Graywacke Matrix Minerals: Hydrothermal Reactions with Columbia River Sediments

Abstract

Experiments with sands chemically similar to graywackes produced "matrix" minerals at 250°C and a water pressure of 1 kilobar. Starting materials were moderately well sorted sands containing abundant volcanic rock fragments and no detectable clay minerals. The results support the concept that graywacke matrix may form diagenetically by hydration and recrystallization of unstable clasts. Matrix need not be a recrystallized detrial fine fraction. Texture, therefore, is not a reliable criterion for sandstone classification. For graywackes, chemical composition may be more significant.