Formation of Harzburgite and Banded iron formation

Harzburgite

Banded iron formation

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1 Formation

1.1 Formation

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.

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.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

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

Hematite, Magnetite, Quartz

1.2.2 Compound Content

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

Fe, Iron(III) Oxide, Silicon Dioxide

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Impact Metamorphism

Not Applicable

1.3.3 Weathering

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1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

Chemical Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

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1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Sea Erosion

Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Harzburgite and Banded iron formation Formation

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