Formation of Mudstone and Soapstone

Mudstone

Soapstone

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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.

Soapstone is a talc-schist, which is a type of metamorphic rock and it is largely composed of the mineral talc and is thus rich inmagnesium.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

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

Albite, Apatite, Biotite, Calcite, Carbonate, Clay Minerals, Hornblende, Ilmenite, Micas, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Quartz

1.2.2 Compound Content

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

CaO, Mg, MgO

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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19% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

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50% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Not Applicable

Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism, Hydrothermal Metamorphism, Impact Metamorphism, Regional Metamorphism

1.3.3 Weathering

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78% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

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65% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

Not Applicable

1.3.5 Erosion

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86% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

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77% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Sea Erosion

Not Applicable

Mudstone and Soapstone Formation

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