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Gneiss

Part of Hall of Planet Earth.

Gneiss AMNH/R.Mickens

Exhibition Text

With burial and the associated increase in pressure and heating, shales may be transformed by re-crystallization in the deep crust into metamorphic rock, like this gneiss.  Even greater heating of shales may lead to melting and generation of new granite magma.

AMNH Collection

For Educators

Topic: Earth Science

Subtopic: Minerals and Resources

Keywords: Gneiss, Geochemical cycles, Geology, Magmas, Shale

Audience: General