Concretion: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:12, 21 February 2025

Concretion[edit]

A concretion is a hard, compact mass of matter formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within the spaces between particles. Concretions are often spherical or oval in shape, although irregular shapes can also occur. They are typically found in sedimentary rock or soil and can vary greatly in size, from small pebbles to large boulders.

Formation[edit]

Concretions form when mineral cement precipitates around a nucleus within the sediment. This process can occur in a variety of environments, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial settings. The minerals that form concretions are often carbonates, such as calcite or dolomite, but can also include silica, iron oxide, or other minerals.

The formation of concretions is influenced by factors such as the composition of the sediment, the availability of mineral-rich fluids, and the conditions of pressure and temperature. Concretions can form rapidly or over millions of years, depending on these factors.

Types of Concretions[edit]

Concretions can be classified based on their composition, shape, and the environment in which they form. Some common types include:

Carbonate concretions: These are composed primarily of calcium carbonate and are often found in marine sediments.
Silica concretions: Formed from silica, these are typically found in volcanic or siliceous sedimentary rocks.
Iron oxide concretions: These contain iron minerals and are often found in red beds or other iron-rich sediments.

Occurrence[edit]

Concretions are found worldwide and can occur in a variety of geological settings. They are often discovered in sedimentary rock formations, such as sandstone, shale, and limestone.

In some cases, concretions can be found in soil, where they may form as a result of pedogenic processes. They are also common in certain desert environments, where they can be exposed by erosion.

Notable Examples[edit]

Some well-known examples of concretions include the Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand, the Cannonball Concretions in North Dakota, USA, and the Kettle Point Concretions in Ontario, Canada.

Significance[edit]

Concretions are of interest to geologists because they can provide information about the conditions of the environment in which they formed. They can also serve as indicators of past fluid flow and mineralization processes.

Related Pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Concretions embedded in sandstone, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California
Vaqueros Sandstone, Sanborn County Park
Soil mosaic with concretions

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-{{Short description|A detailed overview of concretions in medical and geological contexts}}
+== Concretion ==
-==Concretion==
+[[File:Конкреции_в_Западном_Казахстане._Concretions._Western_Kazakhstan.JPG|thumb|right|Concretions in Western Kazakhstan]]
-A '''concretion''' is a hard, compact mass of matter formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within the spaces between particles. Concretions are often spherical or oval in shape and can be found in sedimentary rock or soil. They are distinct from the surrounding material and can vary greatly in size, from microscopic to several meters in diameter.
-==Formation==
+A '''concretion''' is a hard, compact mass of matter formed by the precipitation of mineral cement within the spaces between particles. Concretions are often spherical or oval in shape, although irregular shapes can also occur. They are typically found in sedimentary rock or soil and can vary greatly in size, from small pebbles to large boulders.
-Concretions form when mineral-laden water moves through porous sediment and precipitates minerals, such as [[calcite]], [[silica]], or [[iron oxide]], around a nucleus. This nucleus can be an organic material, such as a leaf or shell, or an inorganic particle. Over time, the minerals accumulate and harden, creating a solid mass.
-===Geological Context===
+== Formation ==
-In a geological context, concretions are often found in [[sedimentary rock]] formations. They can be indicators of past environmental conditions, such as the presence of water or specific chemical environments. Concretions can also preserve fossils, providing valuable information about ancient life forms.
-===Medical Context===
+Concretions form when mineral cement precipitates around a nucleus within the sediment. This process can occur in a variety of environments, including marine, freshwater, and terrestrial settings. The minerals that form concretions are often carbonates, such as calcite or dolomite, but can also include silica, iron oxide, or other minerals.
-In medicine, the term "concretion" can refer to a solid mass formed within the body, such as a [[kidney stone]] or [[gallstone]]. These concretions form when minerals crystallize out of bodily fluids and accumulate in organs or ducts. They can cause pain and other symptoms depending on their size and location.
-==Types of Concretions==
+[[File:Konkrece_Geologická_zahrada_DP_Praha_2017_2.jpg|thumb|left|Concretion in a geological garden, Prague]]
-Concretions can be classified based on their composition and formation process:
-* '''Calcite Concretions''': Formed primarily from [[calcium carbonate]], these are common in marine sedimentary rocks.
+The formation of concretions is influenced by factors such as the composition of the sediment, the availability of mineral-rich fluids, and the conditions of pressure and temperature. Concretions can form rapidly or over millions of years, depending on these factors.
-* '''Silica Concretions''': Composed mainly of [[silicon dioxide]], often found in sandstone.
-* '''Iron Oxide Concretions''': Rich in iron, these concretions are typically reddish-brown and can form in a variety of sedimentary environments.
-==Significance==
+== Types of Concretions ==
-Concretions are significant in both geological and medical fields. Geologically, they can provide insights into the conditions of sedimentary environments and the processes of mineralization. Medically, understanding the formation of concretions like kidney stones can aid in the development of treatments and preventive measures.
-==Images==
+Concretions can be classified based on their composition, shape, and the environment in which they form. Some common types include:
-[[File:Concretion.jpg|thumb|right|A large calcite concretion found in sedimentary rock.]]
-[[File:Kidney stone.jpg|thumb|left|A kidney stone, a type of concretion formed in the human body.]]
+* '''Carbonate concretions''': These are composed primarily of calcium carbonate and are often found in marine sediments.
+* '''Silica concretions''': Formed from silica, these are typically found in volcanic or siliceous sedimentary rocks.
+* '''Iron oxide concretions''': These contain iron minerals and are often found in red beds or other iron-rich sediments.
+== Occurrence ==
+Concretions are found worldwide and can occur in a variety of geological settings. They are often discovered in sedimentary rock formations, such as sandstone, shale, and limestone.
+[[File:Marlstone_aggregate_concretion_(Sault_Ste._Marie,_Michigan,_USA.JPG|thumb|right|Marlstone aggregate concretion from Michigan, USA]]
+In some cases, concretions can be found in soil, where they may form as a result of pedogenic processes. They are also common in certain desert environments, where they can be exposed by erosion.
+== Notable Examples ==
+Some well-known examples of concretions include the Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand, the Cannonball Concretions in North Dakota, USA, and the Kettle Point Concretions in Ontario, Canada.
+[[File:Concretion_rock_from_Middle_Jurassic_of_Iran.jpg|thumb|left|Concretion rock from the Middle Jurassic of Iran]]
+== Significance ==
+Concretions are of interest to geologists because they can provide information about the conditions of the environment in which they formed. They can also serve as indicators of past fluid flow and mineralization processes.
+== Related Pages ==
-==Related pages==
 * [[Sedimentary rock]]
-* [[Mineralization]]
+* [[Mineral]]
-* [[Kidney stone]]
+* [[Geology]]
-* [[Gallstone]]
+* [[Erosion]]
+[[File:Rock_concretions_from_Hells_Hollow_State_Park,_Pennsylvania.jpg|thumb|right|Rock concretions from Hells Hollow State Park, Pennsylvania]]
+== Gallery ==
+<gallery>
+File:Concretions_embedded_in_sandstone_in_Anza_Borrego_Desert_State_Park_in_California.jpg|Concretions embedded in sandstone, Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California
+File:Vaqueros_Sandstone_Sanborn_County_Park.jpg|Vaqueros Sandstone, Sanborn County Park
+File:07-ml-3-soil-mosaic-B019R1_br.jpg|Soil mosaic with concretions
+</gallery>
 [[Category:Geology]]
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]
+[[Category:Sedimentary rocks]]