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What is VMS? Assemblages of mostly sulfide minerals that develop on the seafloor at locations of concentrated hydrothermal discharge, relates to a kind of ore deposit that’s mined from existing oceanic crust formed underwater are Volcanogenic Massive Sulfides (VMS) Deposit. ...
Geology 101 is the study of the Earth and its materials, structures, processes, and history. It is a broad field that encompasses many different disciplines, including mineralogy, petrology, paleontology, and geophysics. Geologists study the Earth’s physical features, including its rocks, ...
Geologic mapping is a crucial process in the field of geology, which involves creating a detailed representation of the Earth’s surface based on the study of its rocks, minerals, and physical features. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of ...
🔷Kimberlites, named after the town of Kimberly, South Africa, where they were first described, are volcanic rocks that originate in Earth’s mantle.🔷They are mined exclusively for diamonds. The photo shows the “Big Hole” at Kimberly.🔷The Hole was mined from 1871 ...
An ophiolite is a section of oceanic crust and upper mantle that has been uplifted and exposed above sea level due to tectonic processes. Ophiolites are important geological features because they provide a window into the Earth’s interior and allow ...
Andesite: A Comprehensive Guide Andesite, derived from the Andes Mountains in South America, is an igneous rock that holds a significant place in the geological world. Its composition, formation, and various uses make it a fascinating subject for study. In ...
Carbonate Replacement Deposits (CRDs): Unraveling Earth’s Subterranean Wealth Carbonate Replacement Deposits (CRDs) represent a fascinating chapter in the geological story, revealing the hidden treasures of valuable metals beneath the Earth’s surface. These deposits, shaped by complex geological processes, are crucial ...
✳️Cinnabar is a toxic mercury sulfide mineral with a chemical composition of HgS. 🔷It is the only important ore of mercury. It has a bright red color that has caused people to use it as a pigment, and carve it ...
Dolerite is a type of igneous rock that forms through the cooling and solidification of magma. It is a dark-colored rock that typically contains plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, and amphibole minerals. The name “dolerite” comes from the Greek words “dolos” meaning ...
When we think about tunneling, we often picture massive machines and skilled laborers hard at work underground. While these elements are undoubtedly essential, there’s an unsung hero behind every successful tunneling project: the geologist. In this article, we’ll explore the ...
Geologic strata, also known as rock layers or rock formations, are the result of the sedimentation, deposition, and cementation of minerals, rocks, and other Earth materials over millions of years. These strata provide a window into Earth’s geological history, revealing ...
Fractional crystallization is a geological process that occurs when a molten rock, such as magma or lava, cools and solidifies over time. During this cooling process, minerals within the molten rock crystallize and solidify at different temperatures, leading to the separation of minerals based on thRead more
Fractional crystallization is a geological process that occurs when a molten rock, such as magma or lava, cools and solidifies over time. During this cooling process, minerals within the molten rock crystallize and solidify at different temperatures, leading to the separation of minerals based on their melting points. This results in the formation of distinct mineral layers or sequences within the rock.
Here’s how fractional crystallization works in geology:
1. Magma Formation: Magma is molten rock that exists beneath the Earth’s surface. It is often a mixture of various minerals and elements.
2. Cooling: As magma rises or is exposed to cooler conditions, it begins to cool. The cooling rate can vary, and it’s typically a slow process.
3. Mineral Crystallization: As the magma cools, minerals start to crystallize and solidify at specific temperatures. Minerals with higher melting points will crystallize first, while those with lower melting points will crystallize later.
4. Separation of Minerals: Over time, the minerals that have crystallized will separate from the remaining molten magma. The separated minerals may settle at the bottom of the magma chamber or form distinct layers within the rock.
5. Formation of Rock: As the cooling process continues, the remaining magma may crystallize additional minerals. The overall composition of the rock will change as more minerals crystallize. This can lead to the formation of layered or banded rocks with different mineral compositions.
Fractional crystallization is a fundamental process in the formation of various igneous rocks. It plays a crucial role in the development of rock diversity and mineral composition. For example, in a mafic igneous rock like basalt, minerals like olivine and pyroxene crystallize early due to their high melting points, while in a felsic igneous rock like granite, minerals like quartz and feldspar crystallize later due to their lower melting points. This process is essential for understanding the petrology (the study of rocks) of different geological formations and the sequence of mineral formation within them.
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