Metamorphic rocks are classified into two broad categories based on their texture.

Extensive banding is clearly visible in this sample of foliated rock.
• Foliated Rocks: Foliated rocks are rocks that have parallel layers or bands of minerals. These bands may become wavy as a result of intense pressure. Slate and gneiss are two fairly common metamorphic rocks that have a foliated structure.


The Venus de Milo, one of the most famous statues in the world, is carved from marble, the nonfoliated metamorphic form of limestone.
• Nonfoliated Rocks: Nonfoliated rocks are metamorphic rocks that do not possess any layering or banding. They still contain minerals and crystals, but the minerals and crystals don’t form in layers. Quartzite and marble are examples of nonfoliated metamorphic rock.

Try This!

An example of white marble from Vermont.

Find Me: Vermont Quarries

In addition to its use in sculpture, marble (nonfoliated metamorphic form of limestone) also has numerous applications in construction, and in industry.

The state of Vermont is one of the major suppliers of marble in North America.

• Click here to zoom in on the state of Vermont.

Often the white color of marble quarries makes them quite visible from the air.

• Examine Vermont carefully in the main view panel to the right. Zoom in on any areas of interest, and try to locate as many quarries as you can. (Click here if you need a hint. There are four quarries within this hint area.)

How many quarries did you find?

Answers will vary depending on the care and time taken with the search. There are four quarries that are fairly easy to identify. They are located at Middlebury, Florence, West Rutland and South Wallingford.

There are at least four quarries that should be readily identifiable.

• Click on each location name in order to visit the marble quarry in that area.
  
  • Middlebury
  • Florence
  • West Rutland
  • South Wallingford