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What is metasomatic?

Updated: 9/9/2022
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Metasomatism is part of the process the rocks undergo when they change from one form to another. It comes after the recrystallization and neomorphism processes. It is the chemical alteration of a rock by hydrothermal fluids.

Broadly, reaction of rock/minerals with hot water

A form of metamorphism

-Most metamorphism is closed system

-Metasomatism is an open system

•Reacts with volatiles, removes solubles

•Serpentinization

•Skarns

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Juliet Olson

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Q: What is metasomatic?
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What sedimentary rock turns into epidosite?

Sedimentay rocks like greywacke of arkose, in presence of high fluid-rock ratio, can be converted to epidosite. The feldspars present in these rocks are altered to epidote & these rocks contain already quartz which together form epidosites. Epidosites also occur as part of metasomatic skern association. sedimentary dolomite associated with ultramafics often show contact zone metasomatism, in which Ca- minerals are often altered into epidote. Quartz is produced as by products in the reactions.


What is the major difference between metamorphism and metasomatism?

Metamorphism is the solid-state recrystallization of pre-existing rocks due to changes in physical and chemical conditions, primarily heat, pressure, and the introduction of chemically active fluids. Mineralogical, chemical and crystallographic changes can occur during this process. Changes at or just beneath Earth's surface due to weathering and/or diagenesis are not classified as metamorphism.Three types of metamorphism exist: contact, dynamic and regional. Metamorphism produced with increasing pressure and temperature conditions is known as prograde metamorphism. Conversely, decreasing temperatures and pressure characterizeretrograde metamorphism.Metasomatism is the chemical alteration of a rock by hydrothermal and other fluids. Metasomatism can occur via the action of hydrothermal fluids from an igneous or metamorphic source.In the igneous environment, metasomatism creates skarns, greisen, and may affect hornfels in the contact metamorphic aureole adjacent to an intrusiverock mass. In the metamorphic environment, metasomatism is created by mass transfer from a volume of metamorphic rock at higher stress andtemperature into a zone with lower stress and temperature, with metamorphic hydrothermal solutions acting as a solvent. This can be envisaged as the metamorphic rocks within the deep crust losing fluids and dissolved mineral components as hydrous minerals break down, with this fluid percolating up into the shallow levels of the crust to chemically change and alter these rocks.Because metasomatism is a mass transfer process, it is not restricted to the rocks which are changed by addition of chemical elements and minerals or hydrous compounds. In all cases, to produce a metasomatic rock some other rock is also metasomatised, if only by dehydration reactions with minimal chemical change.


What us metamorphism?

