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Slate is the low-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic rock whose parent rock (protolith) was shale. Clay minerals which were present in the shale have started to change into mica, a platy mineral, which give slate its cleavability. Because the transformation of the clay minerals is not complete, slate generally appears dull in light.

With exposure to higher temperatures and pressures, shale will become the metamorphic rock phyllite. In phyllite, the transformation of the clay minerals to nearly visible micas and other minerals is nearly complete, giving the rock a very shiny appearance. It may also appear wavy and foliated.

With higher temperature and pressure, phyllite will become the metamorphic rock schist.

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Q: How is a slate different from a phyllite?
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What is the origin of phyllite?

Phyllite is a type of metamorphic rock that comes from adding heat, pressure, and/or chemically active fluids to slate. Slate is the parent, or originial, type of rock from which the phyllite forms. It could also be said that slate recrystallizes into phyllite. Slate is also a metamorphic rock that starts out as the sedimentary rock called shale. Therefore, phyllite comes from slate, which comes from shale. Phyllite is different from slate because it has been metamorphosed more. As a result, the straight lines/planes (called foliation) that slate breaks along, are absent in phyllite, which is distinctly wavy in appearance. If more metamorphism is applied to phyllite, it recrystallizes into schist.


What is the difference between slate and phyllite?

The degree of metamorphism. Phyllite is slate further metamorphosed.


What is the protolith of phyllite?

The parent rock or protolith of phyllite is slate.


What does phyllite turn into?

Phyllite is metamorphosed slate, which is also a metamorphic rock. Shale or mudstone is the protolith (parent rock) of slate.


What does slate turn into if its heated and squashed?

phyllite


What is the physical description of phyllite?

Phyllite is a foliated metamorphic rock. It's cleavage resembles that of slate. It is often distinguished from slate because it has shiny metallic luster. Phyllite also has very fine grains.


What is the parent rock of phyllite?

Phyllite is a foliated metamorphic rock whose parent rock is slate.


What does slate turn into if heated and squashed?

If slate is sufficiently heated and compressed it becomes phyllite.


What commonly becomes phyllite through metamorphism?

slate


How is phyllite formed?

Phyllite is a fine grained metamorphic rock. It is formed by shale forming into slate, and slate being put under physical pressure over time.


Could contact metamorphism change a shale into a phyllite?

No. Contact metamorphism will most likely alter shale into hornfels. Phyllite is regionally metamorphosed slate, and slate is metamorphosed shale.


What lists the rocks in order of increasing grain size and increasing grade of metamorphism?

slate, phyllite, schist, gneissslate, schist, phyllite