Formation of Mudstone and Diatomite

Mudstone

Diatomite

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1 Formation

1.1 Formation

Mudstone forms when very fine-grained clay particles are deposited in water which settle at the bottom of water bodies. They are buried and compacted by overlying sediment hence forming mudstone.

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.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

Biotite, Chlorite, Feldspar, Micas, Muscovite or Illite, Plagioclase, Pyrite, Quartz

Calcite, Clay, Clay Minerals, Quartz, Sand

1.2.2 Compound Content

Aluminium Oxide, NaCl, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, Silicon Dioxide

Ca, NaCl, CaO

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

Chemical Weathering, Mechanical 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, Sea Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Mudstone and Diatomite Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Mudstone and Diatomite 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 Mudstone and Diatomite, composition of Mudstone and Diatomite and their transformation.