Metamorphism can be defined as the solid state recrystallisation of pre-existing rocks due to changes in heat and/or pressure and/or introduction of fluids i.e without melting. There will be mineralogical, chemical and crystallographic changes. Metamorphism produced with increasing pressure and temperature conditions is known as prograde metamorphism. Conversely, decreasing temperatures and pressure characterize retrograde metamorphism. Kinds of metamorphism Regional or Barrovian metamorphism covers large areas of continental crust typically associated with mountain ranges, particularly subduction zones or the roots of previously eroded mountains. Conditions producing widespread regionally metamorphosed rocks occur during an orogenic event. The collision of two continental plates or island arcs with continental plates produce the extreme compressional forces required for the metamorphic changes typical of regional metamorphism. These orogenic mountains are later eroded, exposing the intensely deformed rocks typical of their cores. The conditions within the subducting slab as it plunges toward the mantle in a subduction zone also produce regional metamorphic effects. The techniques of structural geology are used to unravel the collisional history and determine the forces involved. Regional metamorphism can be described and classified into metamorphic facies or zones of temperature/pressure conditions throughout the orogenic terrane. Metamorphic faciesMetamorphic facies are recognizable terranes or zones with an equilibrium assemblage of key minerals that were in equilibrium under specific range of temperature and pressure during a metamorphic event. The facies are named after the metamorphic rock formed under those facies conditions from basalt. Facies relationships were first described by Eskola (1920). Facies: * Low T - low P : Zeolite * Mod - high T - low P : Prehnite-Pumpellyite * High-P low T : Blueschist * Mod P - Mod to high T: Greenschist - Amphibolite - Granulite * High P - Mod - high T : EclogiteIn the Barrovian sequence (described by George Barrow in zones of progressive metamorphism in Scotland), metamorphic grades are also classified by mineral assemblage based on the appearance of key minerals in rocks of pelitic (shaly, aluminous) origin: Low grade ------------------- Intermediate --------------------- High grade : Greenschist ------------- Amphibolite ----------------------- Granulite : Slate --- Phyllite ---- Schist --------- Gneiss -----------------------Migmatite(partial metling) >>>melt : Chlorite zone :: ::: :::: Biotite zone ::::: :::::: ::::::: Garnet zone :::::::: ::::::::: :::::::::: Staurolite zone ::::::::::: :::::::::::: ::::::::::::: Kyanite zone :::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::: :::::::::::::::: Sillimanite zone Contact metamorphism occurs typically around intrusive igneous rocks as a result of the temperature increase caused by the intrusion of magma into cooler country rock. The area surrounding the intrusion (called aureoles) where the contact metamorphism effects are present is called the metamorphic aureole. Contact metamorphic rocks are usually known as hornfels. Rocks formed by contact metamorphism may not present signs of strong deformation and are often fine-grained. Contact metamorphism is greater adjacent to the intrusion and dissipates with distance from the contact. The size of the aureole depends on the heat of the intrusive, its size, and the temperature difference with the wall rocks. Dikes generally have small aureoles with minimal metamorphism whereas large ultramafic intrusions can have significantly thick and well-developed contact metamorphism. The metamorphic grade of an aureole is measured by the peak metamorphic mineral which forms in the aureole. This is usually related to the metamorphic temperatures of pelitic or alumonisilicate rocks and the minerals they form. The metamorphic grades of aureoles are andalusite hornfels, sillimanite hornfels, pyroxene hornfels. Magmatic fluids coming from the intrusive rock may also take part in the metamorphic reactions. Extensive addition of magmatic fluids can significantly modify the chemistry of the affected rocks. In this case the metamorphism grades into metasomatism. If the intruded rock is rich in carbonate the result is a skarn. Fluorine-rich magmatic waters which leave a cooling granite may often form greisens within and adjacent to the contact of the granite. Metasomatic altered aureoles can localize the deposition of metallic ore minerals and thus are of economic interest. Hydrothermal metamorphism is the result of the interaction of a rock with a high-temperature fluid of variable composition. The difference in composition between existing rock and the invading fluid triggers a set of metamorphic and metasomatic reactions. The hydrothermal fluid may be magmatic (originate in an intruding magma), circulating groundwater, or ocean water. Convective circulation of water in the ocean floor basalts produces extensive hydrothermal metamorphism adjacent to spreading centers and other submarine volcanic areas. The patterns of this hydrothermal alteration is used as a guide in the search for deposits of valuable metal ores. This kind of metamorphism occurs when either an extraterrestrial object (a meteorite for instance) collides with the Earth's surface or during an extremely violent volcanic eruption. Impact metamorphism is, therefore, characterized by ultrahigh pressure conditions and low temperature. The resulting minerals (such as SiO2 polymorphs coesite and stishovite) and textures are characteristic of these conditions. Dynamic metamorphism is associated with major fault planes. Metamorphism is localised adjacent to the fault plane and is caused by frictional heat generated by the fault movement. Cataclasis, crushing and grinding of rocks into angular fragments, occurs in dynamic metamorphic zones, giving cataclastic texture. The textures of dynamic metamorphic zones are dependent on the depth at which they were formed, as the confining pressure determines the deformation mechanisms which predominate. Within depths less than 5km, dynamic metamorphism is not often produced because the confining pressure is too low to produce frictional heat. Instead, a zone of breccia or cataclasite is formed, with the rock milled and broken into random fragments. This generally forms a mélange. At depth, the angular breccias transit into a ductile shear texture and into mylonite zones. Within the depth range of 5-10km pseudotachylite is formed, as the confining pressure is enough to prevent brecciation and milling and thus energy is focused into discrete fault planes. The frictional heating in this case may melt the rock to form pseudotachylite glass or mylonite, and adjacent to these zones, result in growth of new mineral assemblages. Within the depth range of 10-20km, deformation is governed by ductile deformation conditions and hence frictional heating is dispersed throughout shear zones, resulting in a weaker thermal imprint and distributed deformation. Here, deformation forms mylonite, with dynamothermal metamorphism observed rarely as the growth of porphyroblasts in mylonite zones. Overthrusting may juxtapose hot lower crustal rocks against cooler mid and upper crust blocks, resulting in conductive heat transfer and localised contact metamorphism of the cooler blocks adjacent to the hotter blocks, and often retrograde metamorphism in the hotter blocks. The metamorphic assemblages in this case are diagnostic of the depth and temperature and the throw of the fault and can also be dated to give an age of the thrusting. Metamorphism is further divided into prograde and retrograde metamorphism. Prograde metamorphism involves the change of mineral assemblages (paragenesis) with increasing temperature and (usually) pressure conditions. These are solid state dehydration reactions, and involve the loss of volatiles such as water or carbon dioxide. Prograde metamorphism results in a rock representing the maximum pressure and temperature experienced. These rocks often return to the surface without undergoing retrograde metamorphism , where the mineral assemblages would become more stable under lower pressures and temperatures. Retrograde metamorphism involves the reconstitution of a rock under decreasing temperatures (and usually pressures) where revolatisation occurs; allowing the mineral assemblages formed in prograde metamorphism to return to more stable minerals at the lower pressures. This is a relatively uncommon process, because volatiles must be present for retrograde metamorphism to occur. Most metamorphic rocks return to the surface as a representation of the maximum pressures and temperatures they have undergone. == ==


