Graywacke (redirected from Greywacke)

graywacke

 or dirty sandstone

Sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized grains in a fine-grained clay matrix. The sand-sized grains frequently include rock fragments of wide-ranging mineralogies (e.g., pyroxenes, amphiboles, feldspars, and quartz). The clay matrix may constitute up to 50% of the volume. Of the clay minerals, chlorite and biotite are most abundant. The matrix tends to bind the grains strongly and form a relatively hard rock.

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graywacke [′grā‚wak·ə]

(petrology)

An argillaceous sandstone characterized by an abundance of unstable mineral and rock fragments and a fine-grained clay matrix binding the larger, sand-size detrital fragments.

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Graywacke 

a rock of sedimentary origin consisting of small fragments (grains) of sedimentary and chiefly metamorphic and igneous rock with an admixture of fragments of basic volcanic rock and tufogenic material. A significant quantity of cementing material is characteristic. The color is usually dark gray, black, or dark green (owing to the chlorite in the cement). The fragmentary grains in the graywacke are angular or slightly rounded and are poorly sorted. Graywackes are typical for geosynclinal areas where they form thick strata originating during periods of the rapid accumulation of disintegration products from internal uplifts composed of more ancient rock.