Metamorphic rocks record how temperature and pressure affected an area when it was forming. The rocks provide clues to their transformation into a metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks are best identified when looking at the rock as you see them in nature. You can clearly see the deformation and features that are characteristic of an entire area.

Metamorphic rocks were once sedimentary, igneous, or another metamorphic rock. These rocks are physically deformed and chemically changed due to different temperatures and pressures. The elements in the minerals can actually "move" to form new minerals. The rock does not melt, or else it would be considered an igneous rock. A rock looks different after it has been metamorphosed. The rocks texture and overall appearance changes also. It now has a squished look!

Metamorphic rocks in nature