Striation (geology)

In geology, a striation is a groove, created by a geological process, on the surface of a rock or a mineral.

Striations (slickenfibres) on a fault surface near Kilve, England
Glacial striations in Canada
Striations on pyrite crystals

In structural geology, striations are linear furrows, or linear marks, generated from fault movement. The striation's direction reveals the movement direction in the fault plane.

Similar striations called glacial striations can occur in areas subjected to glaciation. Striations can also be caused by underwater landslides.

Striations can also be a growth pattern or mineral habit that looks like a set of hairline grooves, shown on faces of certain minerals. Examples of minerals that can show growth striations include pyrite, feldspar, quartz, tourmaline, chalcocite and sphalerite.

See also

Bibliography

  • McCalla, Carole (September 3, 2008). "Glad You Asked: Glacial Striations and Slickensides – Utah Geological Survey". Utah Geological Survey. Retrieved 2020-04-06.


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