Formation of Tephrite and Diatomite

Tephrite

Diatomite

Add ⊕

1 Formation

1.1 Formation

Tephrite 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.

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

Alkali feldspar, Nepheline, Plagioclase, Pyroxene

Calcite, Clay, Clay Minerals, Quartz, Sand

1.2.2 Compound Content

CaO, Carbon Dioxide, MgO, Silicon Dioxide

Ca, NaCl, CaO

1.3 Transformation

1.3.1 Metamorphism

✔ ✘

1.3.2 Types of Metamorphism

Cataclastic Metamorphism, Contact Metamorphism, Impact Metamorphism, Regional 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, Sea Erosion, Water Erosion

Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Tephrite and Diatomite Formation

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