MYLONITE Meaning and
Definition
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Mylonite is a type of metamorphic rock that typically forms in the Earth's crust under high temperature and pressure conditions. It is defined by its distinct microstructure, which is characterized by a fine-grained, compact and foliated texture. This rock is composed mainly of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica, which are often aligned parallel to the foliation planes. The foliation in mylonite can range from subtle to well-developed, depending on the extent of deformation.
Mylonites are formed through the process of dynamic recrystallization, which occurs when rocks are subjected to intense mechanical deformation. This deformation can occur due to tectonic forces like shearing, compression, or extension. As a result, the original minerals in the rock undergo significant grain size reduction, rotation, and reorientation. This process leads to the development of a fabric within the rock, creating its characteristic foliation.
The name mylonite is derived from the Greek word "mylo," meaning mill, reflecting the rock's fine-grained texture and its resemblance to flour produced by grinding. Mylonites are often associated with fault zones, shear zones, and regions of intense crustal deformation. They can be found in a variety of metamorphic terrains worldwide and provide important insights into the deformation history and processes occurring within the Earth's crust.
Overall, mylonite is a metamorphic rock with a distinctive foliated texture, formed through dynamic recrystallization under high temperature and pressure conditions. It is commonly associated with deformation zones and plays a significant role in understanding the complexities of Earth's tectonic processes.
Common Misspellings for MYLONITE
- nylonite
- kylonite
- jylonite
- mtlonite
- mhlonite
- m7lonite
- m6lonite
- mykonite
- myponite
- myoonite
- mylinite
- mylknite
- myllnite
- mylpnite
- myl0nite
- myl9nite
- mylobite
- mylomite
- mylojite
- mylohite
Etymology of MYLONITE
The word "mylonite" comes from the Greek root "mylo-", meaning millstone or grindstone, and the suffix "-ite", which is commonly used in geology to indicate a rock type.
The term was first used by the Austrian geologist Carl Walter Hermann Törnebohm in 1886. Törnebohm observed a type of rock that had undergone intense mechanical deformation, resulting in a fine-grained and laminated texture similar to that of a millstone.
Because of its resemblance to a millstone and the Greek association with grinding or crushing, Törnebohm named this rock type "mylonite" to reflect its characteristic texture and the deformation processes that led to its formation.
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