tectonite

right|thumb|400px| L-S tectonite viewed in the plane of the S fabric right|thumb|400px| L-S tectonite viewed perpendicular to the plane of the S fabric thumb|Deformed conglomerate (geology)|conglomerate showing no strain in one plane (at left) and strong stretching in the other (at right) – an L-tectonite Tectonites are metamorphic or tectonically deformed rocks whose fabric reflects the history of their deformation, or rocks with fabric that clearly displays coordinated geometric features that indicate continuous solid (ductile) flow during formation. Planar foliation results from a parallel orientation of platey mineral phases such as the phyllosilicates or graphite. Slender prismatic crystals such as amphibole produce a lineation in which these prisms or columnar crystals become aligned. Tectonites are rocks with minerals that have been affected by natural forces of the earth, which allowed their orientations to change. This usually includes recrystallization of minerals, and the foliation formation. Tectonites are studied through structural analysis and allows for the determination of two things: The orientation of shearing and compressive stresses during (dynamic) metamorphism The later (or final) stages of metamorphism

According to the nature of mineral orientation, there are three main groups of tectonites, L-tectonites, S-tectonites, and L-S tectonites. The different types reflect on the different ways that matter moves.