Formation of Basalt and Pyroxenite

Basalt

Pyroxenite

Add ⊕

1 Formation

1.1 Formation

Basalt forms when lava reaches the Earth's surface near an active volcano. The temperature of lava is between 1100 to 1250° C when it gets to the surface.

Pyroxenites are ultramafic igneous rocks which are made up of minerals of the pyroxene group, such as augite and diopside, hypersthene, bronzite or enstatite.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

Olivine, Plagioclase, Pyroxene

Amphibole, Augite, Bronzite, Chromite, Diopside, Enstatite, Garnet, Hornblende, Hypersthene, Magnetite, Pyroxene

1.2.2 Compound Content

Aluminium Oxide, CaO, Iron(III) Oxide, FeO, Potassium Oxide, MgO, MnO, Sodium Oxide, Phosphorus Pentoxide, Silicon Dioxide, Titanium Dioxide

Aluminium Oxide, CaO, Chromium(III) Oxide, Iron(III) Oxide, Potassium Oxide, MgO, Sodium Oxide, Silicon Dioxide, Sulfur Trioxide

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

✔ ✘

1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Contact Metamorphism

Burial Metamorphism, Impact Metamorphism, Regional Metamorphism

1.3.3 Weathering

✔ ✘

1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Biological Weathering

Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

✔ ✘

1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Not Available

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Water Erosion

Basalt and Pyroxenite Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Basalt and Pyroxenite 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 Basalt and Pyroxenite, composition of Basalt and Pyroxenite and their transformation.