Formation of Diatomite and Coquina

Diatomite

Coquina

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1 Formation

1.1 Formation

Diatomite rock formed from the skeletal remains of single celled plants called diatoms. When diatoms die, their skeletal remains sink to the bottom of lakes and oceans etc. hence forming diatomite deposit.

Coquina is a sedimentary rock which is formed when billions of small clam-like seashell, called Coquina, or cockleshell are die and hence are deposited, buried and turns into a rock when pressure is applied.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

Calcite, Clay, Clay Minerals, Quartz, Sand

Apatite, Augite, Bronzite, Calcite, Chert, Chlorite, Clay Minerals, Epidote, Feldspar, Garnet, Micas, Muscovite or Illite

1.2.2 Compound Content

Ca, NaCl, CaO

CaO, Carbon Dioxide, Iron(III) Oxide, MgO

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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19% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

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19% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Not Applicable

1.3.3 Weathering

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78% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

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78% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

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86% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

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86% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Coastal Erosion, Sea Erosion, Water Erosion, Wind Erosion

Diatomite and Coquina Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Diatomite and Coquina formation sounds very interesting. According to the formation, all rocks are divided into :Igneous Rocks, Fossil Rocks and Metamorphic Rocks. Igneous rocks form by crystallization of magma or lava. The magma is made up of various components of pre-existing rocks which have been subjected to melting either at subduction zones or within the Earth's mantle. Igneous rocks are generally seen at mid ocean ridges or in intra-plate hotspots. Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediments accumulate gradually. As the sediments are buried they get compacted as more and more material is deposited on top. Eventually the sediments become so dense that they form a rock. Metamorphic rocks are rocks which once existed as igneous or sedimentary rocks but have been subjected to varying degrees of pressure and heat within the Earth's crust. Get to know all about formation of Diatomite and Coquina, composition of Diatomite and Coquina and their transformation.