The impact of faults and thrusts

creates the distinct geological regions of the Himalayas and impacts the rock composition. 

Sedimentary rock

The Himalayas are home to various sedimentary rocks, 

primarily formed from ancient ocean sediments. Types of sedimentary rock in the Himalayas include,

  • marl
  • dolomite
  • greywacke
  • siltstone
  • shale
  • limestone

Metamorphic rock

Metamorphic rocks in the Himalayas form when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or chemical processes. Common types include:

  • schist
  • migmatite
  • phyllite
  • gneiss
  • amphibolite.

Igneous rock

Igneous rocks form when lava or magma cools and solidifies. Volcanic (extrusive) igneous rocks form from lava at the Earth’s surface, while plutonic (intrusive) rocks form from magma underground. Two major Himalayan rock zones are made mostly of plutonic igneous rocks, including types such as:

  • granite
  • diorite
  • gabbro
  • tonalite
  • monazite
  • pegmatite

Source: Harris (2022)

Rocks in the Himalayas

This video shows some rock types in the Himalaya.