Grain structure

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In geology and petrology, the grain structure is understood to be the structure that determines the structure of a rock. It can be fibrous , i.e. with elongated or dragged rock components, granular or slate-like , i.e. splintery. In the literature, a distinction is made between various properties:

  • Statistical grain distribution ( distribution structure ) according to orientation, size, shape and packing density of the mineral grains
  • Statistical directional structure, the orientation of the grains and their rotational position in the rock according to their internal structure, their external shape in defined directions

The cause of a certain grain structure can be the solidification of igneous melts, in sediments the accumulation of the individual grains caused by flowing or standing water, as well as a crystalline transformation of solid rock structures and their mineral granular components caused by tectonic activities and metamorphosis .

literature

  • Rudolf Hohl (ed.): The history of the development of the earth. With an ABC of geology , Hanau 1999, ISBN 3-768-46526-8

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