ALLOCHEM Meaning and
Definition
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An "allochem" refers to any of the various particles or grains that make up a nonclastic sedimentary rock. It is a term commonly used in geology and sedimentology to describe the individual components that contribute to the composition of a rock. Allochems originate from different sources and can vary in size, shape, and composition.
These particles are typically classified into three major categories: bioclasts, ooids, and intraclasts. Bioclasts are allochems derived from the hard parts of organisms, such as shells, bones, or teeth, which are eventually preserved in the sedimentary rock. Ooids, on the other hand, are small, rounded particles that form concentric layers around a nucleus within shallow marine environments. Intraclasts are fragments that have been broken down and reworked from pre-existing rock within the sedimentary environment.
The collective arrangement and type of allochems within a rock can provide valuable clues about its depositional environment, including factors such as energy level, water chemistry, and biological activity. Moreover, the presence of specific allochems may indicate the former existence of certain organisms or can help identify the original source rock.
In summary, an allochem is an individual particle or grain that contributes to the composition of a nonclastic sedimentary rock. These diverse components are classified into broad categories based on their origins and characteristics, serving as key indicators for the environmental conditions in which the rock was formed.
Common Misspellings for ALLOCHEM
- zllochem
- sllochem
- wllochem
- qllochem
- aklochem
- aplochem
- aolochem
- alkochem
- alpochem
- aloochem
- allichem
- allkchem
- alllchem
- allpchem
- all0chem
- all9chem
- alloxhem
- allovhem
- allofhem
- allodhem
Etymology of ALLOCHEM
The word "allochem" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "allo", meaning other or different, and "chem", derived from "khemia", which means infusion or pouring out. "Chemia" itself originates from the Greek word "chēmeia", referring to the process of transmuting substances or working with chemicals. When combined with the prefix "allo-", meaning other or different, the resulting term "allochem" specifically refers to the foreign or different materials, often minerals, that are found within a rock or sediment. The term is commonly used in geology and sedimentology to describe such components and their origin within a larger rock or sedimentary formation.
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