What rocks are Metamorphic rock?

== == Rocks that have undergone a change in mineral structure or composition, without melting, through heat and/or pressure are metamorphic rocks. Examples are slate, anthracite, and gneiss.How does contact (prograde) occur? the changes in mineral assemblage and mineral composition that occur during burial and heating are referred to as prograde metamorphism.Where does contact (prograde) occur? Contact metamorphism occurs typically around intrusive igneous rocks as a result of the temperature increase caused by the intrusion of magma into cooler country rock. The area surrounding the intrusion where the contact metamorphism effects are present is called the metamorphic aureole. Contact metamorphic rocks are usually known ashornfels. Rocks formed by contact metamorphism may not present signs of strong deformation and are often fine-grained.Why does contact (prograde) occur? Contact metamorphism occurs typically around intrusive igneous rocks as a result of the temperature increase caused by the intrusion of magma into cooler country rock. The area surrounding the intrusion where the contact metamorphism effects are present is called the metamorphic aureole.[5] Contact metamorphic rocks are usually known ashornfels. Rocks formed by contact metamorphism may not present signs of strong deformation and are often fine-grained.Contact metamorphism is greater adjacent to the intrusion and dissipates with distance from the contact. The size of the aureole depends on the heat of the intrusion, its size, and the temperature difference with the wall rocks. Dikes generally have small aureoles with minimal metamorphism whereas large ultramafic intrusions can have significantly thick and well-developed contact metamorphism.The metamorphic grade of an aureole is measured by the peak metamorphic mineral which forms in the aureole. This is usually related to the metamorphic temperatures ofpelitic or alumonisilicate rocks and the minerals they form.The metamorphic grades of aureoles are andalusite hornfels, sillimanite hornfels, pyroxene hornfels.Magmatic fluids coming from the intrusive rock may also take part in the metamorphic reactions. Extensive addition of magmatic fluids can significantly modify the chemistry of the affected rocks. In this case the metamorphism grades into metasomatism. If the intruded rock is rich in carbonate the result is a skarn. Fluorine-rich magmatic waters which leave a cooling granite may often form greisens within and adjacent to the contact of the granite. Metasomatic altered aureoles can localize the deposition of metallic oreminerals and thus are of economic interest.Prograde and retrograde metamorphism[edit]Metamorphism is further divided into prograde and retrograde metamorphism. Prograde metamorphism involves the change of mineral assemblages (paragenesis) with increasing temperature and (usually) pressure conditions. These are solid state dehydration reactions, and involve the loss of volatiles such as water or carbon dioxide. Prograde metamorphism results in rock characteristic of the maximum pressure and temperature experienced. Metamorphic rocks usually do not undergo further change when they are brought back to the surface.Retrograde metamorphism involves the reconstitution of a rock via revolatisation under decreasing temperatures (and usually pressures), allowing the mineral assemblages formed in prograde metamorphism to revert to those more stable at less extreme conditions. This is a relatively uncommon process, because volatiles must be present.Garnets with Mn-rich cores and Mn-poorer rims record growth zoning that represents the change from the lower-T conditions at which the garnet core grew to the higher-T conditions at which the garnet rim grew (i.e., prograde metamorphism involving increasing temperature and pressure). Mn is preferentially partitioned into garnet relative to most other common minerals, so Mn is sequestered in early-formed garnet, depleting the local environment of the growing garnet in Mn.(b) Minerals that show major element growth zoning probably did not experience very high metamorphic temperatures. At high temperature (> 700 C) and sufficient duration, zoning may be homogenized as intracrystalline diffusion becomes more effective at eliminating compositional variation. An unzoned mineral that is typically zoned at low-medium metamorphic grades has either experienced high temperature conditions or was never zoned (owing to a simple reaction history at limited P-T or to growth entirely at high-T).


