Hornfels Metamorphic Rock – Pack of 2
by American Educational Products

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.

Each rock or mineral specimen measures approximately 1-2 inches in length along its longest side.

Origin: CO