneous rock, is commonly used for countertops.
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Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks can be formed from igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks.
Slate, a metamorphic rock, forms from shale under low-grade metamorphism.
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Igneous Rocks
Rocks categorized into intrusive and extrusive types.
Obsidian is an extrusive igneous rock with a glassy texture.
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Metamorphic Rocks
Rocks formed from existing rock types altered by heat and pressure.
Marble is a metamorphic rock that started as limestone.
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Igneous Rocks
Rocks formed by the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
Basalt is an igneous rock that forms from lava flows.
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Jan 16, 2024
Metamorphic Rocks
Exhibits foliated or non-foliated textures based on mineral alignment.
Schist, a metamorphic rock, is known for its foliated texture.
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Jan 16, 2024
Igneous Rocks
These rocks often contain minerals like quartz and feldspar.
The igneous rock had a high quartz content.
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Jan 16, 2024
Metamorphic Rocks
Common metamorphic rocks include slate, gneiss, and quartzite.
Gneiss is a metamorphic rock with distinct banding patterns.
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Jan 16, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What causes rock to metamorphose?
Extreme heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.
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How are metamorphic rocks created?
Through heat and pressure altering existing rocks.
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What is the cooling rate of igneous rocks?
Varies; slow underground, quick on surface.
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Where do igneous rocks commonly form?
At volcanic sites and deep underground.
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Feb 22, 2024
How do igneous rocks reach Earth's surface?
Through volcanic eruptions or uplift.
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Can metamorphic rocks form from sedimentary?
Yes, through intense heat and pressure.
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What textures do metamorphic rocks have?
Foliated or non-foliated textures.
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Feb 22, 2024
Are all metamorphic rocks the same?
No, they vary based on their original form and metamorphic conditions.
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Feb 22, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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