detrital grain

geology

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June 25, 2026

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A detrital grain is a constituent of clastic origin found in rocks. These grains, such as quartz and feldspar, survive weathering and are transported to their depositional site as clasts. They are fundamental components of detrital sedimentary rocks, which form from the accumulation and lithification of sediment. These rocks are distinct from chemical sedimentary rocks, which precipitate from solution. Detrital grains are a key focus in sedimentary petrology and sedimentology, fields dedicated to understanding the composition, texture, and transport processes of sediments and sedimentary rocks.123

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geologic history of Earth
Formation of the secondary atmosphere
…early atmosphere is provided by detrital uraninite and pyrite and by paleosols—i.e., fossil soils. Detrital uraninite and pyrite are readily oxidized in the presence of oxygen and thus do not survive weathering processes during erosion, transport, and deposition in an oxygenous atmosphere. Yet, these minerals are well preserved in
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…early atmosphere is provided by detrital uraninite and pyrite and by paleosols—i.e., fossil soils. Detrital uraninite and pyrite are readily oxidized in the presence of oxygen and thus do not survive weathering processes during erosion, transport, and deposition in an oxygenous atmosphere. Yet, these minerals are well preserved in
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sedimentary rock
Sandstone components and colour
…basic components of sandstones: (1) detrital grains, mainly transported, sand-size minerals such as quartz and feldspar, (2) a detrital matrix of clay or mud, which is absent in “clean” sandstones, and (3) a cement that is chemically precipitated in crystalline form from solution and that serves to fill up original…
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…basic components of sandstones: (1) detrital grains, mainly transported, sand-size minerals such as quartz and feldspar, (2) a detrital matrix of clay or mud, which is absent in “clean” sandstones, and (3) a cement that is chemically precipitated in crystalline form from solution and that serves to fill up original…
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sedimentary rock
Mineralogical and geochemical composition
…are of 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…
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…are of 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…
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