Remember from Chapter 1, lithos mean rock, and lithification means to make rock. Diagenesis is the complete process from beginning to end rock making.
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Steps |
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Explanation |
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compaction |
Compacting is the expelling of water from between the grains. As the pore spaces reduced water is forced out and deposits those materials still in solution. They are often carbonate or silica based, and this material forms a cement in the pores. |
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cementation |
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recrystallization |
Although not always a necessary step, there are times when a mineral will recrystallize to form a more stable structure. Aragonite often transforms via recrystallization to the more stable calcite. The cement between the joints may also undergo recrystallization after it has solidified. |
Clastic sedimentary rocks
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Starting Material |
Sedimentary Rock |
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Gravel |
Conglomerate |
round shapes |
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Breccia |
angular shapes |
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Sand |
Sandstone |
mainly quartz |
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arkosic sandstone |
mainly feldspar |
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lithic sandstone |
w/ many rock particles |
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Silt |
Siltstone |
quartz & feldspar |
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Clay |
Shale |
quartz & feldspar & clay |
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| Conglomerate | Breccia |
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| Sandstone | Shale |
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