Formation of Serpentinite and Anorthosite

Serpentinite

Anorthosite

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1 Formation

1.1 Formation

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

Anorthosite is a phaneritic, intrusive igneous rock which is characterized by a predominance of plagioclase feldspar which is almost 90–100%, and a minimal mafic component.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

Carbonate, Magnetite, Pyrrhotite, Serpentine, Sulfides

Amphibole, Clinopyroxene, Ilmenite, Magnetite, Olivine, Orthopyroxene

1.2.2 Compound Content

Ca, CaO, Carbon Dioxide, KCl, MgO, Sulfur Dioxide, Sulphur

Ca, CaO, Chromium(III) Oxide, MgO, Sulfur Trioxide

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

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

Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism

1.3.3 Weathering

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1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Not Applicable

Biological Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

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1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Glacier Erosion, Sea Erosion, Wind Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Wind Erosion

Serpentinite and Anorthosite Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Serpentinite and Anorthosite 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 Serpentinite and Anorthosite, composition of Serpentinite and Anorthosite and their transformation.