Coesite definitions
| Word backwards | etiseoc |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Coesite is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | coe-site |
| Plural | The plural form of the word "coesite" is coesites. |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (3) | o,e,i |
| Consonants (3) | c,s,t |
What is Coesite?
Coesite is a high-pressure polymorph of silica that is formed during the intense pressure and high temperatures of meteorite impacts or mountain-building processes. It was first discovered in 1960 by Loring Coes Jr., hence the name "coesite." This mineral is extremely rare in nature and is considered a key indicator of high-impact events.
Formation Process
Coesite forms when quartz-bearing rocks are subjected to pressures of over 2.5 gigapascals (GPa) and temperatures above 700 degrees Celsius. These extreme conditions cause the rearrangement of atoms within the quartz structure, transforming it into coesite. The presence of coesite in rocks provides geologists with valuable insights into the geological history of an area.
Physical Properties
Coesite has a unique crystal structure that sets it apart from other forms of silica. It belongs to the tetragonal crystal system and typically occurs as small, stubby crystals. Its high-pressure origins give coesite a dense and compact appearance, with a Mohs hardness of 7, making it quite resistant to scratching or abrasion.
Uses in Geology
Due to its significance in identifying high-pressure geological events, coesite is used as a key indicator mineral in studying processes like meteorite impacts, subduction zones, and continental collisions. Geologists can analyze the presence of coesite in rock samples to understand the tectonic history and pressure conditions that the rocks have undergone.
Significance
The discovery of coesite has revolutionized the field of geology by providing concrete evidence of past high-pressure events that have shaped the Earth's crust. Its presence in rocks worldwide has enabled scientists to reconstruct ancient geological processes and understand the dynamic nature of our planet's history.
Coesite Examples
- Scientists discovered coesite, a high-pressure form of quartz, in a meteorite.
- The presence of coesite in the rock confirmed that it had undergone extreme pressure and temperature.
- Petrologists use coesite as an indicator mineral for ultra-high pressure conditions in the Earth's crust.
- Miners found a rare sample of coesite in a diamond-bearing kimberlite pipe.
- The formation of coesite requires pressures exceeding 2.5 GPa, equivalent to depths of about 70 km in the Earth's crust.
- Geologists study coesite to understand the tectonic history of mountain ranges.
- Coesite can only be formed through the shock metamorphism of quartz at the impact site of a meteorite.
- Coesite is a crucial mineral in determining the history of subducted oceanic crust in the Earth's mantle.
- The discovery of coesite in a rock formation provided evidence of past continental collisions.
- Researchers analyze the chemical composition of coesite to gain insights into the geological processes that occur deep within the Earth.