Regional metamorphism takes place over large areas of Earth's surface where tectonic plates crash together, pushing up mountain ranges. The metamorphic processes typically happen between temperatures of 350-650 degrees C (660-1,200 degrees F) and at depths of 5-20 km (3-12 miles). High pressures from these enormous collisions cause the rocks to recrystallize and the new mineral grains align into an arrangement like a layer cake, or a sponge when it is squeezed; that texture is called foliation. Low-grade metamorphic rocks, like slate, split easily into sheets. High-grade metamorphic rocks, like gneiss, may be foliated but do not break into sheets.