authigenic mineral

geology

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June 18, 2026

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Authigenic minerals are formed in situ within a depositional site, as opposed to detrital minerals, which are transported to the site as clasts. These minerals form in response to geochemical processes, with their chemical compounds originating from chemical weathering and transported in solution. Examples of authigenic minerals include calcite, halite, and gypsum. Clay minerals can also form authigenically at the site of deposition. The formation of minerals occurs under various geological conditions, including igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, and hydrothermal processes.12

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sedimentary rock
Mineralogical and geochemical composition
…two principal types—namely, detrital and authigenic. Detrital minerals, such as grains of quartz and feldspar, survive weathering and are transported to the depositional site as clasts. Authigenic minerals, like calcite, halite, and gypsum, form in situ within the depositional site in response to geochemical processes. The chemical compounds that constitute…
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…two principal types—namely, detrital and authigenic. Detrital minerals, such as grains of quartz and feldspar, survive weathering and are transported to the depositional site as clasts. Authigenic minerals, like calcite, halite, and gypsum, form in situ within the depositional site in response to geochemical processes. The chemical compounds that constitute…
Read More