Hydrothermal Alteration involves the movement of super-hot geothermal water laden with minerals in solution through rocks. This action causes a mineral change to occur. The process is often associated with proximity to magma chambers or occurs during metamorphism. One of the best examples of this process is found in granite where the feldspars are sometimes altered to kaolinite (china clay)
Source :
Deblij, H.J. et. al., Physical Geography: The Global Environment. Oxford University Press. Ontario, Canada. 2009. pg 403.
The process where hot mixtures of water and dissolved substances react with existing minerals to form new minerals is called hydrothermal mineral alteration or hydrothermal alteration. This process commonly occurs in hydrothermal vents or deep in the Earth's crust.
Before metamorphism, serpentinite is a type of ultramafic rock primarily composed of the mineral olivine, which undergoes alteration due to hydrothermal processes. It typically forms from the alteration of peridotite, a rock rich in magnesium and iron. This alteration leads to the formation of serpentinite, characterized by its greenish color and smooth, waxy texture, resulting from the hydration of olivine into serpentine minerals. The process often occurs in environments such as mid-ocean ridges or subduction zones.
Hydrothermal solutions moving through small cracks in rock can leave behind various mineral deposits as they cool and precipitate. Common minerals formed include quartz, calcite, and sulfides, which can create valuable ore deposits. This process often leads to the formation of hydrothermal veins, which are significant sources of metals such as gold, silver, and copper. The alteration of surrounding rock from the hot solutions can also result in the development of minerals like zeolites and clays.
Cinnabar forms over hundreds to thousands of years through the alteration of mercury-rich rocks under specific geological conditions. The process typically involves the deposition of mercury and sulfur compounds in hydrothermal systems or sedimentary environments, leading to the formation of cinnabar.
The word hydrothermal pertains to the action of heated water or gases within the surface of the earth. Some of its disadvantages are: accessibility, permance, power generated and energy transportation.
The process where hot mixtures of water and dissolved substances react with existing minerals to form new minerals is called hydrothermal mineral alteration or hydrothermal alteration. This process commonly occurs in hydrothermal vents or deep in the Earth's crust.
No, It is through the process of Hydration. While hydration is an exothermic process(i.e heat is given out) hydrothermal process is endothermic.
Dana Bove has written: 'Compositional changes induced by hydrothermal alteration at the Red Mountain alunite deposit, Lake City, Colorado' -- subject(s): Alunite, Geochemistry, Hydrothermal alteration
J. L. Jambor has written: 'Geology and hydrothermal alteration at the Maggie porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit, south-central, British Columbia' -- subject(s): Copper ores, Geology, Hydrothermal alteration, Molybdenum ores 'Sulphide zones and hydrothermal biotite alteration in porphyry copper-molybdenum deposits, Highland Valley, British Columbia' -- subject(s): Biotite, Sulphide minerals 'Geology and hydrothermal alteration at the Maggie porphyry copper-molybendum deposits, South-Central, British Columbia'
Talc is formed by the hydrothermal alteration of ultrabasic rocks, or low grade thermal metamorphism of siliceous dolomites.
Hydrothermal metamorphism occurs around igneous intrusions and active volcanoes because the heat and fluids associated with magma bodies provide ideal conditions for mineral alteration and growth. As magma intrudes into the crust, it heats up the surrounding rock and releases fluids rich in dissolved minerals. These fluids interact with the host rock, leading to the formation of new mineral assemblages through hydrothermal alteration processes.
Heat and/or pressure imparted by subsequent volcanic activity. Maybe a little bit of hydrothermal alteration and secondary mineralization latter on.
Fluorite is formed in hydrothermal veins associated with granite and other igneous rocks, as well as in sedimentary rocks and as a primary mineral in some limestones. It can also form as a product of hydrothermal alteration of other minerals such as beryl and topaz.
Elizabeth H Hughes has written: 'The geology and hydrothermal alteration centers of the Snow Camp Mine-Major Hill area, central Carolina slate belt, Alamance and Chatham counties, North Carolina' -- subject- s -: Hydrothermal deposits, Geology
Before metamorphism, serpentinite is a type of ultramafic rock primarily composed of the mineral olivine, which undergoes alteration due to hydrothermal processes. It typically forms from the alteration of peridotite, a rock rich in magnesium and iron. This alteration leads to the formation of serpentinite, characterized by its greenish color and smooth, waxy texture, resulting from the hydration of olivine into serpentine minerals. The process often occurs in environments such as mid-ocean ridges or subduction zones.
Hydrothermal solutions moving through small cracks in rock can leave behind various mineral deposits as they cool and precipitate. Common minerals formed include quartz, calcite, and sulfides, which can create valuable ore deposits. This process often leads to the formation of hydrothermal veins, which are significant sources of metals such as gold, silver, and copper. The alteration of surrounding rock from the hot solutions can also result in the development of minerals like zeolites and clays.
Hydrothermal power requires a suitable hot spring.