Micromorphology

of Mineral Alteration
and Weathering
Also in this series
EDCJclopedia if Mineral Names
VI/. H. Blackburn & VI/. H. Dennen
Special Publication 1
Glossary if Mineral Synonyms
J. de Fourestier
Special Publication 2
 icromorphology
of Mineral Alteration
and Weathering
Jean E. Delvigne

- 9 NOV. 1998

The Canadian Mineralogist

-~"",r-i

MIneralogical
CR51l~
ABsod.iltlon of canada editions
Associallon mln~ralogique
du C~nada
Caption (!.j' the phntnmi roHraph
on thcfronl or r

illustrates some of the

T
J 11 1'11'"11 1 1'I11l 1'1" ,I; 1'1 J

most common patterns of weathering observed

within partly weathered primary minerals. A subhe-

clral crystal of ol1:hopyroxene is partly weathered to

greenish yellow sme,tite arrangcc..l in a subparallcl

banded texture" The rtrst· rormed smectite is devel- EDITOJ\

Rub(;!"t F. Martin
aped from transverse fractures; numerollS denticulate
COVER M~D TEXT DESIGl'ER
remnants of orthopFoxenc are still preserved writh.in Pouliot GlIay I:,'raphistes

the alteromorph. Further weathering induces the DE,KTOP PUBLISHER

Inl"o 1000 Mot.~ ine.
developmeJlt of iron oxyhydroxides, either by de.gra-
PHOTOCNGJ\AVER AND PRINTER
dation of the prev;ously Formed smectite or by ciirect Litho Acml~ Prescom
weathering of' the orthopyroxene residues. Further PUBLISHER
jVlint~r'llogical Association of Canada
explanations are given in the caption to photomicro-
P.O. Box 78087
graphs 141 anu 142. Mcriline Postal Outlet
1460 Merivale Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2E 1B1
e-mail: c-anmin.mac.ottawa@••ympatico.ca

11' C()LL'\BOR.~·nON WITH

ORSTOM
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pOW" le Je\'doppemenL en Cooperation
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Copyright 1998 Mi.neralogical Association of Canada

ISBN 0-921294-43-3
(Mineralogical Association of Canada, Canada)
ISBN 2-7099-1420-4 (ORSTOM, FranCt')
 Preamble
I rlI'· \ 1/<' . \\1 I Ius emerged as a major
T locus of research in the natural sciences. In
many universities, for example the one in
which I teach, multidisciplina.ry teams arc
busy developing new curricula in the emiron.mental
sciences to meet the challenges of modem society.
Mineralogy is at the fordi-ont in these programs,
because of the focus on near-surface interactions
involving rocks, soil, water, air and living organisms.
Mineralogists and petrologists in general have an
excellent understanding of the way igneous and meta-
morphic rocks form, at temperatures as high as
12000 C and at pressures representative of the middle
or lower crust. On the contrary, by and large, miner-
alogists and petrologists have a poor grasp of the way
rocks and mjnerals respond to their near-sUI-face envi-
ronment. Once these rocks begin a trajectory toward
the surface as a result of tectonic forces, the rock-
forming minerals generally leave their field of stability,
and important adjustments set in. Secondary minerals
appear, but Inineralogical research is fraught with diJ-
ficuJty. The newly fOI-mea assemblages commonly are
very ADe grained, and thus diHlcult to investigate
guantjtatively except by high-resolution microbl~aru
technigues. The rocks are flsslIred, and the geochcmi.
cal systems involve circulating water; the stage is set
for open-system behavior, with all the complexities
that an open system entails. The tl"mpn'ature of reac-
tion is so low that non-eguilibrium assemblages of
minerals are H~ry mucb the norm.
Each rock-fol-ming mineral has a story to tell. Fur-
thermore, much information about the starting point
in these transformations emerges from a study of the
rock's textural attl-ibutes. One must simply be shown
what to look for in Ol-del" to l"Ccognize the clues. In this
book, Jean Delvigne patiently t;]kes the reader along
unfamiliar paths. At tllt' beginning of this atlas, the
rocks all look veil' familiar, as the adjustments are
incipient. Then, as one progresses through tllC book,
the roch look less and less familiar, until virtually
nothing is left of the original high-temperaturl' a~sem-
blages. A non-genetic terminology is developed to
facilitate textural classifications and communication of
findings. To a student of mineralogy and petrology,
the book i1lustntes the passage from familiar territory
to uncharted "vaters, the field of activity of soil scien-
tists and agronomists. Of course, to the second group,
it is the beginning of the book that is less familiar ter-
ritory. But to both audiences, trUlleralogy evidently
play.s a key role and is a common language.
The Mineralogical Association of Canada, in col-
laboration \Vitll ORSTOM, is proud to bring you tll.is
Alias if ,l-JicromorpholoBY c:F Mineral I1heraUon and Weath-
erins. It represents the distilled pearls of wisdom of a
master in the fIeld. I have learoed a great deal in work-
ing with Jean Delvigne to make this book a reality. I
now look at igneous and met.lf11orphic rocks in thin
section from a new perspective, and with new insight.
I acknowledge the in.flueoce of Fran~ois Soubies, envi-
ronmental mi.neralogist and mineral collector extraor-
dinaire, an employee of ORSTOM formerly at the
Laboratojre de Mineralogk, Universitc Paul-Sabatier,
in Toulouse. Thanks to him, and to his enthusiasm, I
fIrst met the author, and learned about tlle wealtll of
information in the completed manuscript that became
tllis book. Vicki Loschiavo helped me to cope with
chapters and figure captions, and to deal with compet-
ing commitments. I was ver)' fortunate to count on tlle
same creati.ve team that produced our SpeCial Publica-
(;on Number I: PielTette Tremblay, Publicity Coordina-
tor of the Mineralogical Association of Canada, Michel
Guay, and Jean-Claude Cote. I hope that whoevel- is in
tllC audjencc, soil scientist, clay mineralogist, eco-
nomic geologist, agronomist, or petrologist, wi1l find
here new insight into the multifarious paths that rocks
take to adjust to tllcir new surroundjngs near the
Eal1:h's sUI-face.
Robert F. Martin
Professor, Department of Earth
and Planetary Sciences, McGi11 University
Editor, The Canadian .Mineralogis(
 Preface
1'1' :It/m of Micromorpho/"8J' ~r k/ineral it/tcrarion
and Jf'emherina, Jean Delvignc pw\,jdes a compre-
hensh'e statement of problems and a swmnary of
present understanding of weathering, applied to
some remarkable West Amcan and Brazilian exam-
ples, His complete coverage is representative of the
petrographic- approach in the study of lateritic
alterites, The book ditfers from others in the study of
the petrography of weathering by presenting first the
rocks, with their inheritance of hydrothermal alter-
ation, Then he describes in great detail the relationship
between parent minerals and the products of their
weathering, He makes use of abW1dant and exceptional
illustrations of thin sections, Thi~ documentation is of
paramow1t importance for students and non-special-
ists; it allows them (0 wlderstand the complexity of
such near-surface phenomena, The terminology used
in this book is simplified for microscopic descriptions,
At first glance, it may appear esoteric, but it seIV'es to
characterize structures, textures and interrelations
among minerals in altelites and soils,
Every method starb with a few simpJe concepts,
proceeds through a period of growth with increasing
sophistication, and finally reaches a stage of synthesis,
at which point case histories can be discllssed and com-
pared, So it is ,..-ith the geochemistry of weathering,
Several important developments in our W1derstilnding
of this field have occurred in tJle last few years, But in
most instances, geochemists operate "bUndJy" in that
they typically do not take petrographic descriptions
into consideration, an approach that can lead to incon-
sistent inferences, TIle inconsistencies arise because of
the failure to properly observe and W1derstand textural
and mineralOgical modifications in the microenviron-
ments of weathering profiles, This book thus also
shou.ld enlighten geochemists working on weathering
processes,
A single voltU11e cannot possibly cover all the
facets of the complex problems involved, However,
with the help of the excellent examples chosen by the
autJlOr, the book gives a good overview of the main
problems of weathering, and speciJ:ically provides
insight into the way parent minerals weather, the
nature of weathering products, and their variability in
a venica.l profile and in a lateral sequence, In my opin-
ion, this book will serve as a guide to students, geo-
chenlists, geologists, soil scientists, geomorphologists,
and environmental scientists concerned with the basic
concepts and recent trends in research on the processes
of weatJ1ering, especially in humid tropical areas,
Daniel Nahon
Professor, University of Aix-Marseille III
 C' est parce CJu'iJs ne resistent pa~ au temps 9u' it fait
CJue les miocraux ne resistent pa~ au temps 9ui passe

TIUV'TU pEL
(Hcraclitus, 500 BC)

Felix CJuj potuit rerum cognosce re causas

(Virgil, Georgics 11, \'erse 489)

Foreword

\1 H 1III 1 "~I 111 rll' " \I<~, many soil sci- For this reason, the audlor has always considered

