Formation of Banded iron formation and Harzburgite

Banded iron formation

Harzburgite

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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.

Harzburgite is a fine-grained, hard rock which is a type of metasomatite, essentially altered basalt. It forms with or without crystallization, either below the surface as intrusive rocks or on the surface as extrusive rocks.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

Hematite, Magnetite, Quartz

Amphibole, Chromite, Garnet, Magnesium, Olivine, Phlogopite, Plagioclase, Pyroxene

1.2.2 Compound Content

Fe, Iron(III) Oxide, Silicon Dioxide

Ca, Fe, Mg, Potassium, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium, Titanium Dioxide

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Not Applicable

Impact Metamorphism

1.3.3 Weathering

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1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Chemical Weathering

Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

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1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Sea Erosion

Banded iron formation and Harzburgite Formation

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