Does metamorphism includes melting?

Question

Does metamorphism includes melting?

Answer 1

It may include slight melting of the edges of some of the crystals.  If all the material is melted the result is a magma or lava and the rock that forms from these are igneous rock.

Metamorphic rock grades into igneous rock so some specific samples may be arguable whether the rock is one or the other.

Answer 2

Metamorphism occurs due to a rocks extended exposure to high heat and pressure.  The crystals in the rock become bigger, and tend to be elongated perpendicular to the stress they are experiencing, but melting does not occur.  Metamorphic rocks can also form all types of rocks.

If you want other sources for this subject I recommend using a little know feature Google offers.  If you search for

define:  metamorphism

you'll come up with definitions of the word scattered throughout the Internet.  The same technique will give you definitions of a wide variety of words.

Answer 3

No melting occurs during metamorphism.  During metamorphism rocks are changed by pressure and heating. But the heating is not to the point of melting.  Once the rock melts it is no longer considered a metamorphic rock.