Definition
Cataclasite is a type of cataclastic rock that is formed by fracturing and comminution during faulting. It is normally cohesive and non-foliated, consisting of angular clasts in a finer-grained matrix
Skarns are formed during regional or contact metamorphism and from a variety of metasomatic processes involving fluids of magmatic, metamorphic, and/or marine origin
Origin
Swiss Alps, Europe
USA, Australia
Discoverer
Michael Tellinger
Tornebohm
Etymology
From the Italian word cataclasi
From an old Swedish mining term originally used to describe a type of silicate gangue or waste rock.
Class
Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks
Sub-Class
Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock
Durable Rock, Hard Rock
Other Categories
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
Texture
Clastic
Earthy, Mud-rich, Rough
Color
Brown, Green, White, Yellow
Black, Brown, Green, Grey, White
Durability
Durable
Durable
Appearance
Dull and Banded
Dull
Interior Uses
Decorative Aggregates, Homes
Decorative Aggregates, Entryways, Interior Decoration
Exterior Uses
As Building Stone, As Facing Stone, Paving Stone
As Building Stone, As Facing Stone, Garden Decoration, Paving Stone
Other Architectural Uses
Curbing
Curbing
Construction Industry
As Dimension Stone, Building houses or walls, Cement Manufacture, Construction Aggregate, for Road Aggregate
As a Flux in the Production of Steel and Pig Iron, As a Sintering Agent in Steel Industry to process Iron Ore, As Dimension Stone, Gold and Silver production, Manufacture of Magnesium and Dolomite Refractories
Antiquity Uses
Artifacts
Artifacts, Monuments, Sculpture
Commercial Uses
Commemorative Tablets, Creating Artwork
Creating Artwork, Gemstone, Jewelry, Metallurgical Flux, Source of Magnesia (MgO)
Types
Protocataclasite, Mesocataclasite, Ultracataclasite and Foliated cataclasite
Endoskarns
Features
Easily splits into thin plates, Is one of the oldest rock
Host Rock for Lead, Zinc and Copper Deposits
Archaeological Significance
Formation
Cataclasiste rocks mainly form by pressure deep under the Earth's surface, from the extreme heat caused by magma or by the intense collisions and friction of tectonic plates.
Due to change in environmental conditions, rocks are heated and pressurized deep inside the Earth's surface. Skarn is formed from the extreme heat caused by magma or by the intense collisions and friction of tectonic plates.
Mineral Content
Albite, Apatite, Augite, Biotite, Calcite, Enstatite, Epidote, Feldspar, Micas, Muscovite or Illite, Pyroxene, Quartz
Calcite, Enstatite, Epidote, Garnet, Magnetite, Pyroxene, Titanite
Compound Content
Silicon Dioxide
Au, CaO, Carbon Dioxide, Cu, Fe, MgO
Types of Metamorphism
-
Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism, Hydrothermal Metamorphism, Impact Metamorphism, Regional Metamorphism
Types of Weathering
Mechanical Weathering
-
Types of Erosion
Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion
-
Grain Size
Fine Grained
Fine Grained
Streak
Black
Light to dark brown
Porosity
Less Porous
Less Porous
Luster
Vitreous
Waxy and Dull
Specific Gravity
2.1
2.86
Transparency
Translucent to Opaque
Opaque
Density
2.9-3.1 g/cm3
2.8-2.9 g/cm3
Resistance
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant, Pressure Resistant
Heat Resistant
Deposits in Eastern Continents
Asia
China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea
China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka
Africa
Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, South Africa
South Africa, Western Africa
Europe
England, Finland, France, Spain, United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Deposits in Western Continents
North America
Canada, USA
Canada
South America
Argentina, Colombia
Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay
Deposits in Oceania Continent
Australia
Central Australia, Western Australia
Central Australia, Western Australia
All about Cataclasite and Skarn Properties
Know all about Cataclasite and Skarn properties here. All properties of rocks are important as they define the type of rock and its application. Cataclasite and Skarn belong to Metamorphic Rocks.Texture of Cataclasite is Clastic whereas that of Skarn is Earthy, Mud-rich, Rough. Cataclasite appears Dull and Banded and Skarn appears Dull. The luster of Cataclasite is vitreous while that of Skarn is waxy and dull. Cataclasite is available in brown, green, white, yellow colors whereas Skarn is available in black, brown, green, grey, white colors. The commercial uses of Cataclasite are commemorative tablets, creating artwork and that of Skarn are creating artwork, gemstone, jewelry, metallurgical flux, source of magnesia (mgo).