Gneiss rock is further characterized by its alternating light and dark bands of minerals. Gneiss forms from volcanic rock, shale, or granitic. Quartz is typically abundantly found in gneiss. The bands that form on gneiss rock are due to the various rocks that are a part of its make-up. The use of the word gneiss dates back to the mid-1700s. Gneiss rocks that originate as sedimentary rock are called paragneiss and those originating as igneous rock are called orthogneiss. Limestone can change into calcareous gneiss which contains calcium carbonate.