AMPHIBOLIZATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Amphibolization, in mineralogy and geology, refers to the process of transforming a rock or mineral from one chemical composition to another through the intrusion or alteration of fluids. It primarily involves the metamorphic transformation of minerals commonly found in igneous rocks, such as pyroxene and hornblende, into amphibole minerals.
During amphibolization, the original mineral structure is essentially replaced by amphiboles, which are silicate minerals characterized by a double-chain structure. This process often occurs in the presence of water or hydrothermal fluids, which facilitate the chemical reactions necessary for the transformation. The fluids introduce new elements and compounds into the rock, leading to the exchange of ions and the formation of new mineral assemblages.
Amphibolization commonly occurs in rocks that undergo regional metamorphism, such as gneisses and schists, where high temperatures and pressures allow for extensive mineral changes. As a result of amphibolization, the rock's texture and overall appearance can undergo significant modifications. This process is crucial in the understanding of the geological history and evolution of rocks since it provides insights into the conditions and events that occurred during their formation.
The term "amphibolization" is derived from the mineral group "amphibole," which encompasses various minerals with similar crystal structures. These minerals commonly feature a prismatic or needle-like shape and are characterized by a wide range of colors and physical properties, making them easily identifiable in metamorphic rocks that have undergone amphibolization.
Common Misspellings for AMPHIBOLIZATION
- zmphibolization
- smphibolization
- wmphibolization
- qmphibolization
- anphibolization
- akphibolization
- ajphibolization
- amohibolization
- amlhibolization
- am0hibolization
- ampgibolization
- ampbibolization
- ampnibolization
- ampjibolization
- ampuibolization
- ampyibolization
- amphubolization
- amphjbolization
- amphkbolization
- amphobolization
Etymology of AMPHIBOLIZATION
The word "amphibolization" is derived from the root word "amphibole", which comes from the Greek words "amphi" meaning "both" or "two" and "bole" meaning "throw" or "cast". In geology and mineralogy, amphibole refers to a group of complex silicate minerals that are characterized by their double-chain structure. "Amphibolization" is a term used to describe the process of alteration or transformation of rocks, typically igneous or volcanic rocks, through the formation or replacement of minerals, resulting in the development of amphibole minerals.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