O enbsts and others working in Geology,

Geochemistl") and other Earth Sciences
seem to ha\ c neglected fundamental
deso'iptive work in the field (cartography, detailed
descliptions of weathering profiles and of the land-
scape, accurate location and distribution or their sam-
ples), and most of the primary pctrographic methods
usually employed in the laboratory (e.g., bulk dlemical
analyses, grain-size analyses and mineral separations),
The observation of' their samples, at the scale olTered
by the optical microscope, is often reStlicted to the
study of a few thin sections prepared from selected
samples, whose exact and relative position in a pronk
and landscape has been recorded in a cursory manner
only. In fact, yOlmg scientists have a strong inclination
to proceed djrectly to the ultramicroscopic scales.
Such observations often yield up-to-date results pub-
lishable as short papers in the best international jour-
nals or presented in international congresses. Few
optical photomicrographs are usually presented.
This approach certainly produces many valuable
data concerning the details or the processes studied,
especially where crystallography, mineralogy, petrol-
0gy or geochemistry are concerned. However, often,
these results cannot be easily integrated in the context
of field obscf\'ation.s because thc number of sanlplcs
studied is not suffiCient, and because the distTibution,
in the landscape, of the observed variations cannot be
easily deduced. The results of the stuely can be only
applied locally or only \\ith \-cry large and hazardous
extrapolations.
that these "modern" or recently applied methods of
observation, at these scales, ca.nnot be performed
accurately \vidlC)ut the hendlt of complete Field stud-
ies of the selected natural landscape, and witllOut pre-
liminary observations of the samples at a more
"human" scale, SUdl as the scale of the trun section
observed witll the optical mjcroscope, This approadl,
in which olle goes from the larger to the smaller scales,
allows the problems raised in the Held to be accurately
detected, and appropriate samples to be selected for
further and more detailed observations and analyses
using the most sophisticated techni9ues.
The preparation of this ;1[105 of :l1h7omorpholoElY '?f
Mine,,)1 .'Iherouon and Weo(herina has been undertaken
in the hope- that it wiU encourage and facilitate obser-
vations at the optical scale, Many examples of varied
textural and mineralogical patterns are prOVided and
illustrated profusely. This book is 'NTitten in such a
way that it can be understood by and be useful to geo-
graphers or agronomists, whose background in and
lmderstanding of pen-ography and mineralogy are usu-
ally rather limited. The beauty of the colors an<i of the
natlll'al textures and mineral associations, as observed
with the optical lnicroscope, can also encourage tllese
scientist1; to use this temnj9ue. The book illustrates
how one can tackle genetic or du·onological problems
raised by alteration or weathering processes before an
attempt is made to resolve all these problems with the
help of ultramiCToscopic temniCJues only.
The scope of this book is restri<.:ted to the part of
micromorphQlo~,'yrelated to alteration and weatheri.ng
processes. Many books hav'e been IJublished concern-
ing the micromorphology of soils. These books cootain
sufficient descriptions and illustrations of general
micromorphological r~~atunos, which are not cov'ered
here. -nle scope of this hook also is restricted to the
illustration of alteration and weathering IJroce,ses and
features. Vcr)' few details on the geochemical
processes inwlved are presented. Other books (e,g.,
Nahon 1991, White &. Brantlcy 1995) give detailed
explanations about the geuchemiL'al process.:s and
reactions involved in rock weathering and soil genL'sis.
All the photomicrograph.s ha"e IJcen made by the
author with the help uf a LEITZ polarizing microsL'ope
eCjui[lped with a \VILD Photoautomat camera. Except
for very old photomicrographs, all the more recent
I)hotos have been recurded on KODAK Ektachrnme
64T color-reversal film. This uniformity allows a bcr-
ter homogeneity of colors and of cn]arg.:ments of dll
the pictures shown throughout the book.
Most samples were collectecl by the authur during
his numerous years of research in Zaire (1956-1961;
now Democratic Republic uf Congo), in Cote d'h'oire
(1962-1976) and in BrJ.zil (1980-1987). Most of the
thin sections of these- samples were made in the Labo-
ratoire de Petrographje, OHice de la Recherche Scien-
tifiCjue et Tedllliquc Outre-lVlcr (ORSTOM), Abidjan,
Cote d'Jvoire, either by the author lumselC (w1til
\ 974) or by Claude Hanri')n, who has directed the
technical part of this Laboratory since 1973.
Some samlJles and thin sectjons have been giv-en or
cordiall) lent by other scientists ot'the ORSTOM group
or affiliated with thi? universities in whjch the author
worked. Where this is the case, the name oC the donor
is given in the caption of the phot.omicrograph_ Other-
wise, samples and thin sections come from the author's
collection. Wherl' pO' 'ble, the short bibliograph)'
includes the works in which these samples or thin sec-
tions are described more fully. The gencrallist uf refer-
ences, given at the end 01' the book, is reduced to a
minjmum, and conce-rns only those books, thesl's and
papers in which the micromorphology or products of'
vV'eathcring processes is specially studied J.nd illustrated.
Only six magnifkations were used (x] .6, x2,S, x4·,
x6.3, xlO and x16) f()r all the photographs in this atlas.
Each photograph is printed with the magnification
x ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERAnON AND WEATHERING
clearly indicated, and with tick marks labelc.d from A
to E and !i'om 1 to 5, so that is is straightformard to
refer to a specific ared in the I)hotugraph. A 1 and C 3,
for example, correspond, reslJectively, to the UppeT
left corner and to the central area of the photomicro-
graph. h1 most cases, the position of the ubject described
in the caption is ohvious, and its exact location can be
found without reJ("rence to a grid intersection. Co-
ordinates tbus are nut recorded in the caption in most
C;Lses. A slJecial color plate is printed in the imide li'ont
and back cover, to allow the reader to r("call and easily
visualize the main types of alteromorphs, whose names
are, fur the must part, newly coined terms.
The captions also give inFormation about the state
of insertion uf the polarizing prisms. PPL (= 1)lane-
pularized light) is used if only the lower polarizing
prism is inscTted in the pathway uf the light; XPL is
Llsed wbere both lower and upper polarizers are
inserted and crossed.
The nomenclature of' minerals used in this book
follows dIe rules of the Intemational Mineralogical
Association ([MA), with onc l~xception. Although lhe
term "hypersthene" has been formally discredited by
the [MA (Morimoto 1989), it is retained here strictly
for convenience to rder to an ortholJyroxene of a
composition intermediate benvecn the magnesian and
t'crrous iron cud-members (instead of enstatitc or fcr-
rosilite, as the C;Lse may he). Names of phases that are
not sufficiently well characteriz("d to be considered
accepted minerals in the eyes of the LMA arc used here
in quotation marks (c./}_. "iddingsite", "bow]ingitC".
"chlorophaeite-") .
The author asks dw readers fur indulgence regard-
ing dIe poorer guaUtv of some photomicrographs.
These CO!Tesl)ond to old pictures taken from either
borrowed or, more recently, broken or lost thin sec-
tions. In spite of their lower quality, some of them
were Tdained tu demonstrate or spectacularly ilJus-
trate a particular ll'xtural or mineralogical feature not
observed in more recent or in other available thin sec-
tions. The more than six hundred photographs repro-
duceJ in this volume were carefully selecteel from
more than ten thousand photornicrugraphs in the
authur's collectiun_
 Acknow ledgements
1111 'I,' I ' I and studying the thou-
W sands of thin sections tllat form the
bas):> of hi:; information, ami while
viewing the thousands of slides from
which illustrations were selected for this book, the
author has often recalled all the individuals who have,
either by their work, or through their help or their
advice, participated in the preparation of his hook and
contributed to its production,
His gratitude goes l'irst to the African people, all
those well-sinkers, workmen, guides and porters, to
all those Kouakou, N'Gul'"ssan, Koulibali am] other
Koffl, and to all those anonymous men who, JuriJlg
years and years, in the rain forest or in the clry savanna
ofVv'cst Africa, have excavated hundreds and hundreds
of 1l1eters of wells, guided day after dol)', or carried
heavy samples of rock and soil along Illany kilometers.
The author remembers them \vith much gratitude.
Special mention must be made of two African
well-sinktrs, Bonto BolaJ1e SaLJ aJld Dicke Mo'ise Pare,
who have sunk more than 250 wells between 1965 anJ
1976 in central Cote J'h'oire, The author remembers
seeing them emerge out their wells, all covered,
depending on the season, with dust or mud. The
fl-ienJship in their eyes and the glow ofuleir smile only
were apparent.
The author thanks aLso A, Pecror, in the Democ-
ratic Republic of Congo, B. Boulangc, G. Grandin, F,
Lenoir, M, Rieu, in Cote d'Ivoire, A, Cham'el, J,c.
Parisot and F. Soubies, in Brazil, ann all his colleagues
who have participated in field trips, Jleld work ,md dis-
C1lssions of the morphological and genetic problems
raised by the ubsenations of landscape, soil descrip-
tions and analyses,
MaJ1} thanks also to Ule Societe d' Etat pour le
Developpement Minicr de la C('ltc n'lvoire
(SODEMI). to J. Brodw, Direct'or ofthe Llboratories,
for his valuable help in resohing material, tecllJucal or
analytical problems raised hy the samp!l':s of soil anJ
weathered rock of the author, and B. Tagini, Dil-ector
of the ScientifIC Research, who.se prOdigious knowl-
edge of the geology of Ci)te d 'jyoire has, in numerous
meetings and Jiscussions, greatly improved the geo-
logical knowledge of the auUlOr and has helped him in
selecting suitable areas of the countTy,
The author thanks also all technical people of nis
Laboratoire de PetrographiC et Mincralogk des Altera-
tions oC ORSTOM, in Adiopodoumc, Cote d'Jvoirc:
MM. Lagou Kouadio Marcel (X-I-ay diffraction), Deme
Hamadc and Wayou Norbert (preparati.:lIl of samples),
Coulibaly Sissouro and Koffl DakO<l (preparation of
thin sections), who h,lve, during fllaJ1Y years, helped
the author to acquire acrurate aJlJlyses;md IJerfect thin
sections.
Particular gratitude is expressed to my rriend
(laude Hanrion, Tecluucal Director of the Laboratoire
de Pen'ograpbie or ORSTOM in Cote d' /voire, who
prepared and finished most or the two thousand thin
sections of the author's collection. His care, constant
anention to all the technical problems, supervision of
the men and material of the Laboratory, control of a] I
the steps ill Ule preparation or the thin sections, and
painst,1king work in the impregnation of the soft sam-
ples, along with Ule daily long periods of sawing of tbe
rocks and indurated materials, of gluing and thinning
of the slides, and finalJ.~· of controlling of the correct
thickness of tht final thin sections, all ha\'e allowed the
author to have at his disposal wonderful tbi.n sections
of fresh or weathered rocks, of soft soils and of
indurated materials. Without the careful work of C.
Hanri 011 , the complete illustration or this Atlas would
hav~~ not been possible,
The author thanks also all h.is colleagues who nave
given or lent samples or thin sections from their col-
lections and whose conn'ibution has greatly enhanced
the slide collection or the author. Among thelll arc::
Ikuno Boulange and Franyois Soubies, ORSTOM,
formerly of the Instituto de Geociellcias of the L1niver-
sidade do E"tado de Sao Paolo (LISP), in Br'azil, and U1C
Universite Paul-Sabatier in Toulouse, France, respec-
liv'ely,
Sonia Maria l3arros de Oliveira, Magda l3ergmaJl,
Luciana Maria Lopez, Silvia Regin>1 Soares SiJva Vieira
 and Malia Cristina Toledo Groke of the DepartJlDento
de Geologia Geral do fnstit1Jtn de Geociencias of the
University of Sao Paulo (USP), Brazil,
Maria Teresa de Nobrega, lnstituto de Geocien-
cias, Universidade do Estado de Sao Pallln, Brazil, \"ho
spent much time G.1refully n'aflSlating into Portuguese
the French text of tbL' author, invited to lcchlrc on
"Micromorfologia clas altera<.;oes minerais" in courses
mer tJle intervaJ J 981-1987 at LISP, Brazil. Thl"
author hOI)es trot- she finds here all his gratitude for heT
work and help. That text is tJ1e Foundation f'or the con-
ception and the illustratlon of this AtJas.
Neide Maria Malusa Gon<;aIH~s of the Unl\'ersidade
de Rlbeirao Preto, Sf', Braz.il, Celso Augu.sto Clenwnte,
Escola Superior de AgriculhlIa, Piracicaba, SP, Bl<Jljl,
and AdoJfcl MelJi, Director of the [nstihlto Astrollsico e
GeoJtsico of the University of Sao Paulo, I3razil,
Christlan Coulon, Director or the Departemcnt
de Petrographie of the Uni\-ersite d'Aix-Marseille Ill,
who lent him many thin sections from the petrogr.1phic
collections of his Department,
Rent: FlicoteaLD<, Christine Laverne, Yves Noack,
professors or scientists at the Universitc d' Aix-Mar-
seiJle Ill, France, Emmanuelle Bernabe (FLtnCe),
Abdelilha Dekayir (r..·10IToco), F. Luis pJZ Moreno
(Mexico), Albcrt Ongendangenda (DemoCTatlc Repub-
lic of Congo), Anne Veroniclue WaIter (France), who
nov.- \"ork or were studying at the Uni\'ersite d' Aix-
Marseille Ill, and who ha\'.:' graciously allowed tl1C'
author to take interesting photographs of their best
thin sections,
Dr. Georges Stoops, Pr-ofessor at the Algemene
Geolog1e, GeoIogisch Imtiruut of the Univen,ity or
Gent, Belgium, an old friend for many years, \vho con-
tributed thin sections on the weatheling of' garnet. and
who commented on the conception and the produc-
tion of tJlis book.
The gratitude 01' the author goes ,1lso to all the
members of the International Society of Soil Science,
Advisory Pand on Weatheling Phenomena and Neo-
formations, Drs. H.J. Altemi.iller (D), E.B.A. I3isdom
(NL), P. Curmi (F) and A. Jongerius (NL), Victor Tar-
guUan, Professor at the State Uni\'ersity of Moscow.
Russia, who, when \'isiting the Universite de Mar-
seille, showed man)' interesting thin sections on
weathering of basaltic rocks on Samoa and Mau.ritius,
XII
and who allowed the author to photograph excellent
examplc-s of mineral weathering.
The author is also grateful to Raymond Da."sule,
engraver and draughtsman, and to Jean-Jacques Motte,
computer programmer. both of the Dcparte.ment des
Gcosciences de l'Environnement, Marseille, France.
The first creatcd all the black-and-whitc drawings to
illustrate this book. The second produced all tJle 1"0101'
1)lates in tile working copy with thc help of electronic
techniques. Both arc also responsible for COlTcctions
and pagination of the draft. Without their valuable
help, their professionalism and their artistic ability, the
general aspect of the book would have been very dif-
ferent.
The autllor ls indebted to Dr. Daniel Nilion,
Director of the Dcpartemcnt des Gcosciences de I' En-
vironne01ent, Univer$ite d'Aix-Marseille lfI; he is
deeply gratcJlll to wm for having accepkd him, for
many ye"ln;, in his labor.1tory a.nd for having gi\-cn to
him all the faci lities for wTitirrg and achie\i.ng this
book. \"rithout his help and hospitality, the production
of this hook wOllld have been much less agreeable,
much more difficult and much more time-consuming.
-n1t' author expl'Csses all his gratitude to Dr.
Nlichae! Vclbel, of Michigan State Uni\'ersity, who
reviewed the entire contents of the book (tJle main
texts and thf.' captions of all the figmcs aurl photomi-
crographs), and carcfully corrected the defective a.nd
very imperfect English translation of the author. His
pertinent remarks, suggestions and comments have
been very Illuch appreciated. His careful and clitical
reading of tJlt' manuscript has led to a great improH>
me-nt of the contents. The author is indcbted to Dr.
M. Velbcl fm ha\-ing acccl)tcd to review this work.
Last but not least, the author owes a special debt
of gratitude to Fr-an<;:ois Soubies, Directellr de
Recherchcs at ORSTOM, and a valued fi'iend for over
twenty-fivf' years. Fran<;:ois brought the existence of
thf' unpublished manusLTipt for this book to the atten-
tlon of Robert F. Martin. editor of The COllodion .lfiner-
alogia, and facilitated a fateful meeting in early May,
1997, in Toulouse. Robert then further honed the
tex t, both from scientific and linguistic points oh'iew.
His cxchangf.' of views, made on a regular basis thanks
to the etTiciency of e-mail communications, demon-
sn'ated both a keen sense of observation and thorough-
ness. He brought tJlis project to fruition as Special
Publ ication 3 of The Canadian Mineral0il-i.H.
ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATlON AND WEATHERING
 Table of Contents

PREAMBLE v SYSTEMS OF FISSLlRF.S . . . 43

The network (1' deep-serJleJ[issures .. 43
PREFACE . VlI Tile" superB,me networks o/JLrlUres and pores 44

THE EFFECTS OF POROSITY

FOREWORD . IX
ON \VEATHERED MATERIAL 48

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Xl DISCUSSION 50

INTRODUCTION
PART 2.
PART 1. PATIERNS OF WEATHERING 53
GENERAL CONCEPTS 5
CHAPTER 4.
CHAPTER 1. MICROMORPHOLOGICAL
WEATHERING AND ALTERITES .... 7 DESCRJPTIONS .. 55
DEHNmONS 7 THE DEGltEE Of VVEATHERING 55
IVw/ hcrahi li/)' 8
SECOND..\RY POROSITY .... 57
DIFFERENTlATIUN or THE ALTEI{IHS . . . . . . . . 26 Pore-space alonH transmincralIrucrures . 57
il!trroplusma/ion unci pedoplastnu/lon 26 Pore-space alons intermineralJracrurcs . 58
The concept cif isahencr 27 Incraminffal pore-space. . . 59
The concept 0Iallo/.criff 28
PAlTERN.' Ur: ALTEi,ATION AND WEATHT:RING . . . 80
The cuncept tf isuvulume ... .... .. .. 30
Comen'ar ion ?f Folumes . 80
Rela/ i,·c and ah.mlute accumulations. . 3I
Pene/ruLion in a mineral:
rhe pOlhll'ap or weaLherin8 80
CHAPTER 2.
SAMPLING 35 DrSCRwnONS I\ND CUSSIFIC\TION 82
T'ellirulur pauern 0IorBanizulion 82
iN THE PROrlLE . 35
linear and hunded porums 85
IN THE T(WOSEQUENCE . 36 Irregular paftern., . 87
Comple.\ par1'crm . 91
IN THE LANDSCAPE 37

CHAPTER 5.
CHAPTER 3.
PARTLY WEATHERED MINERALS 123
THE SYSTEMS OF PORE-SPACE 39
MORl'HOl.OGY or TI·IL PIUMi\,RY CORES
DEFINITION, CLASSlIll:\ TION . 39
.IIND RF.SIf1UES . . . . . . . . . 123
CONTACT MICROSYSHMS . 40
MORPllOlOGr OF n·LE SECONf):\RY PRODUCrS 125
PLASMA MICROSYSTEMS 41
PATITRNS OF SECONDARY POROSrrr . , . 126
Prima~v plaSffias .. 41
,l1'icroporosilX . 126
Secondary plasmas 42
.lIesoporosicy . 126
 PART 3. CHAPTER 10.
ALTEROMORPHS 149 ALTEROMORPHS AND PROCESSES
OF ACCUMULATION . 307
CHAPTER 6. CUMUIO-;\LTEROMORI'I-IS , 307
DEFINITIONS 151
CHAPTER 11.
CHAPTER 7. "PORO"-ALTEROMORPHS
PRESERVATION OF SHAPES AND FURTHER EVOLUTION 315
AND VOLUMES . 153
Gr:OMF'TIUC-\L CRJTER1A: GENtn..'\L CASES 154 CHAPTER 12.
[so-Cllreromolphs , . 154 DISCUSS rON . 343
,.1[c50-altcroworphs .... ' 154
Kala-oh cromorphs 154
PART 4.
GEO,'v\[TkICM CI\lTmIA: P,'IRTICULA.R CASES 171
LITHORELICS,
P,eudomorphs ,.. .. . . 171
Echino-ClltcromnrpIL\ . 172 ALTERORELICS, NODULES,
Phant o-alteromorphs 173 PISOLITHS ... 345
C')'[-'lo-alreroulOrphs .. 174
CHAPTER 13.
CHAPTER 8. DEFINITIONS 347
THE CONTENT LlTI'lOREUCS ' , . 347
OF ALTEROMORPHS 205
Al TERORr:L.ICS . ' 347
THE PkOPORTION OF SOLID AND PORE VOl UMES . 206
Holo-alreromorph:; . . . . . . . . 206 PmORFUCS ' . 348
KOilo.aircromorph., ' . . . . . . . .. . . 206 CONeRE'nONS , . ' 148
.1 Poro ·~alleromorph.\ . 221
PISOLlTHS . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
PO[(E VOllJM .\S A DISTINGUISHING CRITEI,IOt\ 221
..-I !I'eoporo-a!reronlOrl'hs
.. . . , 221 CHAPTER 14.
CClllroporo-a!wromorphs , , 223 COMPOSITION, ORIGIN
PhylJoporo-olterorJJorphs , .. 224 AND MORPHOLOGY ' . 349
Rcr i poro-a Ireromorphs . . . 225
LITIIOREl.ICS . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . 349
SOLID VOLU_ME A~:\ DISTINCUISHiNG CRITERION 237 Composition 349
BotT/o-a}tcrornorphs . 238
Point or oriHin 349
G/omcro-altcromorphs ... 238 iHorpholoBY ,. 350
Sepf o-altcromorphs 239
AlTEROREL.lCS . 361
COMPLEX "PORO"• .'\L.TEkOMOfU'HS 242 AlIochrhonous aherorelics 361
Ilurochrhonolls ahcrorelic.I' , .. 361
CHAPTER 9.
CRITERIA FOR A GENETIC PmOREUCS . 362
CLASSIFICATION . 259
COMPOSITE ALTERO,\-10RPI'h 259
PolyBenclic a}lcro/IJurph, 259
Polyphasc alteromorphs 277

ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAl ALTERATION AND WEATHEJ\ING

XIV
CHAPTER IS. CHAPTER 17.
EVOLUTION 363 PISOLITHS IN BAll XITE _ 425
PHYSIC·\l. DIS}\(';GR~C:\T1Ui' 363 INTR()[)Ul'TIU~' ... 425
Proce.ss of JisoggreBafion 363
PHOCESSES OF FORMATION 425
Ireatherahi/irJ .... 363
DISTRIBUTIO~' IN THE L\NDSCt\PE . 426
CHEMIC:\L WEATHErU1\'G 364
Erosion c:f lhe buu.,iric pro/Hes 426
CENTRIPET.-\L CORTIFICATIOJ'o,; 378 DepOSition ?f clayey material Oil the slopes. 427
Process o.{indurarion ond texlllral e!'olulion 378 [I'oll/rian '!f the clayey 11lQlerial 428
Persislcn! minerals IriLhl/l areas ~r corcijlcalion 378 Fwce.,·s o.I indurOlion and den:lopmem
Pe.foplasmolion Df rhe residual Lexrures 379 or pisolilic hall.me 428
Pro.fllc oI rhe pisolili, blluxite . - 428
CENTRlfUG ..\L CORTIFIC"Tlr1N 389
Process ~( derclopmenr ~f che peripheral MICKOMORPI-!OLOGY 429
sues... cutan" . . . . . 389 The nucleus . _ . _ ..... 429
Development '!f an accrflion cortc.X 389 The corr.cx 429
.+fineral comen! o.{ rhe aeaelion conex 390 The imemodular macrix .. 429
FURTHER EVOLUTION _ . 403 EVULUTION ..\ND DEGRADAnON 443
Testural mod!/!corion In rral15ported nodules 403 Fir.IT swgc: iron JepletitJn in the bauxile 443
fnterconnecud and briJaed nodule.i 403 Second ,1'Ogc: alFco/izalion
Coni/icolion and lhe j'ormauon af concretions .. 4-03 ':I the imernoJuJar matrh 443
Third sLa,qe: Jc.l1ruceion ~f lhe pisolilhs 443
CHAPTER 16. Fourth ,c<1ge: in/illinB oj'che pore v(llumes 44-3
BRIDGED NODULES
AND DEVElOPMENT CHAPTER 18.
OF IRON CRUST . . 415 SECONDARY OXIDES
AND HYDROXIDES 459
EXTENSION or· HIE BRIDGED TEXTURES 415

MICROMORPHOLOGY .... _ . 415 REFERENCES

AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 469
DISTRIIJUTIO,\J OF THE INDURATW
:\Nf) UNINDUR.U[I) Pll\SMA." 416 REFEI\EN ES lbm IN THE Trxf . 469
The nuclei 416
AU[)ITION,\L BII:\L!o(;rC-\PIIY CONCERNING
The concentric and incl!fconneninf/ corrice, .. 416
THe S..\MPLES DESCRIBED 470
The larBe ,'o/llmes oj'plasma .. 416
The small "olumes ,!{plasma .... ,. 417
GLOSSARY 4·73
DISCUSSION 417
INDEX 479

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 495

TABLE OF CONTENTS
xv
 Introduction

Il I" .\\ 11\1 11' 'I I H. \ is not a science in and analogy with perrogwphy, the term used when studying

M of itself, but rather a research tool, a

method for studying undisturbed samples
of soils and of weathered rocks "vit.h the
help of microscopic or, eventuaUy, submicroscopic
techniques. The micromorphological approach allows
the unweathered rocks of magmatic, metamorphic or
sedimentary origin that form the geolOgical bedrock.

