siliceous sinter

mineral

Also known as: fiorite, geyserite

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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Siliceous sinter is a porous mineral deposit formed around hot springs and geysers. It is composed of amorphous silica and can create conical mounds or terraces. This process is often aided by algae and other vegetation in the hot water. Locations where siliceous sinter is found include Iceland, New Zealand, and Yellowstone National Park. The term "sinter" also refers to the welding together of small particles of metal or other materials by heating them below their melting point, a process used in steel manufacturing and ceramics.12

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silica mineral
Solubility of silica minerals
…silica results in formation of siliceous sinter or geyserite, as at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park in the western United States.
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…silica results in formation of siliceous sinter or geyserite, as at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park in the western United States.
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sinter
Siliceous sinter (geyserite; fiorite) is a deposit of opaline or amorphous silica that occurs as an incrustation around hot springs and geysers and sometimes forms conical mounds (geyser cones) or terraces. The deposition of siliceous sinter is largely due to the action of algae and…
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Siliceous sinter (geyserite; fiorite) is a deposit of opaline or amorphous silica that occurs as an incrustation around hot springs and geysers and sometimes forms conical mounds (geyser cones) or terraces. The deposition of siliceous sinter is largely due to the action of algae and…
Read More