Formation of Chert and Litchfieldite

Chert

Litchfieldite

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1 Formation

1.1 Formation

Chert forms when microcrystals of silicon dioxide grow within soft sediments that become limestone or chalk. The chert formation can be either of chemical or biological origin.

Litchfieldite 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

Quartz, Silicon

Albite, Amphibole, Biotite, Cancrinite, Feldspar, Hornblende, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Sodalite

1.2.2 Compound Content

Silicon Dioxide

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

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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19% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

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97% Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Not Applicable

Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism, Impact Metamorphism

1.3.3 Weathering

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78% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

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99% Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Not Applicable

Biological Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

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86% Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !

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92% Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Chemical Erosion

Coastal Erosion, Water Erosion, Wind Erosion

Chert and Litchfieldite Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Chert and Litchfieldite 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 Chert and Litchfieldite, composition of Chert and Litchfieldite and their transformation.