Diagenetic Origin of Graywacke Matrix Minerals

Summary Phyllosilicates and zeolites grew in Columbia River sediments during hydrothermal experiments at relatively low temperatures and pressures. Although the new minerals may not be equilibrium assemblages, our results strongly support the idea that matrix minerals in graywackes may be the result of alteration of components thermodynamically unstable in the environment of diagenesis. Scanning electron micrographs show that the new minerals have formed as a mesh‐like coating on original grains. The textural relationship of the new minerals to the original minerals resembles graywacke texture.