Micromorphology, which is J laboratory tech·

one to compare the textures and the stnlCtures that
successively modify each other along a profile and in a
landscape, to characterize textural ~sociations. to
identify the mineralogical constituents (skeleton,
plasma. nodules, ere.) and the associated pore·
volwnes, and to specif)' their mutual relationships, in
space and, where possible, in time. With this tech·
nique, it is possible to identify processes responsible
for the weathering of rocks and for the genesis of soil,
and to characterize or explain some of their pecu-
liarities.
In contrast to the other technical methods for ana-
Iyzing soiJ and weathered rocks (chemical, physical and
mineralogical analyses), which are p('rformed on bulk,
crushed and homogenized sampl('s, a micromorpho·
logical analysis must be made on undisturbed (and
even, in some cas('s. on oliented) samples of soil or
weathered rock. Most of these samples are composed
of loose, /liable ancl brittle materials; it is then neces-
sary to harden t.he samples by impregnation with a syn·
thetic product before prepal-ing the thin sections.
Coloration techniques, based on the impregnation of a
colorcd product, are in some cases used for guick iden-
tiJlcation of Il1Jcroporosity and for quantification of
porI" space.
!HiCTomorphoI08/ is concerned where the purpose
of a study is to identi~· mineral constituents, to
describe qualitatively their shapes, or to study their
distribution a.nd their mutual and spatial relationships,
or to deduce the genetic aOmities existing among
them. DetaiJed quantitative study, typically involving
point-cow1ting of mineral grains, Jl1d meaSLU'ements of
sizes, volumes, d.ist.ances and orientations of the mis-
cellaneous constituents or units, is c.lUcd micromor-
phomelry. Tbe sum of these microscope-based
techniques is sometimes called ped08raphy where soils
and samples of weathered rocks art' concerned. by
l1igue, cannot be isolated from field studies of the IJlld-
scapes, of the profiles and oftheir horizons. It is an odd
technique in that it allows one, under certain condi·
tions and with certain restrictions, to resolve, at least
parth, problems raised bv pedological or oeoloaical
studi~s of superflcial mantles. It is thus a ke;, butnot
a latch-key, and definitely a complementary technique.
It is llsed after field studies and after the bulk analvses
(b\' X-ray diffraction, for example), but necess~·ily
precedes elenTon-microprobe analyses, becaus~
micromorphological ,malysi.s allows onc to determine
the kind of detailed analyses required, and to select the
points or areas that exhibit an interesting feature WOI"
thy of further study.
The Jppe<lrance and development, in alterites*
and soils, of pore space and of new textures formed
under the influence of supergene Pl'occsscs, pedoplas-
mation and pedoturbation (modifications that are inde-
pendent of features inherited from the fresh rocks).
result in the need for a new, specillc complemental'v
and indispensable terminology. This t~rminology orii-
inates from the work of scientists snldying the micro·
morphology of soils. For more details on utis
terminology, the reader should refer to the classic
work Fabric anJ Mineral Analpis oJ Soil, (Brewer 1976),
to the Glossary oJ Soil :Hicroroorpholo8Y Uongerius &
Rutherfurd 1979), and to the Haodbook Jar Soil Thin
Section Description (Bullock et al. 1985). The terminol-
ogy to be used in this study of the patterns of weather-
ing in rocks ancJ alterites will be derived partly from
this specific pedologic<ll terminology, and partly from
the tenninoJogy commonly used by geologists and pet-
rographers to descl'ibc rock structures and textures
and to identify their minel'aJogical constituents.
* ,'11 terms nagged by an astcri,k are defined in a Glossary at the
end or the hook. .
 Keeping in ITLind the general aim of objectivity,
the description and c1assillcation systems must be, a~
far as possible, independent of an)' in terpretation,
which b necessarily subjccti'·e. IF such independent
systems can be readily applied in descriptive sciences,
such as classical petrography and minel'alogy, this
necessity is much more difficult to maintain here. In
micromorphological studies of mineral and rock
weathering, one must keep in mind that the original
primary mineral and all the dCl-ived secondary prod-
ucts arc genetically linked to each other. Inheritances
are present every\\'here, and they are always subjected
to further changes: under these conditions, it seelllS
djfficu It, even irrational, to (]jsregard tlle genetic
aspect of the spatio-temporal relationships that prevail
among the observed features, whatever the scale (crys-
tal, thin section, profIle, landscape) at which these fea-
tures are observed and whatever may be their mutual
relationships.
Conseguently, where well supported by detailed
obsen'ations on a sufficient number of good thin sec-
tions, prepared from carefully sampled ;md regularly
distributed materials, according to the profiles and to
tile landscapes, micromol-phology and micromor-
phometry very often allow the researcher:
• to identify and to specif" the processes of weath-
ering involved and to a.~cenain the succes~ion of sec-
ondary minerals that developed at thi" expense of the
primary miner:Ii;
• to identify tile pedogenetic processes anJ to
visualize all the transfers of elements and all the con-
centrations (eluviiltion, illuviiltion, nodulation or con-
CTetion), and to follow the development of certain
peculiar features (porosity, pedoturbation, etc.);
• to provide concise data, 01' minerillogical or
microtextural natw-e, about the paren t ruck from
which the weatheretl horizons ;lJ1d soils formed, and
from which a good UI1weatllered sample is not always
obtainable;
• to explain the history of a prallle, a topose-
quence* and a landse-ape by adducing some data about
relative chronologies, obtained by compar,ltive study
of chemical, phy~it.-al, mineralogical anti textural analy-
ses performed on a series of profiles regularly distrib-
uted along tht' sJope of a watershed;
• to specify the degree to wh.ich the superllcial
covers anti soils are autochthonous or aIlochthonous,
and to shed light upon tht' importilnce or their internal
mocliAcations;
2
• to est.imate the extent of weathering and evolu-
tion or soils and their nuh-ient contC'nt as unwc:athered
prima.ry minerals (weatherahle mi.nerals, lithorelics);
• to eventually \'isuaIL-:e tlw supergene enrich-
ment:; or concentrations of residual or neofonlled
minerals conrailYing economically important elements
(AI, Ni, Cu, Cr, Ti, Au, etc.), tn specify the miner-
alogical structures or morphological textures in which
these elements are incorporated or concentrated, md
to give iml)ortant Jata about tile genesis and the history
of these mineral deposits, a.nd
• to identil'y the processes of evolution and degra-
dation of" building materials subjected to physical
stresses (road pavement a.nd building stones), or to
aggressive climatic C'nvirOlunents, ;lJ1c\ to pollution
phenomena (building materials ilncl historical monu-
menls), and to hring, in somt' cases, some solutiom to
the problems raised by their preservatiun and repilir.
U ltimately, micromorphological observations
allow the researcher:
I) to compare, in the rocks. in the alterites
derived from them and in the soils superposed
upon them,
the general macrostruClUres and mesostruc-
cures,
• the microstructures that are specific to each
level,
the content and the evolution of the mineral
paragenesis.
the grain size and its evolution through the
profile,
• the particular and characteristic associations of
minerals.
• the pattern of organization of the porosity and
of the pore system,
• the concentration or the migration of material
and
• its eventual deposition in receptive pore-space.
and 2) to classify the observed features according
to their origin:
petrological origin: inherited characters from
the parent rock,
• secondary origin: inherited features from the
weathered rock,
pedological origin: microtextures developed by
pedogenesis.
ATlAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERAnoN AND WEATHERING
 This partial list of the possible applications or
micromorphology of soils and weathered rocks shows
that numerous sciences and practical domains can be
ad\-anced by the use 01- optical microscopy: agronomy
and agricultural methods, geological, geochemical and
pedological cartography, exploration for mineral
resources, geography and geomorpbolog y , paleohis-
tory and paleoclimatology, ecology and environmental
study ,investigations of the resistance and durability of
materials, and the preservation of building and monu·
ment stones.
Although the main aim of this book concerns the
micromorphology of 'v eathe red minerals, it is neces-
sary to describe a.lso minerals that have been altered by
INTRODUCTION
hypogcnc processes. lvlany primary minerals, as Uley-
occw' at the base 01" the weathering prof11e, are not
lTuly primary minerals. Independently of the later
pedogenetic [)rocesses, they have commonly first been
subjected to hypogene processes that have partly or
completely replaced them by secondary minerals, of
hydrothcnna.l or metamorphic origin, for example.
Th",se seconda')' minerals are considered, by pedolo-
gists and geologi.sts ,"vho study surficial weathered coy·
ers and soils, to bt' the primary minerals of their
weathering profiles_ This coml)!ex concept \-\-,11 be
taken into account in the development of the following
chapters and .in their illustrations_ See, for example,
the chaptt'r concerning polygenetic alteromorr)hs.
3
 ~.f! 'I" I giws a nearly complete illus-

T
ill 1'1 ''1 ,,'.11"

tration 01' many features to be de~o'ibed and anaJv-zed

throughout the book: the main feature consists of an inter-

mineral network of open pores (Part I) that surrounds

partly developed alteromorphs in which denticulate rrm-

nants of clinopyroxene and a sec-onoar)' smectite-group min-

era I are dearly recogni.zahk (Part 2), The easy circulation of

percolating waters through the intermineral network is

responsible for erosion and deposition of materials and. con-

sequently, for the irregularities of its walls; it is al~o respon-

sible for the incipient degraclation of the smectite-group

mineral and for the occurrence of an external rim of coloreo

material by absolute and relathe cnrichments 01' iron ox)'-

hydroxides (Part 3), For a more detailed explanation, see

photomicrograph 056,
 CHAPTER
Weathering and Alterites
11 "" 11 weathering has t\\'Cl cUflercnt but
T complementary meJllings. On the one hand,
it designates all processes involved in rhe trans-
fonnarion, the ®appearance, the appear-
ance or the persistence of rnineral ~pecics, including all
chemical reactions and all movements of elements or
of materials involved in these reactions. On thp other
band, where used as a modifier, it represents also thl:
wear.herins profile and the weac hcreJ marcrial itse Jf,
formed under the influence of a wcathering process,
and occurring be.t\veen the unweatherec! rock that
makes up t!1P basement and the soil horizons.
T he word weathering will be used solely to
designate those supergene processes responsible
for mineralogical transformations, whereas the
word a/tente will be used to designate the weath-
ered mantle that is the result of these processes.
The \·vorc! altcm!ion, in its broader meaning,
includes not onl y tJIC supergene processes of weather-
ing, but also the hypogcnc processes which, wlder
late-magmatic, I)ostmagmatic, hydrothermal or meta-
mOl-phic conditions, are respons.ible for the pOSSible
early transformation of rocb ane! mint'raJs before the
proce~~ uf weathering begin.
The International Society of Soil Science (Deh'i-
gne 1975, Stoops et al. 1979), gives the following def-
inition:
Wearheril18 refers to the partial or complete trans-
fomlation, iso\'olumctric 01- othcrwi~c, of rocks, soils
or louse seclinlcnts, accompanjed by changes in their
coklr, texture, ha.rdne~s or shape. These dlauges occur
by partial or complete disappearance of part or all uf
the original minerals, and thcir possible replacement
by a secondary crystalline or amorphous, authigenic or
partly allogenic material. The physicochemical reac-
tions responsible for weathering im-olve. on the one
I
hand. perculating or underground waters, carbon
dioxide, organic matter and various ions or colJojd~
dissolved or transported by those waters and, on the
other hand, the u}Stal structure of the transfonning
primary minerals and the ions released from them.
These processes generally tcnd to an in siw accumula-
tion of soft, porous and easily erodable material, which
is the [J)ain source of tTansported sediments. Althougb
weatl1l'ring may occur at greater depth owing to
imponant fracturing or high porosity of the rock, most
commonly it occurs near the surface or at shallow
depth, illlcJer conditions of temperature and pressure
pre\'ailing at the Earth's surfacc. There are thus impor-
tant variatiuns in the inrcnsit;' of processes related to
the type of climate or paleuclimate. The main factors
controlling the intensity or rate of reactions are: tem-
perature, amount of rainfall, efficiency of drainage,
topographic location, and also tlle texture and miner-
alogical composition of the parent material.
According to this definition, the term Il'eachering
has a meaning that covers all the processes involved in
the fonnation of weatbered mantles, but it does not
appl~' to the mantles that resuJt From these processes.
Summary
Weathering is a supergene process by which pri-
mary minerals, of magmatic, metamorphic or sed-
imentary origin, rendered unstable in the upper
part of the Earth's crust, are destroyed and
replaced by more stable secondary minerals. gen-
erally associated with a newly developed poros-
ity. The minerals formed under the supergene
conditions prevailing in tropical regions are gen-
erally hydrated or hydroxylated silicates and
oxides or hydroxides of the least mobile tri- or
tetravalent elements: AI, Fe, Ti. Mn, ere. Hydrated
or hydroxylated silicates and carbonates of diva-
lent elements (Mg. Ca) also are formed under
temperate or dry climates.
 Silicates and ox)'hydroxicle~ are not the only min-
erals to be formed in alterites and related superficial
horizons. Indeed, under particular geoc..:hf'micaJ envi-
ronments, specific mineralogical composition of the
parental material, ,U1d under 10o,1 c1ima6c or topo-
graphic conditions, various anions also may be
il1\"olwd in the reactions and fonn carbonates, sulfate.s,
nitrates, phosphates and haLdes, which will crystallize
either in the residual rocks or in the lower part.~ of the
topography.
Under more arid conditions and over metallic..:
vei.ns and orebodies, the abo\·e non-silicate secondary
minerals .:Ire very commonly formed; in fact, they can
be vcry useFul i.n prospecting and mineral exploration.
They Illay fonn insoluble and characteristic mineral
pJ.rageneses, which are maintaine.d in the weathered
mantles: mctalliferousdeposits (ofCu, Cr, Pb, ll, elc.)
commonly arc capped by such a residual mantle, rich in
carbonates, sulfates and other non-silicate minerals.
I'Jlcvlh ·rol7ility
The rate of tile Jk'mical weathering of minerals is
related to the mean annual temperature and rainfall in
the region considered. The importance of rainfall is
related mainly to the quantities 01" water iliat comc into
contact \\"ith these minerals, to the rapidity of water
renewal, and to the ionic contcnt of these waters. It is
also related to the kind of reactions occurring at dl(,
surface of the minerals. 'vVeatherillg is more rapid at
sites of excess free energy. such as crystal defects, twin
planes. open cleavages and microfracrures. The rate of
weathering of a mineral under the mean conditions of
the Ea.rth' s surface determines its weatherability.
Among the many factors that innuence the
weatherability of the pIimar} minl'rals and that, in
many cases, control the nature J.nd the micromorpho-
lOgical textures of the residue and of the neofomleci
products of \-veathering, tile most important are:
(I) The chemical composition and the nature of
Ule network of crystals: the nature of the chemical ele-
ments that compose these minerals. the crystallochem-
ical properties of the structures that host these
elements before the weaUlcl-ing processes begin, their
solubility in water, and the ahility of structural mod-
ules to be integrated within tile neofomled minerals;
the aluminum- and iron-dch silicates (e.g., staurolite,
garnet, epidote. kyanite, and many other minerals of
metamorphic origin) are generally much less weather-
able tha.n are the magnesium- and calcium-rich miner-
als thJ.t make up thl:~ common rock-forming silicates of
magmatic origin;
8 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEAAl ALTERATION AND WEATHElIJNG
(2) The presence of crystalline and chemical dis-
continuities: the occurrence, number and di..stribution
01' defects or discontinuities, such as fissures, cracb,
and cleavages, which cut the minerals and divide Ulem;
the occw-rence of stTucnu-al, chemical or mineralogical
discontinuit.ies such as rn,-in planes, chemical zonations
and inclusions.
ORDER OF WEATHERABILlTY
Crystalline and chemical discontinuities are
determining factors and are specific to each min-
eral group. The least stable minerals are invari-
ably the minerals of magmatic origin. which
formed under the more extreme conditions of
temperature and pressure. Forsterite-dominant
olivine. which is among the first-formed minerals
during the crystallization of the magmas, is among
the most weatherable silicate minerals. whereas
the minerals of the amphibole group. generally
formed under conditions of lower temperature
and pressure, are much more resistant to weath.
ering processes. That decreasing order of
weatherability, first established by Goldich
(1938), corresponds to the succession of miner-
als in the magmatic reaction series of Bowen
(1928). Bowen documented the importance of a
discontinuous series during crystallization, on the
one hand, involVing the ferromagnesian silicate
minerals olivine. orthopyroxene. c1inopyroxene,
amphibole and biotite. and, on the other hand.
the continuous crystallization of a plagioclase
feldspar, from anorthite (caJcic) to albite (sodic),
and finally the appearance of minerals formed last
during magmatic crystallization. such as potas-
sium-rich feldspar. muscovite and quaru. These
last·formed mlneJ-als are also the minerals that.
under near-surface conditions. are the last ones
to be weathered.
The decreasing order of wcathcrability also
renect~ important differences in the structural lj-ame-
work of these minerals. A ferromagnesia.n orthosilicate
like olivine, which is built of isolated tetrahedra, is the
first mineral to be weathered, whereas Ule Single-chain
silicates (pyroxcnes) and double-chain silicates (amphi-
boles) arc weathered later. A framework silicate like
plagioclase will be more or less quickly weathered
according to the proportion of AI-O and Si-O bonds in
the frame,,'-ork. The compensation of charges resulting
from these substitutions involves the introduction, in
the available spaces, of the mono- and divalent cations
Na + anJ Ca2+. Crystals of the more a.luminum-rich
calcic plagioclase are more easily weathered than a.re
crystals of the less a.lum.inwn-lich sod.ic plagioclase.
The sheet silicates (e.s., biotite and phlogopite) exhibit
a wider range of weatherability; Ulese minerals may be
weathered at the same time as c1inop)Toxene. This the central part of the alteromorph. is sur-
anomaly seems to be due to the more important phys- rounded by irregular margins of an aluminum-
ical vulnerability of these extensively cleaved minerals bearing smectite-group mineral (nontronite).
and to the mechanical brittleness of most of their sec- whose aluminum content cannot be explained
except by a simultaneous initiation of weathering
ondary products. Quartz, which is a fraIne\\!ork sib-
of the adjacent aluminum-bearing minerals. such
cate exdusively built of silicate tetrahedra, is among
as plagioclase and the pyroxenes.
the most resistant minerals aI1d, consequently, it has
tendency to be concentrated, in a relative way, in most
alterites and soils.

