Formation of Dunite and Eclogite

Dunite

Eclogite

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1 Formation

1.1 Formation

Dunite is a plutonic ultramafic igneous rock consisting almost m olivine. It can be formed in two ways.

Eclogite forms from high-pressure metamorphism of mafic igneous rocks mainly, basalt or gabbro as it plunges into the mantle in a subduction zone.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

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

Amphibole, Coesite, Corundum, Dolomite, Garnet, Kyanite, Lawsonite, Paragonite, Phengite, Pyroxene, Quartz, Rutile, Zoisite

1.2.2 Compound Content

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

Aluminium Oxide, NaCl, CaO, Carbon Dioxide, Iron(III) Oxide, Magnesium Carbonate, MgO, Sodium Oxide, Potassium, Sodium

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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97% Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !

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50% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism

Not Applicable

1.3.3 Weathering

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99% Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !

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65% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

Mechanical Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

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92% Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !

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77% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Coastal Erosion, Glacier Erosion, Water Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Sea Erosion

Dunite and Eclogite Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Dunite and Eclogite 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 Dunite and Eclogite, composition of Dunite and Eclogite and their transformation.