Propylitic Alteration

A term borrowed from studies of hydrothermal ore deposits that refers to an assemblage of secondary hydrothermal minerals which forms in igneous rocks. This assemblage is made up of chlorite, illite, feldspar (both Na and K-rich varieties), epidote, calcite and pyrite, imparting a dark green tint to the appearance of altered rocks. It is commonly developed in volcanic-plutonic sequences that host high-temperature geothermal reservoirs.

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Word of the Week – Hydrothermal Eruption

Word of the Week – Hydrothermal Eruption

Hydrothermal Eruption Rare explosive discharge of hot water and steam that is powerful enough to excavate a crater and lift rock fragments and its pulverized equivalents into the air to...

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Word of the Week – Illite

Word of the Week – Illite

Illite A potassium-bearing mica-like clay mineral that is a product of hydrothermal alteration. It commonly replaces feldspars and other alumino-silicate minerals and it forms above ~220°C....

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