During the first stage of weathering, most primary

minerals begin to weather simultaneously, but at very
different rates, in such a way that, over the cow'se of
T he rate of chemical weathering of minerals
depends on their chemical composition. on the
time and at a certain distance from the front of weath·
chemistry of the weathering solutions. and on
ering, one or more mineral groups appear completely
the kinds of reactions taking place at mineral
weathered, whereas other groups appear unweath·
surfaces.
ered, at least at the scale of the optical microcopc. Thb
concept could account for chemical zonations in the
Weathering occurs more rapidly at sites of
composition of the secondary products.
excess free energy. such as crystal defect5. dislo-
Within the weathering product5 after cations. twin boundaries. open cleavages and
olivine, for example. the essentially magnesian microfractures.
secondary phase saponite. which is observed in

PART I: GENERAl CONCEPTS

9
 MINERAL PATTERNS

A B c D

00 I, 002
OUVINE-BEARING
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Intramineral features:
intrarnineral cracks
in olivine
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

- 0.4

- 0.2

0.0 mm

Single cryst.al of era1 protocla.stic fractures, which intramineral prot.oclastic fractures

olivine, colorless in PPL and
second-orocr bright green in X PL,
exhibits an irrcgubr and sinuous
outline. The grain is i11 contact with
smaller grains of c1inopyroxene,
and shows an incomplete rim of
pinkish orthopyroxenc. In XPL, the
rim 01' orthopyroxene, at the right
edge of the photomicrograph, is
pUl-plish blue, whereas another part
of it, at the bottom and left edges, is
uniformly colored in shades of
brown. The point of interest here is
the presence in the olivine crystal of
an extensive network of intramin-
are decorated by magnetite d,'n-
drill'S. Most of these Fractures arc
absent in the orthopyroxenc rim,
although this mineral may weIl have
formed at the expense of t.he olivine
by reaction with a basic magma.
The fractures do not continue
through the adjace.nt minerals; they
art' tTUC inrramineral Assures 01"
cracks. These fractures are genel"-
ally the pathways along which
processes of hypogcne or supergene
alteration begin in the mineral.
'Tnere' results an inegular linear or
banded patterns of alteration. The
commonly are very useful in recog-
nizing the parent mineral of the
alteromorphs as forsterite (olivine),
thanks to their curved habit, their
distribution and their coating of
ma 6'l1ctite, all features that are gen-
erally maintaiued, even within
poly-genetic alteromorphs. Here,
the sunounding mineraJs are horn-
blende, clinopy-roxene, and opague
oxide minerals. i\U are anhcdral and
finer grained tball the olivine and
orthopyroxene.

ATlAS OF MICRO~10RPHOl.OGY OF MINERAL Al TElIATION AND WEATHERING

10
 MINERAL PATTERNS

A B c D
003,004
BASALTIC ROCK
Morocco
Sampled by A. Dekayir
at rock outcrop

Intramineral features:
twinning and zonation
in augite

Objenive: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

ill' \1,<,1'1· \ , of three eube-
T draJ crystals of augite exhibits
nearly all the internal features tllat
can promote the preferential incep-
tion of the alteration processes that
may later aJIect the minerals. Under
PPL, the pyroxene crystals seem
fractured and crossed by many
intramineral cracks. The orienta-
ondary minerals arranged according
to a regular pattern of crossing
bands. Under XPL, the clinopyrox-
ene is seen to be simply twumed
according to a plane parallel to the
long a..-xis of the crystal. Secondary
products will possibly be concen-
trated along this plane, wbose ori-
entation bisects the OlieJltations of
chemical zonation of the mineral is
expressed by an optical zonation,
whose characteristic pattern is
clearly observed in the part of the
crystal that is nearly at extinction.
Not all compositions of clinopyrox.
ene are equally resistant to weather·
ing. The most weatherable zones of
each cl'vstal will be the sites of
J

tion of some cracks is strongly
related to the nearly orthogonal
cleavages of the mineral. This first
system will give rise, once the crys-
tal is partly weatllered, to sec-
the mam mtnmineral cracks. The inception of the weathering I'eac·
large crystal exhibits a cleaJ' concen- tions.
tric zonation, which corresponds to
rhythmic vaJ'iations in d1C chemical
composition of tlle crystal. The

PART I: GENERAL CONCEPTI

11
 MINERAL PATTERNS

005,006
BASALTIC ROCK
Kivu. Democratic
Republic of the Congo
Sampled at outcrop
Incramineral features:
inclusions and zoning
In phenocrysts
of augite
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

- 0.6

0.4

- 0.2

0.0 mm

phenocryst of anh"dral microphcnocr)'sts of olivine, and minute grains of an

T J

augite shows, in its core, inclu-
sions or LTyptocrystalline magmatic
material, probably trapped as melt
(later, glass that devitritkd) during
ral)id growth. Tbe marginal part of
the crystal is sCl.1:or-zoned, and each
sector displap osdUatory zoning.
Large inclusions obsuved in the
marginal part uf the phenoclyst arc
p)Toxene and olivine. Note the reg-
ular six-sided shape or the crystal,
small embayments 01' basaltic
groundmass along some of its
edges, and a few irregular intramin-
eral cracks. The basaltic ground-
mass contains small, colorlcss,
lath-shaped crystals of plagiodase,
in'eglllar grains of pyroxene and
opaque oxide phase, presumably
magnetite. All these minerals arc
embedded in a cryptocrystaJJine
basaltic groundmass, which appears
dark bro\vll in plane-polarized light
and hlack under crossed polan.

12 ATLAS Of M,CROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 MINERAL PATIERNS

A c o
007,008
METAMORPHIC
PYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop

Intramineral features:
inclusions and twinning
in hornblende

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

area with the sur- tographs show the imbricated tex- between minerals, each of eWferent
I
I

rounding YOW1ger granites, this
p),roxene-rich rock has partly
recrystallized and, W1der tllC new
geochemical conditions, new min-
erals ha ve formed. Most of tlle orig-
inal volume of the orthopjTOXenC
and clinopyroxene c:rY.5tals has been
replaced by newly formed horn-
blende, in which residues of tlle
partial.ly resorbed minerals are still
distinguishable. All these minerals
are embedded in a large, late-
formed poikiloblast, which l'Wl be
either quartz or a feldspar. The pho-
ture of the rock, in which a crystal
of green hornblende exhibits tlle
typical multiple twinning, and
residual incl usions of pinkish
orthopyroxene (C 3); the resid ua1
grains of diopside also contain many
inclusions of hornblende or actino-
lite (E4), whereas the material
enclOSing all of these minerals is a
large pOiki loblast of microcline.
Small irregular inclusions of micro-
dine also are visible within the main
crystal of hornblende. It is evident
that all these imbricated contacts
weatherability, \\ill give rise to
complicated patterns of weather-
ing. The readily weatherablc rem-
nants of orthopyroxene, for
example, \\,ill be quickly weathered
where crossed by a transmineral 605-
sure. If completely enclosed within
the much less we.ltllerable horn-
blende, the same remnants may Sl1r-
vi\'e for a long time before being
weathered in the upper part of the
alterite.

PART I-. GEN8\Al. CONCEPTS

13
 MINERAL PATTERNS
A B
illus-
trate the multipk twins
observed in feldspar-group miner-
als. The first one illustrates the
simple polysynthetic t~\;nn.ing corn·
monJ)' observed in plagioclase, here
of labradorite composition, in
whidl regular straight bands, in
shades of white, grey and black in
XPL, regularly alternate ulrough
the whole grain. [n the case here
illustrated, the twin plane.' arc not
exact!)' perpenJicu lar to the plane
of the thin section. For this reason,
14
c D
009
GABBRO
Sonora, Mexico
Sampled by F. paz
Moreno
Intramineral feawres:
parallel twins in
plagioclase
Objective: x 4
XPL
0.6
0.4
0.0 mm
010
ANORTHOSITE
Rio Grande do Sui. Brazil
Intramineral features:
complex grid twinning
in plagioclase
Objective: x 6.3
XPL
~o;
F 0.0 mm
the boundaries of the alternating [n E2 and 04, both groups are inti-
t\\·;n lamellae are not very sharp or mately combined. Such small areas
clear. The stage of the microscope with characteristic grids may "veil
is in such a position that there is extend throughout the entire
maximum contrast of extinction grains. Small inclusions of quartz
between the two distinct sets of an' in-egularl y scattered in the
polys)11thetic rwin lamellae. feldspar grain_
The second photOmicrograph
illustrates the more com[J]ex grid
twinning less commonly found in
plagioclase. Groups of pol)'s)'n-
thetic t\vins are reciprocally
arranged in sum a way as to appear
nearly perpendicular to each other.
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 MINERAL PATIERNS

A c D
011,012
LEUCITE-RICH
PHONOLlTE
Mt. Cimini, Viterbo, Italy
From the Krantz collection

IncramineraJ features:
concentric distribution
of inclusions and
complex twinning
in leucite

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

- 0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

euhedI'al (T1'5tal of In XPL. the isotropic character of rJlaces radially distributed, divide
F
1 " '.

leudte set in a rn.ierocrystalllne
silica-umlersatul'ated 0011' of
phonolitic lava. In PPL, thc color-
less crystal shows three concentric:
lines of very small inclusions of
glass, which was entrapped in the
crystal during the la,t phases of its
growth. Note that these linear
anays of inclusions are rigorously
parallel to the external faces of the
polygonal (trapezohedraJ) crystal.
this supposedly isometric crystal is the crystal into many small frag-
disturbed by the occurrence of ments; these become, in this way,
many po/ysynthetic twins. d.iversely morc easily and more rapidly
but regularly oriented through most weathered.
of the crystal. This pattern of twin-
ning, related to a phase transition
during cooling. may be considered a
charaetnistic feature of leucite
crystals, although it is observed <lJso
in some crystals of garnet. Irregular
in b'am incra I f'J-actu res, ill some

PART I: GENERAL CONCEl'TS

15
 MINERAL PATIERNS
A c
-...---. I
I" crystal of garnet
(likely almandine) i.ntergrown
with quartz and muscovite (curved
crystals with blue interferencc-col-
aI's in XPL), fl-om which it stands
out quite dearly by its high relief.
The crystal shows a distincti\'C pat-
tern of internal inclusions of quartz,
clistributed along cuned lines that
form well-developed spirals. This
so-called "helicitic" pattern is char-
acteristic of syntectonic porphyro-
blasts of garnet, and is due to
rotation of the crystal during its
16
D
growth, under the influence of tec-
tonjc stresses, with progressive
incorporation of minerals of the
surrounding groundmass. Garnet-
group minerals are isometric; the
crystal.s nonnally are isotropic and
extinct in XPL, altllOugh in some
instances they arc birefringent, and
may show zoning and twinning in a
manner similar to that shtw,rn in the
previous iUustration of leucite.
Many intramineral fractures and
cracks are randomly distributed and
Wlevenly oriented through the por-
ATlAS OF MICROMOII.PHOLOGY OF MINEAAL AlTEAATION AND WEATHERING
013,014
GARNET-BEARING
SCHIST
Southern France
Petrographic collection
of the Universite
d'Aix-Marseille III
Intramineral features:
helicitic distribution of
inclusions in a euhedral
crystal of garnet
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL
1.0
0.0 mm
phyroblast. Where these internal
defects (inclusions and cracks) are
numerous, vveatberable crystals of
garnet are )'educcd to small frag-
ments whose outlines are enhanced
by iron-ricl1 (in the case of alman-
di.ne) or manganese-rich (in the case
of spessartinc) linear and banded
deposits, wh.ich give lise to irregu-
lar septo-alteromorphs (see later,
310 and 31 I).
 MINERAL PATTERNS

A c o
015,016
BASALTIC ROCK
Ocean floor
Costa Rica Rift
Drill hole S04b. Leg 70
Sample: C. Laverne

Intramineral features:
inclusions and zoning
in plagiodase
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

- 0.6

0.4

0.2

O.Omm

T" Ill" of plagioclase

exhibits a discontinuous pattern
of compositional zoning, character-
ized by tlle development of a homo-
geneous core surrL1unded hy a lim
that exhibits rhythmic (oscillatory)
zoning. The concentric distribution
of the zones is clear!y visible in tlle
lower photomjcrograph, in XPL.
Tne variability in chemical compo-
sition of these concentric zones is
responsible for this variation of
extinction angle and interFerence
colors upon rotation of the micro-
scope stage. The homogeneoLLs core
tory variations in chemical compo-
sition will promote a concennic
distribution of the secondary prod-
of the pJagioclase phenocr)'st, in ucts, at least at the beginning of the
contra.st to its marginal parts, con- weathering process.
tains many minute iJlclusiolls of
melt (no\v glass), clearly seen only
in the upper photomicrograph.
taken in PPL. The presence of these
defects "viii promote the weatht~r­
ing of the core, especially ()nce the
glass devitriJles, whereas the ascilla-

I: GENERAL CONCEPTS
PART
17
 MINERAL PAHERNS

017,018
CALC-ALKALlNE
GRANITE
T oumodi. Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Intramineral features:
inclusions of epldote
in plagioclase
Objective: X 4
PPL and XPL

- 0.6

- 0.4

-. 02

- 0.0 mm

I I I I ohsened witJlin (greyish in PPL) by a posllllagmatic especially if the conditions of

a mineral grain arc not in all
cases ,1150 part or the SUJTowlding
matrix, as in the former examples;
inclt15inns may also develop from
the host mineral itself wldcr the
geochemical influence of a hydro.
thermal prol'l's" for example. The
central part of this plagioclasc crys-
tal (andesine) has been partly con-
"erled to a random assemblage of
epidote grains (reddish in XPL),
locally associated with irrcgubr
patches of micrucrvstalline sericite
I)rocess. This p.lrtial transformation
is due to the preferential replace-
ment of the central part of the pla-
gioclase cTystal, which is slightly
more calcic relative to it, more
sowe margin, according to the gen-
eral reaction: .i\.nclesinC' + H 20 =
Albitc + Zoisite, Where intluenceJ
by later processes of weatbering,
the epidote inclusions, whieh gen-
erally are less weatherablc: than
their host mlneral, may resist for a
long time before being weathered,
weathering arc not too drastic. Such
inclusions of cpidote may clearly be
distinguished as unweatJlerecl grains
withjn a kaolinite-rich alteronl0T[)h
formed at the expense 01' Feldspar.
Under conditions of ferrallitic
weathering, in contrast, both
feldspar and zoisite are weathered
together to gibbsik.

18 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINER.AL ALTtRATION AND WEATHERING

 MINERAL PATIERNS

A c D

019
MACROCRYSTALLlNE
ROCK
imerlayered in a basaltic
lava now
Ribeiron Preto, MG. Brazil
Sampled at outcrop

Intramineral features:
zoning in a crystal
of plagioclase
Objective: x 6.3
XPL

0.3

- 0.2

r
=--

=- 0.0
0.1

mm

020
AMPHIBOLE-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop

Zoning in crystals
of hornblende

Objective: x 4
XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

I photomicrograph presence, in the central part, of The lower photomicrograph

shows concentric zoning de\-el-
oped in a phenocryst of plagiocJa~e
(Iahradorite) whose margin is much
more sodic than its central I)al"t.
Tbis concentric distribution is
dearly expressed by the different
interference-colors exhihited by the
hvo distincti vc parts of the mineral.
The centTal part is white, whereas
the outer part is nearly at extinc-
tion. The difTerence in chemical
composition is also e.xpressed by the
isotropic material in w h.ich cr:v-
tocrystalline kaolinite developeu. In
contrast, the outer part seems
unweathered. The distribution of
the products of weathering is influ-
enced firstly by the presence of
twins (several distinct lamellae run
across the long axis of the grain)
and, s('condly, by the poorly uc\"eJ-
oped cleavage of the mineral. which
determines the incipient fonnation
of an acantho-septo-alteromorph.
shows the presence of irregular
zoning in two well-developed crys-
tals of hornblende. The presence of
zoning rt'lleas firstly the resorption
of clinopyroxene (small rellli1ants
are still observable in the centnl
part of" the grains) and secondly,
reaction with, and adaptation to,
the surrounding material, innu-
enced by silica-rich solutions during
growth of tl1e hornblende crystals.

