Breccia

Amphibolite

Breccia forms where broken, angular fragments of rock or mineral debris

accumulate. One possible location for breccia formation is at the base of an
outcrop where mechanical weathering debris accumulates. Another would be in
stream deposits near the outcrop such as an alluvial fan. Some breccias form as
debris flow deposits. The angular particle shape reveals that they have not been
transported very far (transport wears the sharp points and edges of angular
particles into rounded shapes). After deposition the fragments are bound
together by a mineral cement or by a cement of smaller particles that fills the
spaces between the fragments.

Amphibolite is a rock of convergent plate boundaries where heat and pressure

cause regional metamorphism. It can be produced through the metamorphism of
mafic igneous rocks such as basalt and gabbro or from the metamorphism of clayrich sedimentary rocks such as marl or graywacke. The metamorphism sometimes
flattens and elongates the mineral grains to produce a schistose texture.
Amphibolite has a variety of uses in the construction industry. It is harder than
limestone and heavier than granite. These properties make it desirable for certain
uses.

Obsidian
Slate

Slate is composed mainly of clay minerals or micas depending upon the degree of
metamorphism to which it has been subjected. The original clay minerals in shale
alter to micas with increasing levels of heat and pressure. Slate can also contain
abundant quartz and small amounts of feldspar, calcite, pyrite, hematite and
other minerals. It is popular for a wide variety of uses such as roofing, flooring
and flagging because of its durability and attractive appearance.

Obsidian forms when molten rock material cools so rapidly that atoms are unable
to arrange themselves into a crystalline structure. It is an amorphous material
known as a "mineraloid." The result is a volcanic glass with a smooth uniform
texture. Black is the most common color of obsidian. However, it can also be
brown, tan, or green. Rarely, obsidian can be blue, red, orange or yellow. The
colors are thought to be caused mainly by trace elements or inclusions.