Formation of Lherzolite and Hornfels

Lherzolite

Hornfels

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1 Formation

1.1 Formation

Lherzolite 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.

Due to change in environmental conditions, rocks are heated and pressurized deep inside the Earth's surface. Hornfels is formed from the extreme heat caused by magma or by the intense collisions and friction of tectonic plates.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

Harzburgite, Olivine, Pyroxene, Pyrrhotite

Andalusite

1.2.2 Compound Content

CaO, Cr, Chromium(III) Oxide, MgO

Fe, Mg

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism

Not Applicable

1.3.3 Weathering

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1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

Biological Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

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1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Water Erosion, Wind Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Glacier Erosion, Sea Erosion, Water Erosion, Wind Erosion

Lherzolite and Hornfels Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Lherzolite and Hornfels 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 Lherzolite and Hornfels, composition of Lherzolite and Hornfels and their transformation.