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Hornfels Metamorphic Rock - 2 Unpolished Rock Specimens

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  • Each rock measures approx. 1 to 2 inches along the longest side
  • Also known as hornstone or ring-stone
  • Pack of 2 samples


Translated from German, the name Hornfels means "hornstone". This rock was named as such because it displayed exceptional toughness, and interesting texture, both of which where apparently reminiscent of animal horns. It is considered to be a contact metamorphic rock, meaning that an increase in temperature caused a magma intrusion into a cooler rock, creating a rock that was both tough and durable. Hornfels are also known as whetstones.

It has a wide color range, appearing in nature as a dark brown to black, as well as white, yellow, pale green, green, dark green, brown, and others. They have been known to have distinct banding, which can be attributed to the different rocks that they were in contact with when metamorphosis occurred.

Hornfels is capable of resonating when struck, though whether or not it can be heard would depend on the size of the specimen. In South Africa, they are known as "ring-stones", because they sound like a bell being rung.

Origin: CO

Customer
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2021
Perfect Specimens for Geology Classes. I use these rock for identification reasons for my geology class