PART I: GENEI\Al CONCEPTS

19
 MINERAL PATIERNS

A B c D
021
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 2.6 m

Intramineral features:
regular intersecting
cleavages in a crystal
of diopside

Objective: x 6.3
PPL

0.3

t
0.2

: 0.1

- 0.0 mm

022
AMPHIBOLlTE
Southwestern Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 2.8 m

Intramineral features:
,-egularly intersecting
cleavages in a crystal
of actinolite

Objective: >< 10
PPL
0.2

- 0.1

::..... 0.0 mm

photomicrograph opment of incipient weathering network of cleavages wiU provide

T
ill 1I

shows a suhhedral crystal of
cli.nopyroxene surrounded by )'el-
10"'1' vc:rmiculite and green horn-
hlenrk. Incipient weathering results
in the opening of the two c1ea\'agcs
in several places in the crystal.
Large open cracb run parallel to
the main faces of the crystal, and
two thin, nearly perpeJldicuJar sets
of intersecting clea\'ages, character-
istic of all members of the pvroxene
group, are clearly distinguished
o\'er the entire crystal. The devel-
cn~lJres the visualjzation of a third
thin c1e;l\'age, wl1ich 1'01'1115 grey
bands of various thickness OD both
sides of the large open cracks.
The lower photomicrograph
show.s a six-sided basal section of an
actinolite prism with regula.r cleav-
ages, which intersect at 56° and
12+ 0 to each other, as is character-
istic of all the minerals of the
amprubok group. When subjected
to incipient altcnltion under condi-
tions of ferrallitic weathering, the
the preferential pathway for the
replacement of the amprubole crys-
tal by secondary iron oxides and
hydroxides. At the end of the
weathering process, such a ba~al
~ect\on of a cuhedral crystal will
appear. in thin section, as a typic<ll
septo-pseudol1lOrph whose ferrugi-
nous septa arc distributed in a regu-
lar obliquely crossing pattern that
delimits regularly shaped cmpt)
I)ores.

20 ATLAS Of M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTffiATION AND WEATH,RING

 MINERAL PATIERNS

A c o
023, 024
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I 1.6 m
Intramineral features:
orthogonal cleavages
in c1inopyroxene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

I, of a euhedral
1. crystal of c1inopyroxcnc clearly
shows the pattern or orthogonal
cleavages that is typically devel-
oped. The cleavages are not ver)'
regular nor continuous throughout
the section. The number of breaks
and the internl between them
depend on many external factors,
such as tectoflic forces, and possiblY
also stresses induced during the fab-
,-ic<ltioo of the thin section. The axis of the mineral. The grain thus
crystal contains a large inclusion of remains optically qua;;i-extinct at all
phlogopite, which is probably positions upon rotation 01' the
responsible for the irregular frac- microscope stage, and the interfer-
rures that ilre superimposed on U1e ence colors are very low (First-
well-oriented cleavages of the host order grey).
mineral, The high interference-
colors normally obsen·'ecl in a sec-
tionor on
cUflopyroxene not appear
in a basal section, which is cut
nearl y pelvendicu]ar to an optic

PART I: GENEf\AL CONCEPTS

21
 MINERAL PATIERNS
A c
another cuhedra.l
H
i'
crystal of clinopyroxene
(augite), this one cut along a plane
parallel to onc of the two cleavages.
Such sections of cuheural pyroxene
do not exhibit the eight-sided shape
of the basal ~ections (as in the prel'i·
ous photographs), but they usually
are diamond-shaped, or they
exhibit a roughly rectangular shape.
DUling the early ~tage of its growth,
rhe crystal engulfed many indusiol1s
22
o
015,016
BASALTIC ROCK
Kivu. eastern Democratic
Republic of Congo
Sampled at outcrop
Intramineral features:
cleavages parallel to the
plane of the thin section
in a phenocryst
of augite
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
- 0.6
0.4
- 0.2
- 0.0 mm
of matrix, originalJ y as domains or thin lincar deposits of deep-colored
basaltic liquid, which crystallized material in a basal section, appear
norma.lly once trapped. The begin- here as relati\'eJy large, pa.le-col·
ning or ferruginous wC'athering ored areas, whose size and sbape
allows the cleavage in the plane of closely c01Tespond to the opening
the ~ecti(m to be rendered visible. lw/ of the rclev:mt deavage.
staining wit.!, J reddi,h brown matc-
rial. Without this stain, the cleavage
would not have bee.n visible, being
entirely \·....ithin the thickness of the
thin section. 1'h(" I'erruginous com-
pound, which normally appears as
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERAnoN AND WEAT1-IERING
 MINERAL PATIERNS

027, 028
ACTINOLITE-RICH
AMPHIBOLlTE
Southwestern Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 1.5 m
Intramineral features:
intersecting and parallel
sets of cleavages and
transverse fractures
in actinolite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

02

0.1

0.0 mm

T'" " '.1 of the thin section, cut

in an actinolite'rich ~mphiho­
lite, shows that randomly oriented
elongate prisms of actinolite have
been cut along dil1'erent Cl)'stallo-
graphic axes, which allows observa-
tion of their d.i.fferent pattems of
cleavage, and also the d~velopm~nt
of transverse n-actures, These fea-
tures are emphasized by an incipient
weathering to iron oxyhydl'Oxides,
which (i) coat the peripheral out-
lines of the crystal by a cenb'ipetal
process originating from the inter-
connected jnterrnineraJ fissures
(Cl), (ii) penetrates the crystal
welL]ar to that ;uUs. Note that wher~
a rock is microdivided to such an
extent, it becomes friahle, and cas,
along tnnsverse fractures, with for- ily crumbles into loose sand grains
mation of residual empty pores on just like a granitic gJit, well before
both sides of a central deposit of the weathering of the rock has pro-
oxides and hydroxides (DE4), and ceeded to completion.
(iii) enhances the characteristic
cleavages of the amplubolc mine]'-
als: a set of parallel clea\'agcs (C3)
when> the crystal is cut parallel to
its Z axis, and ob1icluC intersectiJlg
cleavages (02) where cut perpen-

PART I: GENEI\A1. CONCEPTS

23
 MINERAL PATTERNS
/>.
I , , \ I 'of hombJencJe
, illllstTates the nct\vork of two
intersecting cleavages. The angles at
the intersections, 124 0 and 56°, are
typical of all members of the arnph.i-
bole- group. The regularity of that
network only appears if, as in this
case, the plane of the cut is a basal
,~ect.ion. 111 many places, the two
cleavages bave been opened by
internal movemenls, possihly as a
consequence of weathering or the
SUIToul1Jil1g rock, These newly
fonned intramineral choJlndwavs
will be preferentially followed dur-
ing the weathering process, once
this resistant mineral hegins to
24
c o
019
HORNBLENDE-RICH
ClINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Intramineral features:
intersecting cleavages
in hornblende
Objective: x 6.3
PPL
:. 0.3
:::- 0.2
cJestabiLize owing to geochemicaJ
f= 0.1
0.0 mm
fractures, its weatherability is much
diseguilibriwn in the upper' port of enhanced, because each fragment
the profile. Such an opening of tbe acts as a small grajn, arouncJ which
cleavages, related to a physical weathel"ing can proceecJ peripber-
process of weathering, is commonly a.lIy and centripetlJ1y. Nt'vertheless,
observed only within the less in Jescribing sudl an aJteromorph,
weatherable minerals, which can it will be neccessary to consider the
reach the near-surface horizons whole crystal, not each of its frag-
without having been chemically ments separately.
weathered. These open cleavages, if
COIU1ccted with the generaJ pon>
.'pace of U1e weathered rock, can be
also the sites of easy accumulation
of materials of allochthonous origin.
Where a mineral is fractured to
such an extent, either along its 0\"'11
cleavages or along transmineral
ATLAS OF MIC~OMO~PHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION ANO WEArnERJNG
 MINERAL PATIERNS

030, 03.
HORNBLENDE-RICH
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Intramineral features:
intersecting cleavages
in hornblende
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

O.3

l
0.2

0.1

:.. O.Omm

T t' 11 show
the fragmentation of a large
unwcathered crystal of hornblende
accorcling to the internal netwQI-k
of its obliquely intel'Secting cleav-
ages. The open cleavages are the
pathways for elficient translocation
of illU\'iated material, which pro-
motes the formation of coatings
along the interconnected intramin-
eral pores. Once dislocated and
subjected to internal movements,
such cleavage fragments are dis- of c1inop)Toxene which, in the
placed relative to their ncighbors, lower horizons, has weathered to a
and the fragments lose their simul- saponitic secondary product. Most
taneous extinction w1der crossed of the round black dots that are
polars, as is dearly seen in the unevenly distributed are small
lower photograph. Note that the quantities of grinding material
hornblende is not chemically trapped under the cover glass.
weathered, but physical factors
ha\'c promoted ib fragmeotatinn.
The illuviation of material is of
allochthonous origin. The strongly
weathered grains (A I, D5) consist

PART I: GENERAL CONCEPTS

25

D inant factor. Just as in the 11rst-described level of
Most soil pr()filc~ that are studied by peclologists
generally do not exceed a fel\l meters in depth and
consist of only the visible upper part of deep and thick
weathering profile~. Where developed uncler humid
tropical cond.itions, the lower portion 01" such a deep
profile is usually c1esClibed in a cursory manner onl),.
More detailcu observations perfonned on deep pro-
HIes, in the field and in the laboratory, sbow that the
deeper level is generally not homogeneous. In fact, it
can be divided into several distinct horizon,;, which are
distinguished 1T0m eadl other by important dilTerences
in thei!' fabriCS, their textures and their mineralogical
composition.
Altcl'Op]a..,mation and pede p]asmation
A first distinction can be established according to
the proportions and distribution of the volumes of par-
ent rock that have been subjected to altcroplasmatioD,
that is to say, replacement by secondary product.s.
sivdy develops in which pedoplasmation is the predom-
alteroplasm<ltion, thc level of pedoplasmation devel-
ops at tile expense of tile subjacent level, successively
follo'A'ing comparable patterns (speckJcd, linear, pl;-
nar and continuous pattems). Alveolizcd or degraded
isolated alteromorphs, large elongate patches, and ver-
tical or obliguc roof-pendants penetrate the lower
level. Ultimately) the continuous upper !e1-eI that
results from the complete disl~uption of the rock. fab-
ric..-; as ,) result of homogeni7.ation of the pedoplasma
contains isolated skeleton grains. These are the only
evidence of the original parent material.
As far .'IS completely weathered rocks arc con-
eerned, another distinction was proposed by Chatelin
(1974), main I)' on the basis of macroscopic field obser-
vations. The distinction is based on the persistence or
tile disappearance 01" the lithological textures and or the
original petrographic fabrics of the parent material.
This fundanlental concept results in tile distinction
between isalcerilcs and aJlOlcriw.\ tFig. I).

At the base of the proRle. or near the weathering

front, alteroplasmatioJl genera.1Jy follows a planar pat-
tern (lincar pattern if observed in the two dimensions A horizon
of the thin section or of the cut of a profile). This pat- soil B horizon
tern is related to the pathways of the "lveathct-ing agent C horizon
as it progresses aJong the fractures, joints, CTacb, and
all planes of weakness that di vide the homogeneous
parent rock into hard volumes 01" various sizes and
alloterite
shapes. The phase COITesponding to the parent rock is
disconLinuou", and eacJl unweathered volume is sepa-
rated and isolated from its neigh bar by a continuous
volume of weathered material. alterite

In somc circumst.ances, but less commonly, the

planar pattern can be preceded by a linear pattern
(speckled pattern in two dimensions) that corresponds isalterite
to the digitate penetTation of weathering into the par-
ent rock. The parent rock may remain continuous even
where Ule shape of the fragments has become very
irregular and cavernous.

In contrast to this first level, in which many boul-

bedrock - front of weathering
ders and blocks of UIlweatbered rock. can be preserved,
another level develops higher in the profile, above the parent rock
v\;e<lulcring front, in which the volume of alteroplasma
is continuous, <lnd cllt: p,-imary remnants are restricted
to small lithorclics and to isolated grains of slightly
weatherable or unweatherable mineraJ grains.

Above this lower level, mainly developed by FIGURE J_ Vertical distrihution of"lhe ,'Mious "'vel. and horizons
alteroplasmation (saprolite), another level progres- in , typical lat,'ribc prolll,..

