Zircon, Arroyo in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The zircon crystal in this image is quite long relative to
its width. That indicates that the magma from which it came
cooled very rapidly. The ghost images on the right of the grain, like tree rings,
indicate growth cycles.
Transmitted Oblique Off Crossed Circular Polarized Light
Definition/Function:
Black sand deposits are generally density and mass separated sand grains. They are the
result of fluid flow over the sand that removes the lighter
sand grains. The lighter sand grains may be smaller grains or grains that have a lower
density than the other grains. Drag plays a role in the size
segregation so the larger grains tend to be missing as a result of their lower drag;
they being deposited earlier in the sedimentation process or
not being transported to this location by the flow of the fluid. The result is that
black sands typically mark concentrations of sand grains with
high density. Magnetite, with a density of about 5.5 grams per cubic centimeter, is
generally the most common mineral but many other beautiful
minerals collect with the magnetite. This includes zircons, garnets, olivines,
tourmalines, hornblendes, rutile, and many others, too many to list
here. The fluid responsible for these deposits may be either air or water. They are most
common as a result of water flow.
Significance in the Environment:
Characteristic Features:
Associated Particles:
References:
