Formation of Shale and Diatomite

Shale

Diatomite

Add ⊕

1 Formation

1.1 Formation

Shale forms when very fine-grained clay particles are deposited in water which settle at the bottom of water bodies. They are later compacted hence forming shale.

Diatomite rock formed from the skeletal remains of single celled plants called diatoms. When diatoms die, their skeletal remains sink to the bottom of lakes and oceans etc. hence forming diatomite deposit.

1.2 Composition

1.2.1 Mineral Content

Albite, Biotite, Calcite, Chert, Chlorite, Dolomite, Hematite, Micas, Muscovite or Illite, Pyrite, Quartz, Silica, Sulfides

Calcite, Clay, Clay Minerals, Quartz, Sand

1.2.2 Compound Content

Ca, Fe, Mg, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium

Ca, NaCl, CaO

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

✔ ✘

1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Not Applicable

1.3.3 Weathering

✔ ✘

1.3.4 Types of Weathering

Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

1.3.5 Erosion

✔ ✘

1.3.6 Types of Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Glacier Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Shale and Diatomite Formation

Formation of rocks is a long process and hence, Shale and Diatomite 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 Shale and Diatomite, composition of Shale and Diatomite and their transformation.