26 ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEAT11ERING

The concepc oj isaherite
The term isaherice (from Greek tao~ = cgual or
similar) is only used to designate the weathered levels
in which original fabrics and !ipatial relationships
among minerals are \Vdl preserved. The concept of the
presen'ation of the original volwnes is only partlY
involved in this ddinition.
During the initial \veathcring of rocks, C\'en
where all original minerals arc weathered, primary
fabrics are generally preserved. In some cases, tbe
original volwnes also arc maintained. Each primary
mineral simply is transformed into or replaced by a
new secondary mineral, or replaced by pore space,
which has m;intained the. external shape (iso-a hero-
morphs, see later) of the original minerals and Ule spa-
tial relationships pre-existing in the parent rock.
In spite of the persistence of the residual petro-
graphic frameworks, the preservation of Ule original
volumes of the minerals is not always exactly adlie\'ed,
even though the original fabrics seem to be perfectly
maintained.
Some weathering processes result in the forma-
tion of secondary sheet silicates, such as the minerals of
the beidellite, ,~()ntmol-illon.itc, nono'otute and vernU-
culitc groups, whose mechanical behavior is different
j1'om that of the neighboring primary minera.ls anJ of
the other secondar')' plasmas. These secondary nUncr-
als may be subjected to successive swelling and shrink-
age OWing to the variation~ in the ~tate of hvdration of
tJ~e 'profile during alternating pCliods of hu'midity and
dryness. Their occurrence c.an result in the swelling of
th~ weatJlercd rock. TIlis is expressed by an actual
increase (but commonly imperceptible at the scale of
the microscope) of the volwnes initially occupied by
Ule primary minerals (m<!.so- and kaw-aheromorphs. see
later). If, in Ule rock, such minerals are not yery abun·
dant, and consegucntly, il' they are isolated From the
others, the swelling forms and opens a radial network
of transmineral or intermineral Fractures Ulat pene-
trate into or benveen the adjacent minerals. These
radially distributed fissures and Fractures may remain
open ~nd empty, or they may be filled up by yolumes
of the swelling days, which extend out beyond the
original limits of the parent-mineral grain (echino-
aheromorphs, see later).
In general, the increases in \'olwne are not pCT-
ceptible in thin section, especially if they are jsoO'opic
(equal in ule tlu'ee dimensions). Conseguenuy, the
original shape of the primary m.ineral seems to be well
preserved.. Only "'-ith a comparison of numerous, con-
cise and comparative measurements of grain sizes, in
the parent rock and in the weathered rock, could onc
PART I: GlNlRAL CONCEPTS
confirm and guantif)' Ulese modiflcatioDS in volwne.
Such accurate measurements and comparisons are per-
formed only with diflkulty.
MODIFICATIONS OF APPARENT VOLUMES
The necessary morphometric measure-
ments are made. for each mineral grain. accord-
ing to its largest apparent diameter and according
to only one of the three orthogonaJ directions. A
comparison of the lengths between the corners
of two cubes, where the volume of the second
one is double of that of the first one. shows an
increase equal to the cube roOt of 2 (= 1.26),
which corresponds to an increase of 25%. That
increase in length could be imperceptible in thin
section. Moreover. this example pertains to a
mineral that has doubled its volume during
weathering, which corresponds to a volume
increase of 100%. a value far in excess of the
increases normally associated with such transfor-
mations. This argument shows that an increase of
volume of 20%, which is undoubtedly more com-
mon in weathered minerals, will not be identified,
or even suspected. in thin section. Moreover, the
observer cannot be sure that the grain size of the
minerals, prior to weathering, is always identica.1
throughout the whole rock, and over the whole
thickness of the alterites derived from it. It must
be remembered that in a thin section, few miner-
als are cut through their equatorial section, and
that few grains can, thus, give exact grain-size
measurements.
If the volume increase results From an expansion
in only onc direction (weathering of micas to "ernu-
culite or to kaolinite, for example, \\·ith an expansion
perpendicular to the plane of cleavage of the mica),
that incrf'ase will be easily seen under the microscope
because the mineral has acguired an unusual aspect
oVl-ing to the important modification of its shape. The
unegual modification of Ule size of mineral grajns is
responsible not on.ly for imlJortant modifications of
their shapes (a square may become a rectangle, and a
circle, an ellipse), but also for the partial dislocation or
fracturing of adjacent or included minerals, with
development of nctwol·b of intram.ineral and inter-
mjnera] fissures.
Many minerals are particularly senSltlve to
such constraints. Hard but breakable minerals,
such as quartz or magnetite, may be fractured or
disjointed. Cleaved minerals, such as pyroxenes
and amphiboles, can crumble into small polyhe-
dral fragments. Minerals that are fragile owing to
the habit of the crystals, such as long prisms of
apatite or needles of actinolite, are cut up in
numerous slices and separated from their matrix.
27
 On the other hand, the vcry porous secondary
microstructures, wllich arc suppurted by a minimum
of residual material (koiio-alrcromorphs and some sepio·
alteroUlorphs), are suscTptiblc LT) .settling and c-rushing
owing to the weight of the upper part of the profile.
This is expressed by a perceptible clecrease iD the orig-
inal volumes, although a qUJ.I]titativc assessmc:nt of
such a decTcasc is made onJ)' with difficulty.
This is particularly true during the weather-
ing of rocks that contain an important percentage
of completely soluble minerals (e.g.. calcite. gyp-
sum. apatite). i.e.. those that do not leave any
residual resistant framework after their weather-
ing (koilo-a/leromorphs). The cohesion of the
alterite is maintained for a short time by the
resistant framework of the other surrounding
lInweathered components of the rock. Step by
step. these last minerals also are weathered. the
alterites settle and. finally. the residual cover only
contains a disordered arrangement of the
unweatherable minerals and the deformed sec-
ondary products. in which all traces of original
shapes and volumes have disappeared.
Some vcry porow; and alveolar allerites are
forrned by septa of gibbsite and iron oxyhydroxides
(sepw-aheromorphs, sec later). Tbese alterites are mudl
more resistant, and they are maintained uncrushed to
important thicknesses. These well -cI'ystalLized residual
frameworks (crysta/lip!asmas) arc geochemicall)' "ery
stahle, and they tend to be hardened, over time, by
allogenic accumulations of materials and by further
recrystallizJLion. Tht: rerrallitic weathering of P}TOX-
ene- and feldspar-rich rocks IJroduces alterites (in
some caM~S called "gingerhread") in which the original
mic.Tostruetures and volumes are perfectly maintained
for a long period of time through great th.ickne_~ses of
the weathering prollle.
Isalterites can be maintained, in this way, to thick-
nesses of several meters. They. arc almost alwavs
.
located, in a weathered profile, in the contact an:a
with the parent rock. Neve'-theless, this 10gicaJ super-
position is not always observed. In adcLtion to the
processes that have led to the formation of old weath-
ered horizons, now Gipping the profiles, further
weathering processes may folloll". and give:: rise to dif-
ferent mineral paragencses, less resistant or susceptj-
ble to further degradation with disappearance of the
original textures. These more recent weathering hori-
zons arc now intercalated bet\veen the unweathercd
rock, at the base of the proflle, and the early-formed
isalterite at Ule top of the profile. For example, resid·
ual isalteritic bauxjtic layers can he observed above
anoUler more or less thick and more recent layer,
mainly composed of kaolinite, in which the oliginal
28
textures are complctd)' destroyed. Isaltcritic weath-
ered ultramafic rocks arc commonJy observed above
more recently formed alloteritic levels because
drainage conditions have been modified dlLring the
deeperting of the profile. Smectite-rich argilliplasmas
of tbe holo-alteromorllhs after pyroxenes or olivine,
dCl'eloped un<1er the conditions of restricted drainage
prevailing in the recently fomlecl 10ll'er part of the
profile, are much more easil)· deformed than the crys-
ta!liplasmas of the first-formed septo-altcromorphs.
T he secondary minerals. mainly clays formed
in the deep horizons of the alterite. are not nec-
essarily stable in the upper part of the profile.
They may be transformed to or replaced by more
stable clays. oxides and hydroxides. These last
transformations and replacements are generally
accompanied by the disappearance of the textural
and micromorphological features inherited from
the primary minerals and rocks. The isalterite is
progressively replaced by an alloterite.
The con ept of alloterite
The use of the tenIl a!!occrice (From grc:ck QAAO~
= different) is resnicted to tJle I'v'eathered horizons in
which the original microstructures, inherited from the
parent material, arc no longer perceptible to the
unaided eye. The distinction betvveen isalterites and
alloterites is oflen vcry subtle because disappearance of
tJl(' petrograph.ic textures is often more apparent than
actuaJ. A typical a!loterite, as described i.n the fidd,
c,ln be identified, witb the help of the microscope, as a
true isalterite; the dlanges of COJOI'S connected WitJl
red..istrjhution or partial dissolution of some con-
stituents (especiaJly the iron oxyhydrox.ides), with the
aCCWllUlatiOll of allochthonous material (silica or cal-
cite, for example), or with the infllling of the residual
pore-space by allogeniC mateIial (manganese oxides,
for exampk), may conceal the isaltelilic character of
the material and lead to erroneous interpretations.
This may be the case for alterites derived
from basic and ultramafic I'Ocks that are weath-
ered under conditions of restricted drainage. At
the macroscopic scale. when such a profile is
described in the field. all the secondary products
after the ferromagnesian minerals are sheet sili-
cates (argi/liplasmas*) that are not easily distin-
gUished from each other. The original boundaries
between the minerals are obscu,-ed (crypto-altero-
ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATI-fERING
 morphs. see later) or very disturbed by the differ-
ential behavior of these argllliplasmas under alter-
nating conditions of humidity and dryness
(kata-alteromorplls, see later). Moreover, this
katamorphic proce.ss may be responsible for the
fonnation of an irregular network of fissures,
which can be emphasized by allochthonous
deposits of iron or manganese hydroxides. These
colored deposits may appear more clearly than
the primary textures that they cut. At the scale of
the profile, such a level can be interpreted as an
alloterite. Later detailed study, at the scale of the
thin section, will confirm the isalteritic character
of such alterites: a new secondary structure is
simply superposed on the original, but still identi-
fiable, microstructure.
True alloterites are in many cases clearly sepa-
rated from the parental material by an isalteritic bori-
)'un. Thc~ cOITespond to fades in which a new
structure is superposed upon or has destroyed tJle orig-
inal petrograph.ic structures. There is always a process
of evolution of the isalterites by plasma degradation,
internal recasting, preferential leaching, successive
concentration, late recrystallization, miscellaneous
neofonnations, ;ll1d development of new maeroporos-
it)' due to biological processes, To sum up, they are the
result of cxtt'mal processe.' that progressively modify
and destroy the previously inherited textures pre-
sen'ed within the isalterites.
A a general rule, the originaJ petrographic
textures are relatively well preserved during the
replacement of the primary minerals by sec-
ondary products (primary plasma or alteroplasma),
but they show a tendency to be obscured and
finally destroyed during further transformations
of these secondary products into a subsequent
generation of minerals (secondary plasma or pedo-
plasma). Consequently, once an isalterite is
replaced by an alloterite, the primary textures
are lost, and the identification of the parent mate-
rial becomes more and more difficult as the allo-
teritic character of the horizon becomes better
developed.
Old f..:rrallitic cO\-ers, whicb commonly hav(' out-
lived several climatic or gcomorphological nuetua-
tions, \'cry often comprise a thick layer of old
allotcrites that caps a more recent layer uf isalterites.
A systematic and detailed micromorphological snldy,
made on a serit's of closely spaced samples taken from
the whole prank, generally allo"vs one (a) to ohserve,
PAJlT I: GENERAl. CONCEPTS
step by step, the evolution of these successivE' textural
transfomlations, (b) to identify, in the last steps of
ulcir evolution, t.he neal-Iy vanished traces of the orig-
inal textures, and (c) to recogni/.e some specilk and
characteristic features, kinds of sit,'llatw-cs, I)re-exist-
ing ill U1C parent rock or having appeared during the
early ."tagesor its alterabon.
The tTansfonnation from isalterite to alloterite is
generally \'ery gradual, and it occurs 1-'/(/ transibonal
horizons, \'ariably thick and irregular, Islands of
isalteritc can he maintained isolated within well-differ-
entiated alloterite, and allotcritic areas can de\'elop at
a lower level, wiUlin an apparentl~' homogeneolls
isalteritic horizon. The juxtaposition, at a large scale,
of isalteritic and alloteritic texture's may, in some
ca.ses, Je\'elop over J. thickness or se\'cralmeters, and
thick transitional horizons mav occur_
Around each textural unit enclosed within
other textural units are developed, at a smaller
scale, intennediate textures whose detailed study
often leads to very interesting observations.
These intermediate textures surround each well-
differentiated unit over an interval of variable
thickness, depending upon the extent of the nat-
ural processes and also upon the orientation of
the plane of the profile front in relation to the
orientation of the transformation concerned.
These remarks also apply to another transitional
horizon, situated lower in the profile, which cor-
responds to the weathering front of the rock.
Weathering can develop through a certain thick-
ness before all weatherable minerals have com-
pletely disappeared.
An uplK'r Ic\'CI of alterite that lies upon anot.her
weathered material of dirferent petrographic origin
cannot be considered as an alloterite relative to the
lower level. In this else, the parent rocks arc different,
il.llll the abrupt changes or miCTostTUc.tures observed in
the pro!ile arc the result or changes in the natw-e of the
parent rock. In the same way, hybrid profiles are
de\'eloped along a geological or petrographic contact
im·oh.ing, for example, \'olcanic ash accumulated on a
basa Itic la\'a flow, gneiss or micaceous schist in contact
with granites, subhorizontal diabasic or gabbroic sheets
within an ultramaflc intrusion, textural alternatiOlls in
a sedimentary series, or mineralogical alternations in a
metamorphic seguence.
T he distinction between isalterites and aJlo-
terites, at the macroscopic scale of the profile, is
subtle, and can give rise to erroneous interpreta-
29
 tions. Nevertheless, it can be useful in summary
descriptions of the weathering profiles and in
subdividing into a few coherent entities a com-
plex or heterogeneous profile. Whatever the
complexity of the profile, a clear distinction is
possible only after detailed micromorphological
study of the whole profile. The rate of the trans-
formations is slow, and the primary and sec-
ondary textures are obscured or expressed only
very gradually. It will be difficult, under these con-
ditions, to establish with accuracy the boundaries
between the two different types of alterite.
Th . concerl oJ is(lvo/ume
The distinction between isovolumNric and non-
isovolumet,ic alterites is significant and interesting
(Fig. 2). If transfonnations and replacements are made
at constant volume, the unit of volume can be used as
a basis, togeuler with the apparent density and bulk
chemical composition, to calrulate the geochemical
mass-balance. Tllis calculation allows quantitative and
exact est.imations of gains and losses of material
recorded in the different horizons of the profile in rela-
tion to the extent of their weathering and relative to
the parent-rock, The isol'OJume concepr was introduced
and used for the first time in 1955 bv/ G. tvlillot and M.
Bonifas in a study of the processes of lateJitization and
bauxitization of some rocks of Guinea in Western
Africa.
I f the results of chemical analyses, obtained from
samples of an unweathered rock and the prod-
ucts of its weathering, are directly compared,
quantitative information is not obtained concern-
ing the true mechanisms involved during the
weathering. The comparison only involves weight
proportions in rocks and alterltes that have very
different densities. In fact, unequal volumes of
material are being compared (Fig. 2).
The geochemical balances established according to
the isovolume method are calculated by combining the
results of the hulk chem.ic,.1 analyses with the results of
measurements of tlle apparent denSity of the analyzed
samples. This method requires special care when the
specimens Me sampled in the field and when they are
later divided, in the laboratory, into three distinct but
necessarily identical fragments to be used as follows:
the first one I'or the preparation of the tnin section, the
30
A: parental rock P.R. (d ~ 3)
I analysis on
1 9 ~ '13 cm 3
~ VI
B: weathered rock W,R. (d ~ 1)
analysis on
1 9 ~ 1 cm'
~ V2
1 cm 3 ~ 1 9
3 molar units on P.R, ~ 1 molar unit on W.R.
1 molar unit on P.R, ~ 1/3 molar unil on W.R,
FIGI1RE 2. THe CONCEI"r or ISOVOLU,\\.E, -n,e ch~mic,,1 composi.
tion of an unwi:aLhereJ parental rock (P. R,), ",hose densitl'
1l3S been arbitrarily sel "qual to 3, is made on I g of pnh-",:,
iled material, which corresponds, cxpre5'cd in tenns of \'01·
ume. l(l 1/3 cm!. The chemical composition of the pl'OducL
01" weathering of ~hi, same rock (W. R.), whose apparenL den-
sit)' has been :Lrbitrarilv set equal to 1, i-, also made on 1 g of
p\lh::rilt'd material, which corrc.lponds to 1 cm·~. E"pres,sed
in terms of \'olumc.<, the compositions at constant weights of
material show thaL the- analysis "f Lhe alreriLe hoS been~ made
on. \'olume three time, larger than the volume 01" the fresh
rock. It is then nccessar;' to multiply by 3 the dat.l concern·
ing the fresh rock, or to JI\;d(, by 3 the data concerning the
"'"athcr"d rock, in ord"r Lo get results thaL can really be
compared.
second one for the bulk chemical analYSiS, and the third
one ror the measurement of apparent density.
The term alloterire is not synonymous with
aUochthonous alterite, but WiUl alt~lite 'that has lost
some microstructural characteristics. It may be tempt-
ing to apply the isovolumc concept to U1e aJloterites
whose autochthonous origin is obvious. It is not
because tlle original microstructures have disappeared
that weathering ha~ developed without preservation or
the original volumes, and that ful-ther transformations
have brought such major modifications that any
attempt to calculate a mass balance could not be made.
By this method, extended to the autochthonous alIa-
terites, it is often possible to identify and to quantify
transfers of material (SiO h AI,O;, Fe,O" CaO. etc.),
which are not nece$saril)' eA-pressed by spectacular
readjustments of the mineral contents, such as they
may appear in thin section or by X-ray diffraction.
Whatever may be the argument.>, the application of the
isovolume concept to horizons that are not strictly
isalteritic seems, in most cases, as valuable as chemical
mass-bala.nces made assuming of constant aluminum,
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
constant tit.m.ium, constant zircon.ium or constant
quartz, for example.
The isovolume concept can be applied and the
geochemical mass-balances can be estimated only
where several conditions are satisfied simultane-
ously. It is necessary that the isalteritic character
of the material be confirmed in thin section, and
that the parent rock has been sampled: the
genetic link between the alterite and its parent
rock must be demonstrated. The sampling must
be carefully done: identity among the pieces of a
sample that are to be used separately for chemi-
cal analysis, for measurement of the apparent
density and for the preparation of the corre-
sponding thin section must be carefully evaluated.
Relati,,'c and ubso/ule accumuJali()n~
The concept of relative and absolute accumula-
tions of materials. introduced ~y D'Hoore (1954), is
very useful to describe the m icro- and macrolllorpho-
logical features of samples and horizons and to inter-
pret the "ariations of their chemical or rnincl'alogical
contcnt$.
The doma.ins affected primarily by either
processes of relative or ahsolute accumulation (Fig. 3)
are differently distributed ,vithin profiles and along
toposequences. At a large scale, processes of relati"c
accumulation mainly operate in the upper parts,
,vhereas processes of absolute accumulation generally
operate in the lower parts or tht' tnposequences.
Ne\'(~rtheless, detailed study of the promes and of the
toposequences shows that the distribution, at a smaller
scale, can be much more complex and imhricated (see
later),
Re!aci~'e accumulation concerns all materials (chem-
ical elements or minerals) that are- concentrated in .iiw
b,- concomitant losses of the other chemical or miner-
alogical constituents of the rock dW'ing its weathering.
In general, the most easily concentrated elements are
the least soluble oneS (AJ, Fe, Ti, etc.), that ['arm the
most stahle secondary minerals. such as gibbsite,
goethite and anatase. whereas the most concentrated
minerals arc the less weatherable one, (c.g., quartz,
zircon, metamorphic minera Is).
PAl\TI::~~
tlbso!ute accumu!acion can involve practically all tbe
chemical clement$, but the moderately mobile ele-
ments (Si, Fe, Ca, Mg, Mn) are the most easily con-
centrated in the lower parts of a profile or of a
landscape. There, they can crystallize as secondary
minerals such as guartz, goc.thite, calcite, gypsum, or a
smectite-group mineral. Absolute concentrations of
detrital minerals (mainly unweatherable minerals,
such as guartz, zircun and many other heavy minerals)
are common Iy recorded in the lowest parts of the
tOI)osecluences.
THE BEHAVIOR OF ELEMENTS
DURING WEATHERING
Depending on the conditions to which silica
is subjected, it may be either relatively concen-
trated in or exported from the weathered rock.
Silica can be relatively concentrated either as
primary residual quartz, or as resistant primary
silicates (e.g., epidote, zircon, garnet, serpentine),
or as in situ secondary minerals (smectitic clays
and kaolinite). In the other cases, it is leached
away. The behavior of magnesium largely depends
upon the conditions of drainage at the site of
weathering. Under conditions of restricted
drainage, magnesium normally enters the neo-
formed smectite-group minerals. but only on a
temporary basis. When the conditions of
drainage are modified and where leaching
becomes important, the smectite-group minel-als
are degraded, and magnesium is leached away.
Under ferrallitic conditions, magnesium is lost
simultaneously with elements such as the alkalis
and alkaline earths.
Re]ati,'e accumulation takes place dUI-ing the first
stages of \yeathcring, at which time an important frac-
tion of the elements is .leached; the relatively accumu-
lated elements are generally concentrated in the
isalteritic part of the profile, and become the main
constituents or most alteromorphs. Relative accumula-
tion is in many cases related to the isovo]umctrk trans-
formation of minerals and rocks. but there are many
exceptions to this rule.
Relative accumulation. by virtue of important
lossesor the other elements. leads to the fOJ1TIatiun of
highly porous secondary structures. especially VI'here
the secondary minerals are oxides or hydroxides or Al
and Fe, which generally form porous and mechanically
resistant septo-aJteromorphs. The resulting volumes
arc not diFferent h'om the original volumes. and the
weathering is considered jsaltcritic.
31
 Absolute accumulation Colluvium

