Formation of Serpentinite and Dunite

Serpentinite

Dunite

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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.

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

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

Carbonate, Magnetite, Pyrrhotite, Serpentine, Sulfides

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

1.2.2 Compound Content

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

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

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

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50% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

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97% Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

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

Burial Metamorphism, Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism

1.3.3 Weathering

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65% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

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99% Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Not Applicable

Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

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77% Metamorphic Rocks Rocks have it !

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92% Igneous Rocks Rocks have it !

1.3.6 Types of Erosion

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

Coastal Erosion, Glacier Erosion, Water Erosion

Serpentinite and Dunite Formation

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