Migmatit

What is written on the plate:

Migmatites

Migmatites are formed by the partial melting of gneisses and mica schists at temperatures above 650°C. Feldspar and quartz crystallized from the melt (leucosome), the dark components remained and accumulated in the melanosome. The resulting layered structure was folded before solidification. The migmatite was formed in the depth of a magmatic
island arc between Baltica and Gondwana during the
during the Variscan mountain building.

Liebenstein Group, Silurian/Lower Carboniferous, Bairoda, Thuringian Forest, c. 400 Ma/Lower Carboniferous metamorphism.

Migmatit

Location: Bairoda, Thuringian Forest

Age: 400 million years

Bairoda, Thüringer Wald

Image: Google Maps

Migmatite is a fascinating rock that is formed from a combination of metamorphic and igneous processes. this type of rock, combines both the characteristics of metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks.

Migmatite forms under extreme conditions deep in the earth's crust. It is usually formed by the partial melting of metamorphic rocks such as gneiss or granulite. During this melting, the mineral components of the rock are partially melted, forming magmatic melt. This melt migrates through the rock and then recrystallizes to form a mixture of metamorphic and igneous rocks. The result is a rock with characteristic bands or eyes composed of the metamorphic and igneous phases.

The striking texture of migmatite results from the interaction of melt and solid rock. The metamorphic bands or eyes are generally dark and composed of minerals such as biotite, hornblende, or mica, while the igneous bands or eyes are lighter and rich in quartz and feldspar. These alternating bands give migmatite a characteristic appearance, making it easy to distinguish from other rock types.

Due to the formation of migmatite from metamorphic rocks, it has a high density and hardness. At the same time, it also has the characteristics of igneous rocks, such as a certain porosity and granite-like composition. This makes migmatite an ideal material for various applications.

Because of its unique texture and aesthetics, migmatite is often used as a decorative stone. In architecture, it is often found as flooring, wall cladding or countertops. Its various colors and patterns give rooms an elegant and appealing character. In addition, migmatite is also suitable for outdoor use due to its hardness and resistance to wear and weathering.

Another important aspect of migmatite is its use as a geological indicator. Because of its formation history, migmatite can provide valuable information about the geological processes taking place in the earth's crust. Geologists often use migmatite to study rock formation processes and to determine pressure and temperature conditions during rock formation.

In summary, migmatite is a fascinating rock that illustrates the link between metamorphic and magmatic processes. Its unique texture, hardness and aesthetic beauty make it a versatile material for architecture and interior design. At the same time, migmatite serves as an important indicator of geological processes and can provide valuable information about the history of the Earth's crust.

Location of the rock migmatite near the village of Bairoda

Image: Thomas Voigt