.. ..
Gbs Gt Gbs+Gt (Otz)
CJ Relative accumulation CJ Alterite

1 1 1 Otz1 , Gbs Gt pt+Kln Otz

PI
, 1 1
Px Bt IM
r
Exported elements Bedrock

PI Px Bt Otz
, , , Otz
Kin Gt KlntSmt

, , , 1
IM Smt Vrm ,
Kln+(Mgt
, Otz
Smt Smt

PI Otz
Px Bt , 1 , f
IM (Vrm)

PI Otz
Px Bt

FIGURE 3. Schemaric distrihution of "l:-c-umulations and In,s.:, nf

element;; in a loposcqu<:nce in laterile Jevclopcd from the
weathering of <l par~m rock cOTIlf'osed of plagioclasc (PI),
pvroxenc tl>x), hiot-ite (Ut) and quartz (QI7.). These mincr.lL.
a;'c replaced by sccombr:v products: gibbsitc (Gbs), goethite
(Gt), isotropic material (IM), kaolinlte (Kin), a sm~ctire­
group mineral (SOlt). magncl·itl' (Mgt) and vcrmiculite
(Vml)

Relath'e accumubtion can play a role not only in
the lower part of the weathered zone of a profile, but
also at higher le~'els, where the early-formerl scc-
ondary products are degraded and transforrned into
secondary products of a second generation (meta-
aheromorphs. see later). These are more stable minerals
under the new geochemical conditions prevailing in
the upper part of the profile.
Absolute accumulation leach to increases in con·
tent of chemical elements or minerals fly migration and
deposition of mJterial coming from other parts of the
profiles or topo~equences. This material Jppears as
inllllings. either \\ithin the porous structures or the
alteromorphs, or in the open macroporcs due to cracks
and fractures opened through the parent material. All
this pore space provides suitable sites for absolute
accumulations of a]]ochthonous material.
The acculllulation of material in an absolute man-
ner is not necessarily expressed by an increase. ill vol-
ume of the receiving structures, because it results in
the inhlLing of its inner pore-space. Consequently, this
increase of material without increase of volume is
expressed by a perceptible increase or its apparent den-
sity. Materials that are accumulated as a result of
absolute accumuJatioD are often distinctly visible and
recognizable in thin section: they arc infilling materials
within early-formed pore-space, from which they are
easily distinguished either by their mineralogical
nature, or by their crystallinity, or by their calors,
shapes, arrangements, orientations and VariOIL'i other
charactl'Tistics. In the case of infiILing of a porous
alteromorph, or "poro ·'.alremmorph, the resulting entity
is a cumlllo-alreromorph (Sl,"C later).
The absolute accumulation of an element
within an unstable secondary mineral may induce
mineralogical or chemical modifications that may
be imperceptible in thin section. For example, the
transmil1eral transfer of aluminum from the weath-
ering of adjacent primary minerals may result in
the mineralogical modification of the smectitic
secondary clays formed after olivine. This modifi-
cation. from AI.poor saponite to AI-rich non-
tronite, generally unsuspected under the
polariZing microscope, can be detected only with
the help of ultramicroscopic methods of analysis.
In this case. the microscale transfer of AI corre-
sponds quite well to an absolute. but microscale.

