Formation of Diatomite and Soapstone

Diatomite

Soapstone

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Formation

Mineral Content

Compound Content

Metamorphism

Types of Metamorphism

Weathering

Types of Weathering

Erosion

Types of Erosion

Diatomite rock formed from the skeletal remains of single celled plants called diatoms. When diatoms die, their skeletal remains sink to the bottom of lakes and oceans etc. hence forming diatomite deposit.

Calcite, Clay, Clay Minerals, Quartz, Sand

Ca, NaCl, CaO

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Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

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Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Soapstone is a talc-schist, which is a type of metamorphic rock and it is largely composed of the mineral talc and is thus rich inmagnesium.

Albite, Apatite, Biotite, Calcite, Carbonate, Clay Minerals, Hornblende, Ilmenite, Micas, Plagioclase, Pyroxene, Quartz

CaO, Mg, MgO

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Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism, Hydrothermal Metamorphism, Impact Metamorphism, Regional Metamorphism

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Diatomite and Soapstone Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Diatomite and Soapstone formation sounds very interesting. According to the formation, all rocks are divided into :Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary 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 Diatomite and Soapstone, composition of Diatomite and Soapstone and their transformation.