Formation of Banded iron formation and Argillite

Banded iron formation

Argillite

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1 Formation

1.1 Formation

The banded iron layers are formed in sea water when oxygen is released by photosynthetic cyano-bacteria. The oxygen then combines with dissolved iron in ocean to form insoluble iron oxides, which precipitated out, forming a thin layer of banded iron formation on ocean floor.

An argillite is a fine-grained sedimentary rock mainly composed of clay particles which forms from lithified muds which contain variable amounts of silt-sized particles.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

Hematite, Magnetite, Quartz

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

1.2.2 Compound Content

Fe, Iron(III) Oxide, Silicon Dioxide

Iron(III) Oxide, Potassium Oxide, MgO, Silicon Dioxide

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Not Applicable

1.3.3 Weathering

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1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Chemical Weathering

Biological Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

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1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Chemical Erosion

Banded iron formation and Argillite Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Banded iron formation and Argillite 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 Banded iron formation and Argillite, composition of Banded iron formation and Argillite and their transformation.