Formation of Quartzite and Diatomite

Quartzite

Diatomite

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1 Formation

1.1 Formation

Quartzite forms from sandstone and the mineral quartz being put under extreme heat and pressure.

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

Chlorite, Epidote, Hematite, Kyanite, Magnetite, Muscovite or Illite, Quartz

Calcite, Clay, Clay Minerals, Quartz, Sand

1.2.2 Compound Content

Aluminium Oxide, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, MgO, Sodium Oxide, Silicon Dioxide

Ca, NaCl, CaO

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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50% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

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19% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Hydrothermal Metamorphism, Regional Metamorphism

Not Applicable

1.3.3 Weathering

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65% Metamorphic 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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77% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

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86% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Water Erosion, Wind Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Quartzite and Diatomite Formation

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