Hornfels (Noun)
Meaning
A fine-grained metamorphic rock formed by the action of heat on clay rocks.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Hornfels forms when clay rocks are subjected to high temperatures without melting, usually in areas where tectonic forces have pushed crustal rocks deep into the Earth's mantle.
- The discovery of hornfels rocks in the region indicated a complex geological history involving high-temperature metamorphism.
- In the absence of other geological processes, the uniform texture of hornfels provides valuable clues to researchers seeking to understand ancient Earth systems.
- Scientists often examine hornfels to better comprehend the effects of heat on clay minerals within Earth's crust.
- Hornfels commonly occurs near areas where faulting has produced shearing stress, driving temperatures upward in local hotspots.