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Natural Science in Archaeology

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3.5 Metamorphic Rocks 59<br />

that is completely cemented with silica can fracture through (rather than around) the<br />

gra<strong>in</strong>s, emulat<strong>in</strong>g metamorphic quartzites.<br />

Contact metamorphism results from the high temperature conditions <strong>in</strong> the<br />

area surround<strong>in</strong>g an igneous <strong>in</strong>trusion. Contact metamorphism of limestone produces<br />

marble. High-temperature contact metamorphism of basalts and andesites<br />

yields dense, dark hornfels, which has been used widely for stone axes and tools <strong>in</strong><br />

Australia, New Gu<strong>in</strong>ea, Scotland, Wales, and elsewhere (Cumm<strong>in</strong>s 1983).<br />

Regional metamorphism is geographically the most extensive and m<strong>in</strong>eralogically<br />

the most varied form of metamorphism. It is usually associated with largescale<br />

crustal deformation or mounta<strong>in</strong>-build<strong>in</strong>g. Most regionally metamorphosed<br />

rocks have a characteristic lam<strong>in</strong>ated (or schistose) structure. The slaty cleavage of<br />

slates, the planar fissility of mica schists, and the somewhat irregular foliation of<br />

quartz-feldspar schists are all the result of regional metamorphism.<br />

Slates and phyllites are f<strong>in</strong>e-gra<strong>in</strong>ed products of even f<strong>in</strong>er-gra<strong>in</strong>ed sedimentary<br />

rocks that have undergone regional metamorphism. The major m<strong>in</strong>eral<br />

constituents of these rocks are muscovite, quartz, and chlorite. Slates represent<br />

the lowest metamorphic grade. The slaty cleavage that is typical of these rocks<br />

has long been utilized to obta<strong>in</strong> stone with parallel sides. Figure 3.2 exhibits<br />

this feature <strong>in</strong> a modern slate quarry. With <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g metamorphism, slates<br />

grade <strong>in</strong>to phyllites, which have a similar m<strong>in</strong>eralogy, but the muscovite is<br />

large enough to impart a silky sheen to the surface of the cleavage. With more<br />

<strong>in</strong>tense metamorphism, phyllites grade <strong>in</strong>to mica schists. With <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g metamorphism,<br />

feldspar forms. The highest grade of regional metamorphism leads<br />

to the formation of gneisses, which are composed ma<strong>in</strong>ly of coarse quartz and<br />

feldspar.<br />

Fig. 3.2 Slate quarry, eastern United States

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