MARLSTONE Meaning and
Definition
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Marlstone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of varying amounts of calcite or dolomite, often combined with clay minerals and other impurities. It is characterized by its unique texture, which typically consists of intermixed layers or irregularly distributed pockets of calcite or dolomite with clay, sand, or silt. Marlstone usually exhibits a mottled or streaky appearance due to the mixing of these components during deposition.
This type of rock commonly forms in ancient marine environments, such as lagoons, estuaries, or shallow sea beds, where high concentrations of organic matter, calcite, and clay minerals accumulate over time. As microbial activity and sedimentary processes take place, these materials undergo compaction and cementation, leading to the formation of marlstone.
Marlstone can vary in color, ranging from light gray, beige, or tan to darker shades of brown, red, or green, depending on the presence of different minerals or organic matter. It usually has a relatively soft and fine-grained texture, making it easy to work with and often used as a building material or as a component in the production of cement.
Due to its porosity, marlstone may also serve as a reservoir rock for oil and gas deposits, with hydrocarbons being trapped within its interconnected pore spaces. The presence of marlstone layers in geological formations can have significant implications for groundwater recharge, as it acts as a semi-permeable barrier, allowing some water flow while impeding the movement of others.
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In geol., the middle member of the Lias formation, consisting of arenaceous shales, laminated sandy limestones, and several bands of stratified and nodular limestone-the whole series being peculiarly rich in fossils.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MARLSTONE
- narlstone
- karlstone
- jarlstone
- mzrlstone
- msrlstone
- mwrlstone
- mqrlstone
- maelstone
- madlstone
- maflstone
- matlstone
- ma5lstone
- ma4lstone
- markstone
- marpstone
- marostone
- marlatone
- marlztone
- marlxtone
Etymology of MARLSTONE
The word "marlstone" originated from Middle English "marle" or "merle" which traces back to Old English "mearge", meaning "marl" or "marlstone". The term "marl" itself is derived from the Old French word "marle" which was derived from Middle Dutch "mergel". This Middle Dutch term now referred to as "mergel" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "marga", meaning "marl, chalk", which is also related to the Old High German word "marg". Ultimately, the Proto-Germanic word "marga" is believed to have been borrowed from a Celtic language, specifically from Gaulish "marga" meaning "marl".
Similar spelling word for MARLSTONE
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