What does metamorphic rocks mean?

== == Rocks that have undergone a change in mineral structure or composition, without melting, through heat and/or pressure are metamorphic rocks. Examples are slate, anthracite, and gneiss.How does contact (prograde) occur? the changes in mineral assemblage and mineral composition that occur during burial and heating are referred to as prograde metamorphism.Where does contact (prograde) occur? Contact metamorphism occurs typically around intrusive igneous rocks as a result of the temperature increase caused by the intrusion of magma into cooler country rock. The area surrounding the intrusion where the contact metamorphism effects are present is called the metamorphic aureole. Contact metamorphic rocks are usually known ashornfels. Rocks formed by contact metamorphism may not present signs of strong deformation and are often fine-grained.Why does contact (prograde) occur? Contact metamorphism occurs typically around intrusive igneous rocks as a result of the temperature increase caused by the intrusion of magma into cooler country rock. The area surrounding the intrusion where the contact metamorphism effects are present is called the metamorphic aureole.[5] Contact metamorphic rocks are usually known ashornfels. Rocks formed by contact metamorphism may not present signs of strong deformation and are often fine-grained.Contact metamorphism is greater adjacent to the intrusion and dissipates with distance from the contact. The size of the aureole depends on the heat of the intrusion, its size, and the temperature difference with the wall rocks. Dikes generally have small aureoles with minimal metamorphism whereas large ultramafic intrusions can have significantly thick and well-developed contact metamorphism.The metamorphic grade of an aureole is measured by the peak metamorphic mineral which forms in the aureole. This is usually related to the metamorphic temperatures ofpelitic or alumonisilicate rocks and the minerals they form.The metamorphic grades of aureoles are andalusite hornfels, sillimanite hornfels, pyroxene hornfels.Magmatic fluids coming from the intrusive rock may also take part in the metamorphic reactions. Extensive addition of magmatic fluids can significantly modify the chemistry of the affected rocks. In this case the metamorphism grades into metasomatism. If the intruded rock is rich in carbonate the result is a skarn. Fluorine-rich magmatic waters which leave a cooling granite may often form greisens within and adjacent to the contact of the granite. Metasomatic altered aureoles can localize the deposition of metallic oreminerals and thus are of economic interest.Prograde and retrograde metamorphism[edit]Metamorphism is further divided into prograde and retrograde metamorphism. Prograde metamorphism involves the change of mineral assemblages (paragenesis) with increasing temperature and (usually) pressure conditions. These are solid state dehydration reactions, and involve the loss of volatiles such as water or carbon dioxide. Prograde metamorphism results in rock characteristic of the maximum pressure and temperature experienced. Metamorphic rocks usually do not undergo further change when they are brought back to the surface.Retrograde metamorphism involves the reconstitution of a rock via revolatisation under decreasing temperatures (and usually pressures), allowing the mineral assemblages formed in prograde metamorphism to revert to those more stable at less extreme conditions. This is a relatively uncommon process, because volatiles must be present.Garnets with Mn-rich cores and Mn-poorer rims record growth zoning that represents the change from the lower-T conditions at which the garnet core grew to the higher-T conditions at which the garnet rim grew (i.e., prograde metamorphism involving increasing temperature and pressure). Mn is preferentially partitioned into garnet relative to most other common minerals, so Mn is sequestered in early-formed garnet, depleting the local environment of the growing garnet in Mn.(b) Minerals that show major element growth zoning probably did not experience very high metamorphic temperatures. At high temperature (> 700 C) and sufficient duration, zoning may be homogenized as intracrystalline diffusion becomes more effective at eliminating compositional variation. An unzoned mineral that is typically zoned at low-medium metamorphic grades has either experienced high temperature conditions or was never zoned (owing to a simple reaction history at limited P-T or to growth entirely at high-T).