foliation
The parallel alignment of platy grains in a rock is called foliation. Foliation is commonly seen in metamorphic rocks where minerals align in a preferred orientation due to pressure and temperature changes during deformation.
The parallel alignment of platy grains is known as foliation and is commonly found in metamorphic rocks. This texture is a result of directional pressure during the rock's formation, causing minerals to align perpendicular to the direction of stress. Foliation provides valuable information about the rock's history and deformation processes.
foliated
foliated
foliated
When platy materials have a parallel alignment, the rock is considered foliated. Foliated rocks have a layered or banded appearance due to the parallel alignment of minerals like mica or chlorite. This alignment typically occurs through pressure and temperature changes during rock formation.
Mica.
Mica.
The rocks tend to spilt along parallel planes defined by distribution and parallel arrangment of platy mineral crystals.
Foliation in metamorphic rocks is produced by the alignment of mineral grains in response to directed pressure during metamorphism. Pressure causes the minerals to recrystallize and align parallel to each other, creating a banded or layered texture in the rock. This alignment results in the development of distinct planes of weakness that we observe as foliation.
The foliation is caused by the massive force of pressure and high temperature which results from mountain building processes caused by plate collisions. The heat and pressure combine to realign the existing minerals from a random orientation to one of parallel orientation, thus creating the visible lines or platy cleavages found in foliated metamorphic rocks. The lines of foliation are created perpendicularly to the force being applied.