Mineral Forming Processes

• SHRECC


  Solidification

  Hydrothermal Activity

  Recrystallisation

  Evaporation

  Cementation

  Chemical Weathering
• Solidification


  From a molten state (Lava or Magma)

  Forms silicate minerals making up igneous rocks
• Hydrothermal Activity


  Groundwater is heated by underground magma

  Dissolves out small amounts of metals from rocks - travels along bedding planes, joints & pore spaces

  As the water cools it precipitates the metals in veins

  Creates chimneys of massive sulphide minerals
• Metamorphic Recrystallisation


  Calcite is recrystallised when limestone is heated causing marble

  Heat & Pressure turn clay minerals into garnet and mica in a schist
• Evaporation of Saline Water


  Seawater contains an average of 3.5% dissolved solids

  Calcite, gypsum and halite can be preciptated from solution following evaporation of a shallow body of water
• Cementation


  Precipitation of Minerals as a cement from pore water during rock formation
• Chemical Weathering


  Water reacts with silicate minerals in the process of hydrolysis and coverts them into clays

  Only Quartz is unaffected