Lesson plan
spilite
Spilite (from ) is a fine-grained igneous rock, resulting particularly from alteration of oceanic basalt. The term was introduced into the geological literature by Alexandre Brongniart in 1827. Spilite is formed when basaltic lava reacts with seawater, or from hydrothermal alteration when seawater circulates through hot volcanic rocks. It is a metasomatic rock with a microscopic or very-fine grain size produced by hydrothermal alteration of basalt, and composed of albite or oligoclase, together with chlorite, epidote, calcite, and actinolite. Spilite is veined by calcite or chalcedony, and vesicles and cavities are filled with secondary minerals. It is generally classed with basalts, and it often retains many textural and structural features characteristic of basalt.
Article summary
Spilite (from ) is a fine-grained igneous rock, resulting particularly from alteration of oceanic basalt. The term was introduced into the geological literature by Alexandre Brongniart in 1827. Spilite is formed when basaltic lava reacts with seawater, or from hydrothermal alteration when seawater circulates through hot volcanic rocks. It is a metasomatic rock with a microscopic or very-fine grain size produced by hydrothermal alteration of basalt, and composed of albite or oligoclase, together with chlorite, epidote, calcite, and actinolite. Spilite is veined by calcite or chalcedony, and vesicles and cavities are filled with secondary minerals. It is generally classed with basalts, and it often retains many textural and structural features characteristic of basalt.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.