32 ATL"'S Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAl AlTERATION AND WEATHERING

 process of accumulation. As such. it will modify
neither the bulk chemical composition nor the
bulk density of the observed sample.
At the scale of the sample, and moreover at the
scale of the horizon, this process of accumulation does
not enter into account because it corresponds to local
transfer, over very short distanct's. of elements
between neigh boring minerals or aJtcromorphs. The
predominant process remains onc of relati\'e accumu-
lation. which prevailed dUring the \veathering of the
l"Ock and of its mineral components.
On the other hand, some elements that are accu-
mulated according to an absolute process may appear
to result from true absolute accumulations if the accu-
mulated chemical element< come from beyond the
horizon or even from beyond the pmi'i.le. Absolute
accumulations of siliC<1, introduced from the upper
part of the landscape, may inyade lower porous hori-
zons consisting of gibbsite-bearing septo-alteromorl)hs
that formed dw-ing an earlier step of relative accumu-
lation. This intlLL\: may tTansform them into kaolinite-
hearing meca-aheromorphs (see later).
In the upper part of J toposeguence, a horizon of
absolute accumulation generall)' lies ulJon an horizon
of lo\\-er relative accumulation owing to downward
microtransfers of minimally soluble elements (re. AI).
This induces, in the long run, the formation of hdrd
iron-rich or bauxitic crusts, whose residual pore-space
is progressi\'ely infilled by newly recrystallized mdter-
iaJ, and whose apparent and O'ue densities are come-
guen tI ~ increased.
In contrast, in the lower pa.rts of a toposeguence,
absolute accumulations of elements generall~' tend to
foLlow the mo\cments of water along the weathering
front, to participate in the formation of the weathering
products, and to rapidly infill the residual pore-space
of t.I1eir alteromorphs. In this case, the level of absolute
accumu.lation is the base of the profile, e\'eo extending
into the cracks penetTating the unweathered rock. The
accumulated elements in the' IO\\Tr parts 01' the land-
scape are, for the most part. the elements that were
exported from the upper parts of the landscape.
Depending on the available anions, on their solubility.
and on the dominant role played by one of the main
constituents, absolute accumulations of si.lic-a, of car-
bonates and sulfates, and of Qx~'hydroxides of Mn may
form.
In the middle part of the toposeguence, the distri-
bution of the rt'.Iative\y- and absolutely, accumulated
materials is related to the solubility of the elements in
PART I: GENERAL CONCEPTS
water. The upper part of the prallk may be character-
ized by slow, \enical, absolute accumulations of less
soluble elements. whereas its lower pan may be
inyaded by lateral transfers and absolute accumulations
or more soluble elements.
transfer of elements in solution. their
gradual concentration, and their later redeposi-
tion in the lower part of a profile or of a topo-
sequence. correspond to chemical accumulative
transfers (or migrations) of elements. These
chemical elements were leached (absolute remova0
from the rocks undergoing weathering. and are
transported and redeposited (absolute accum-
ulation) within the pore space of the receiving
material.
Depending on the clistances o\'er \,vhich these ele-
ments were tTansported, s('\'eral scales of transfer can
be distingu ished:
• nano- (intra) tranjers (inrra: wirhin the boundaries
of the original crystal),
• m;cro- (uan.') (rafJSF~n (Irans: throl/sh the bound-
aries of adjacl>nt crystals), and
• Uleso-, maero- and meaa- (inter) cransfers (inrer:
alono the intermineral network of fissures passing
berw~n minerals or alteromOI"phs); the prefix is added
according to the .,-calc or to the JislQnces O\'lT v,,'hich the
transfer is observed (mineral, sample, profile or
toposequence). It is not related to the quantities of
material transferred.
Note: The term transfer. used in some
cases, does not seem to be a very suitable term
because it is already composed from the root
trans (from the Latin trans, through. and from the
Latin transitive verb ferre: to carry). The term
could be used only for the transcrystalline trans-
fers. The term migration. derived from an in-
"trans"-itive verb. seems to be more suitable.
Ahso.lute accumulation is not onh· the result of
migrJ.tions of chemical elements carried as soJutions,
but also the r<:sult of deposits of detrital material car-
lied in suspension (purriclc or plasma transfers) by waters
circulating in the maCTopores. These are generally
depOSits (illul'ial CUlQns*, argillans*, .ferri-ar8i1lan,.*) of
clay minerals, in some cases depOSits of \"t':ry hne par-
ticles 01" quartz or oxyhydroxides or iron (skelewns*.
33
 Ierrans*). These deposits are generally ,,veil oriented by
gl<l\-it)· or by CdpiJJarity i.n the macropores. C0IlSC-
quently, t11Cy can easily be cLstinguished from the
alteroplasma formed in sitll and from the residual
material.
T he process of relative accumulation accompa-
nies the weathering process and leads to an In s;cu
concentration of insoluble elements or minerals
by concomitant losses of the more soluble con-
34
stituents. These losses of elements generally lead
to the formation of an important network of
residual pore-space.
T he process of absolute accumulation is a later
one that leads to allogenic concentrations of
more soluble material or particles invading the
lower parts of the landscapes. infilling the early-
formed residual pore-space, and possibly involv-
ing neoformation of minerals. It leads to a
decrease of the residual porOSity.
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 CHAPTER
Sampling
IN THE PROHLL
J I. 'If" 1/1 ,in the weathered horizons and
T in the soils, the successioo of textures and of
volumes, to dis,?"iminate pre-exisring inher-
ited structures Irom newly developed ones,
and to establish the geochemical mass-balances among
its different parts, it is necessary to study the profile
from base to top.
The first sample to be sw died is the deepest
one: it is the fresh. unweathered rock, which
must necessarily be the parent material of the
weathered profile. It is an indispensable and irre-
placeable point of reference.
The different levels in the profile represent the
different stages through which the rock has passed
from the initial W1weathered state to the ultimate one,
in wh.ich aU the inherited primary srruttures have dis-
appeared. This evolution is slow. In studying a weath-
ered profile, it must be kept in mind that the upper
levels are much older than are the lower levels, near
the parent rock. Consequently, climatic and topo-
graphic changes may have occurred, and may have pro-
gressively modified the process of weathering during
that long evolution. But it must also be kept in mind
tllat the profiles, even the oldest ones, are in continu-
ous evolution, and that recently acquired features may
have been superposed upon the old ones, or may have
modified or even replaced them.
The mineralogical evolution, which starts from
the rock and is continued into the upper part of the
alterite, is tllen obsen'ed in its real sequence over a
time scale whose duration is only poorly and relativel y
speCified. A static study, made at a given moment or
the history of the proflle, allows recognition of this
evolution in the course of time if, in tlle profile. tlle
di.fferent stages of alteration are superposed upon each
other, each level representing a more evolved stage
than tlle level immediately below. Nevertheless, it
must be kept in mind that these levels are subject to
dynamic and ever-evolving processes. Thus the very
2
evolved horizons, wh.ich are located today in the upper
parts of tlle profile, have probably shown, in tllC past,
mineralOgical and morphological characteristics com-
parable to those now observed in the lowest part of the
profile.
T his reasoning implies that all the evolutionary
steps observed today are synchronous. and that
one must go further and further back in time
gradually as upper levels are considered, in order
to infer the original evolution of the observed
horizon. In other words. it is necessary to think
and to work according to a fourth dimension.
The macroscopic study of a weathering profile
does not allow precise defmition of the boundaries
between the \-arious horizons that compose it, espe-
cially where these profiles are sampled \'\-'ithin deep and
c1ark pits. Thc profile is generally seen as an alternating
superposition of well-differentiated horizons separated
by rransitional horizons that exhibit intermediate fea-
tures. It is tllen very tempting to take samples only in
the characteristic horizons, and to omit sampLing the
intermediate levels. Subsec/uent micromol-phological
study of tllese well-characterized samples would show,
in this case, only the initial and final steps of these par-
tial evolutions, anc1 would give little information about
the details of these evolutions.
ConSeqUentlY. it is necessary to take samples
from the transitional horizons. which are the
most suitable ones to yield information about the
mineralogical and microtextural transformations.
In general. samples can be systematically taken at
an interval of 20 or 25 cm. in order to avoid acci-
dentally missing an interesting horizon. It will be
always possible. during later examination in the
laboratory. to disregard the samples that are too
similar to the adjacent ones.
 The samples arc taken as undisturbed prismatic
monoliths, 01' I'ariable size, ,md they must be carefully
extracted and manipulated, According tu their hard-
ness and tu t!le compactness of the weathered rock, the-
sample" are eXlractt'd by digging four tracks around
the selected I'olume with a knife, a plane-edged ham-
In"r or a chiseL The sample, once l"xtracted, is later
II'Tappec-l in pal)cr or curton for protection, ,\Ild is
enclnscd in a plastic bag to m"intain it.~ humidity,
Finally, it is scaled with adhesilT tal)C, The primlatic
shape'and thc constant dimensions of the sample;; facil-
itate their ordered packing dlld transport, SampJing
,md transport arc in some C<LSC, made easier lIsing rec-
tangular metallic boxes, from 5 to 10 on dcep. with
one or two remol'able cOI'ers. that are progrcssi,·ely
pushed forward into the horizon, penetrating along its
I'our edges, This last method of' sampling is practical
and prol'ides good protection of rile samples dLlling
their nansport, In contrast, the ('xtradion 01' the sam-
ples out their boxes is often dilficult jf the boxes can-
not be c1ism,u1t!cc!, The l'oJume of the sample must be
related to d1e heten)(JenE'ity 01' thL' material. to the
'" ,
number of thin sections to he made ,'rom it, dnd to the
number of Jnalvses or measurements (X-ray diffrac-
lion, chemical anah'ses and measurements of ;)PIJarcnt
demit)')
,
to be mad~ in order to applv. the isovolumct-
ric reference-Frame.
If the weight of the samples is not a limiting
factor. it is better to prepare large monoliths of
weathered samples, In this manner, if the mono-
lith is accidently broken during its transport, it is
probable that pieces of sufficient volume will be
available upon unpacking, Monoliths that are too
small will probably be reduced inro many useless
pieces of insufficient size,
[n some circumstances, it will be useful to orient
the samples in the profile hefore their extraction, In
most cases, it will be sufJIdent to mark the top of the
s-ample, because u1e other directions arc not I'ery crit-
ical. In some special cases, such a.s in the proximity of
I'eins, fractures, and other geological or petrographic
I'eatures, it \\ill he useful to note some orientations and
distances related to theSt: fearures, This can be Kcom·
plished with the help or phutos or drowings cleor!y
showing U1t: nature, the directions of these features
and the distances ol which the successi I't' samples were
tokcn. The same precautions must be taken in saml)ling
the concentric weathered shells that surround boulders
of unweathered rocks: each shell should he numbered
separotcJy and, where possible, also oriented rclati\'(:
to tbe centTal boulder (ahol'e or hdoll' the boulder).
36
The srudy 0[' a prollle, i,solated from its geomor-
phological context, supplies vcry fragmental),' infor·
mation only, The distTibution of the horizons. u1eir
thickness, their cht'mical and mineralogical composi-
lions, and their micromorphoJogical characteristics arc
moditle.d not onl)' in the time scale, \\ithin the profile,
but also in the space ,scale, Iyith occurrences of lateral
mudifications along the slopes of the landscapes.
f\ccording to the local climatic, topugraphic i1/ld geo-
logical condition,s, weathering and pcdogclldic
processes may cxhibit important lateral variations
which, m01'eOl'er, ma)' h,lI'e been modilled according
to the age of the I'ariolls topogrophic ICI'els that are
stacked '1long the toposequences,
A good interpretation of these processes
and of their origin will only be possible after a
detailed and comparative swdy of several com-
plete and graduated profiles. regularly distributed
along <l slope which is, itself. selected according to
its representativity in the whole landscape, In
other words. the true weathering profile to be
swdied is not only a vertical profile. but it is
mainly a subhorizontaJ one delimited by me
superficial topography (pedological horizons)
above and the weathering front (incipient weath-
ering) below,
Consequently, the sampling mllst be systematic.
In a section of the slope, the samples must be distrib·
uted <l,cording to a regular I'ertical grid, with a high
cknsit)' of sampling in the vertical direction. Each ver-
tical line, which is representative of a protlle. a pit or
a hore-hole, mu~t be located according to the 10c,11
charactcri;;t:ics of the . d ope, the \ariation~ of the plant
cover. the den..sit} of the drainage net\I'ork, anJ the
geoJogical or petrographic variations. According to the
length or the slope and to its panicular characteri;;tics,
a mean toposequcnce is formed of a catena of five to
fifteen profiles separated from each other by variable
distances,
Because natural processes. such as transfer
and accumulation. generally act by gravity and are
directed down the slope. it is better to begin the
micromorphological study of a toposequence by
studying the topographically highest profile, One
then proceeds to the lowest profile and. later.
back up the slope for a new micromorphological
study. reserved this time for an inventory of the
stages of weathering and for an identification of
their successive inheritances,
ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINoRAL ALToRATION AND WEATHmlNG
 The detailed stud)' of aLl these lopo,equl"ntiall~'
arrangl"d profiles provides C'xcellenl insight into the
natural phenomena. whose nature, chronology.
mutual influences and inheritances are better as,essed
in t.he space and t.ime scales t.han in an extremely
detailed stud)1 of an isolated profile, To be convinced
of Ulis. it is informative to read the works or
BocquiC'r
(1973) abollt Tchad, or Boulet (1974) about Burkina,
French Gu)'ana and Brazil. or Ddvigne (1965) about
c.')tc (I' h'oire, and of Nahun ( 1976) about Senegal and
Mauritania,
At the scale of the landscape, the observations can
hI' more complicated. Indeed, it appears that two per-
pendicular toposequcncc,. the first onc along the main
slope of the interfluvial crest, the second onc alona the
shortest slope, are CJuite common./)' HT)' difference-The
first toposcCJucnce displays in space tlw mineralogical
transformations and the texlural modifications, In con-
tl'ast, the second toposequcnce condenses them by
overlapping ami telescoping, \\'ith eventual suppres-
sion of horizon, or prol1les that are \\·ell developed in
the main toposequence.
ConSeqUentlY. the study of the alterites and
of the soils of a well-specified and homogeneous
area. from the climatic. geological. and anthropic
points of view, must be made in the three dimen-
sions of the landscapes, The soil scientist must
carefully choose the most interesting. the most
complete. the most characteristic and the most
representative profiles and toposequences among
all the profiles and toposequences explored in
the area, to avoid having to deal with too large a
number of samples for later studies in the labora-
tory,
Many soil scientists. geologists and petrographers
study only a few samples, often completely isolaterl
from their geomorphological or 'h'uctural contexts.
with the aim of quickJy ootaining new observations and
interesting data to be' briefl~' de~cribed in short I)apers
or posters. For tJlis reason, obsen'atiuns and ana./ ,"st'S
arc. commonly only made al the flanoscak (c'B', ;1",(-
PAP,T I: GENHlAL CONCEPTS
tron-microprobe analysis. tr.msmi:;sion and scanning
e Icctron lllicroscopy), Conseg uentl y, the mcsoscaJe
(profile, ha.nd specimen) and the microscale (optical
miLToscopy 011 thin sections) are often completely
neglected,
Onl.' of the .lims of this book is to demonstrate that
man~' nbscn'ations can he made and many expla.nations
can be obtained frnm tbe careful stud\' of thin sections
of soil.lnd rock samples correctly dishihuted along lhe
profiles and in the landscapes.' The authol' 11'111 he
happy if his book can stimulate mort' scientists to
undertake stlldies using micromorphology, at the
scales deslTibeo below. Also, he hopes to succeed in
encouraging stlldents to discover the natura./ beauty or
minerals and textw'es, often unsuspected in their sam-
ples and nul always re\'ealed at the other scales of
inl'l:,stigation.
o ne must remember that micromorphology
is only a research rool. as much In the study of
weathering as in the study of soils. It does not
necessarily provide solutions to all problems.
However. significant contributions are possible if
the results obtained by this method are carefully
compared to the data obtained from the field and
laboratory observations. It is fruitless to disre-
gard the profile and landscape data and to base all
interpretation on only the micromorphological
data resulting from isolated thin sections pre-
pared from samples taken. a[ random, during a
walk on naturally exposed profiles or outcrops.
N o result obtained in the laboratory can be
correctly explained without bearing in mind the
fundamental field-based observations, Whatever
the sample. soil. alterite or rock. it will reveal its
mystery only if it has been carefully sampled in its
geological or pedological environment- All data.
even the most sophisticated data. must be always
subjected to geological arguments. This way of
working illustrates the motto of the International
Geological Congress: "Mente et mal/eo".
37
 CrtHTER
The Systems of Pore-space
. 1111" of the optic'al microscope, one
A can distingu.ish, in a rock undergoing weath-
ering, several main types of media, charac-
terized by their porosity and by the physical
properties of the primary and secondary minerals that
compose them. These properties, mainly the porosity,
directly influence the circulation of water ill these
media, the possibilities of ionic mobility and, finally,
the real nature of the mineral transformations and neo-
formations.
Normally, these diA'erent types of media appear
successively and invariably in the same order. They are
arranged according to a double gradation in both time
and space scales. COn.';equently, they can be clearly
superposed in the various levels of the alterite at the
scale of the profile. in contrast, if the rate of weather-
ing is particularly IUgh, which leads to a certain tele-
scoping of the systems on each other, they can seern
mixed, or superposed at the scale of tlle thin section.
There are tllree main types of such systems: con-
tact microsystems, plasma microsy'stems, and systems
oJ fissures.
DHIl\,JTIOI ,
\Vater is tlle main agent of the weathering of
rocks. Its beha\ior \\ithin the various systems will be
explained below, and its inOuence 011 the different
types of weathering will be specified.
\;\feathering phenomena were attributed for many
years to free water, which percolates rapidly through
the superficial levels anu which catTies, by an arlvec-
tion process, the elements dissoh'ed in the upper part
of the landscape, eventually depositing them, by crys-
tallization, in its lower part. Water is considered to be
responsible for the differential spatial distribution of
the secondary products derived from weathering. The
systern of fissures is tlle mam factor controlling this
process of qu.ick circulation of tlle ions. ln the plasma,
and especially in the contact systems, the processes are
different because the amounts of available water are
much smaJJer and because, consequently, the proper-
3
ties and the behavior of water are difl'erent (Meunier
1980, Pedro & Delmas 1980).
Water, in a porous material, is better
retained where it occurs in small quantities, The
smaller the quantities of water, the more strongly
water tends to be retained in the smallest pores
of the material. In this way, water mobility
decreases quickly in proportion to the decreasing
size of the pores. Within the smallest pores of
the plasma system. for example, water becomes
virtually immobile, and ionic transfers result only
from slow diffusion-controlled phenomena.
In poorly advective media, the rnineraJogical
replacements invariably occur in the vicinity of less
soluble and less mobile constituents, which support
the neoformations of secondary phases. In the case of
water that moves freely tllI'ough tlle systems of fIS-
sures, the thermodynamic activity of H 2 0 is egual to
t. vVithin the plasma systems, water is more or less
bound; it moves with more difficult\" the activity of
H 2 0 is still more or less equal to I. l~ contrast, \-\-i~hin
the practicall)' anhydrous environment of the contact
systems, the activit:' of H 2 0 may decrease to such an
extent that the H 2 0 molecule is rendered unstable,
and tends to become dissociated into HT and 0 H-
ions. Under these conditions, hydroxylated but not
hydrated secondary' minerals are fomled. Their chem-
ical cornposition is closely related to tlle composition
of the original primary mineral from which tlle)' were
generated.
Where water is more abundant and more rapidly
moving in a given medium, dissolved elements are eas-
iJy removed, and less soluble elements can be com-
pJexed and removed; on I)' very insoluble ekments will
be retained within the medium.
Depending upon the quantity of water available,
very dilTerent secondary products can be formed from
tlle same primar~" minerals, If tlle available water is
 abundant ;md ir its circulation is e<lSY, all the soluble
elements (Na. K, Ca, Mg) and moderately soluble ele-
ments (mainly Si) can be leached away. le<lving in situ
only very illsolublc l'lcmcnts such <lS iron, aluminum
and titanium, which soon contrihute to the rorm<ltion
of oxides or hydroxides. The leached t'lement;; (except
rol' Na and K) can el't:ntually form carbonates or sul-
rates deposited in the lower part.s or tJ1C lancbcapes,
\\·hereas sowwn and potassium will only be concen-
trated in endorht"ic watersheds subjected to <1rid cli-
matic conditions. In this wa:-. the elements originall;·
associated within the primary minerab are dissociated.
and each group or elements is deposited separatel~•. as
in a large-scale "chromatography" (Tardy 1970), in
\ery different and distant places.
From an olivine-. pyroxene- and plagioclase-
bearing basic rock. for example, residual box-
works of iron oxyhydroxide (Fe), mixed Fe-AI
hydroxide and gibbsi1e (AI) are formed. respec-
tively. These three secondary minerals form poly-
crystalline. homogeneous and porous areas
(sepco-a/ceromorphs) without occurrence of ele-
ment exchanges between the adjacent weather-
ing minerals. No gibbsite occurs within the
alteromorphs after olivine, nor is goethite found
within the alteromorphs after plagioclase. Silica,
Ca and Mg are completely leached away. and they
can eventually be fixed in the lower parts of the
landscape. the first as a conS1iwent of kaolinite.
or of nontronite, and the elements Ca and Mg as
carbonates or sulfates. for example.
If' the available \vater is less abundant and il' its rate
of circulation is slower, the \\'catJlering process is less
aggressive, amJ only a portion of the soluble elements
is remuved.
From the basic rock of the former example.
saponitic (Mg + Si) or ferriferous (Fe + Si) sec-
ondary clays are formed at the expense of olivine.
ferriferous beidellite (Fe + AI + Si) is formed from
the pyroxenes. and montmorillonite (AI + Si) can
be formed after plagioclase. It is undoubtedly
within this poorly advective medium. in which dif-
fusion dominates, that the more important ionic
exchanges (chemical cransmineral microcrans(ers)
are observed between adjacent domains of sec-
ondary minerals. Small quantities of aluminum
enter the compOSition of the nontronite formed
at the expense of olivine. whereas the montmo-
rillonitic clays formed at the expense of plagio-
clase commonly are colored by imported iron
oxyhydroxides.
If water is sparse or dissociated. and il' its circula-
tion is of no consequence, the alteratjon occurs with-
out removal or elements. and even the more soluble
40
elements arc not leached away. Only OH· ions are
hrought into the ·,'stem. Where ravorable thermody-
r.anlic conditions arc achieved, hydroxylated mineraJs
are formed. Their chemical composition is closely
related to the composition or the precursor primary
minerals.
Following the same example. serpentine-
group minerals (Mg + Si) or cummingtonite -
anthophyllite (Mg + Fe + Si) are formed after
olivine. acrinolite - tremolite - hornblende (Ca +
Mg + AI + Fe + Si) or talc (Mg + Si) is formed
after pyroxenes, whereas mineral associations of
zoisite (Ca + AI + Si) and sericite - paragonite (Na
+ K + AJ + Si) are formed at the expense of pla-
gioclase. The element exchanges from one min-
eral to another during these replacements are
very limited, and are effecrive over very short dis-
tances only.
Contact microsystcms can operate, to a limited
extent, in the nrst stages of wcatheling. when the pri-
mary minerals are still joined and dosely bound in the
practically unweathered rock, such as can be observe.d,
at great depth, at the base of weatJlering prollles or in
CJuarries. In contrast. contact micros)'stcms commonly
operate to a greater extent in rocks subjected to
hydrothermal processes. These' s·)·stems 01' contact cor-
respond to the ~url'aces or destabilizatiol1 and to planes
of'discontinuity.
These planes or discontinuity may be eXfernal sur-
faces of the mineral grains, which are generally true
sLu-faccs, situated i.n the suture planes between adja-
cent minerals. These surfaces I'orm a continuous net-
work: only poikilitically enclosed minerals are wholly
isolated, ancl their bounding surfaces arc not connected
wid\ that network. They also may be imernal sUljac:es,
wh.ich are generally potential surfaces and ,vhich cor-
respond to planes of weakness in the crystal structure,
They are cleavage planes, tv,in planes, alignmenLs of
micro-inclusions, ere. Only a portion of these planes is
connected with the continuous network of grain
buundaries. Finally. they may be uneven surfaces,
which are true or potential surCaces. and which corre-
spond to open or closed, intTa- or transmineral
microflssurcs. They commonly exhibit a parallel or cl
crossed arrangement, and result from tectonic stresses
and from late- or post-magmatic movements.
At deep-seated levels, the rocks arc compact and
unwcathered. Theoretically, thNe is no network of
open fissures along which circulation of fluids can
operate. The plimary minerals are closely joined, and
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MIN~RAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
the suture [)!ancs are closed. The only possible cas)'
contact between \vakr molecules and the rock lies at
the margins of the veins, joints and faults that cut tbe
rocks on a large scale ;lOd O\'cr long distances. Within
an idealized small volume of ruck, the contact betwecn
v,-ater molecules and minerals is locallv.. restricted to
contacts with external or internal crvstalline defects or
discontinuities. In this environment, onl;' the ven'
slow process 01' diffusion uperates.
Where the concentration of water is very
low, conditions of instability of the water mole-
cules are reached. and the molecules are dissoci-
ated: the OH- ions are fixed and progressively
transform the anhydrous primary minerals into
hydroxylated secondary minerals. Only OH- ions
are added to the medium, in theory, and the crys-
tallochemical composition of the secondary min-
erals is closely related to the original composition
of the primary minerals from which they are gen-
erated.
p according to the conditions preYailing in this medium,
Plasma microsystems operate latET, once the more
weatherabk primary constituents begin tu be replaced
b;' !)h)dlitic plasmas or hydroxide minerals. Primary
and secondary plasmas are distinguished.
Note: The size of the secondary crystals
(kaolinite, gibbsite, goerhlte, etc.) can commonly
be much larger than the size (2 mm) usually
accepted for the definition of the "plasma"*. In
this case, the more suitable term crystalllplasma*
is to be used. If the secondary particles are
micro-sized (less than 2 mm), the term argilll-
plasma* is preferred.
Primary pI .\ma.'i
A primary plasma, or ahcroplamw (I.e., a plasma of
the Ilrst generation) consists of secondary crystalline
microparticles developed at the eXI)ensc of and within
a primary mineral whose size and volume generally arc
maintained. The dumain formed in this manner is an
a/rcromorph (sce belm\- for the best definition of' this
general term). Ollling the- nrst step of its formatiun,
the primary plasma is formed either as a thin film that
surrounds the [irimar) mineral or as a thicker rim that
surrounds a residual remnant of primar)" mineral, but
always inside its original boundaries. Once the primary
PART I: GENERAL CONCEPTS
mineral is later completely weathered, it is generally
repla('ed by an a&,OTegate of secondary minerals aswci-
ated with an interstitial pore-sl)ace whose SW11 occu-
pies the total volume of the parent mineral. The entity
resulting from this replacement exhibits an internal
texture that has in some cases been called the rninphan-
cuscpic text1JIT (Bisdom 1967a). This internal texture
and the relative proportions of solid and porous vol-
umes will be the main keys for the classification of' the
<lltcromorphs (sce Part 3).
Thr' alteroplasma is generally stable in the lo\-ver
In-cls of the weathering profile, and it remains practi-
cally unmodified as long as subsequent modifications of
the conditions of weathering do not occur. Such mod-
ifIcations may be due to the relative lowering of the
profile by processes of superficial erosion, to the thick-
ening uf the prolile by lowering of the weathering
!Tont, to c1imatk changes, and to internal moJillca-
tions of the pattern of' water circulatiun.
With increasing extent of weathering and increas-
ing volume of the residual pore-space, the abundance
of \vater is much greater, and its role, more important
than in tht' contact system considered earlier. Water is
stable even if, at the bas!:' of this level, the activity of'
HO can be Ies., than I. SecondaiV minerals vary
to the <luantities of water available, to the extent uf its
saturation with respect to secondary minerals, and to
the rate of its renewal. The neoformations arc com-
posed either of' 2: 1 clay mint'rals whuse crystaLlochem-
ical composition can still be wry close to that of the
replaced primary mineral, or of I: 1 clay minerals
whose comp,)sition is only a weak reflection or that of
the primar)' mineral, or of clJstallipla,;mas of uxyhy-
cLroxides of the least nIobilizable chemical elemenLs
such as iron, <lluminum and titanium. To this decrease
in the: COTl1I)!exity uf the secondary minerals curre-
sponds a decrease in the degree of chcmical inheritance.
vVithin such environments, in which microporos-
ity 11Ia)'S a dominant role, the wakl' is tightly bound,
its renewal is slow, and ionic tra.nsfers occur bv d.iJlu-
sion processes. Such transf't:rs operate in both direc-
tions: addition 01' water, and subtraction of the soluble
elements, \vhid] do not enter into the secondary
products.
Tht> ions that are liberated from the primary l11in-
('l'als diffuse slowl\' and migrate only over short dis-
tances before being incorporated into the ncof0n11E'd
secondary minerals. The formation of aggregates of
microcrystalline gibbsite at the expense of residual
remnants of feldspar, completely isolated in the newly
formed pore-space of the alteruIl1Ol-ph, pro\ides a
41
 good example of these intramincral migrations over
very short distances (imracr)'sralIinc nanormmferI)_
Ion,s also can participate, after their migration, in
the Fonnation of secondary minerals in adjacent altero-
morphs (uanscCvsralline microrransjers). The Formation
of aJuminous smectite-group minerals in an altero-
morph after olivine pn_)\ides a good exampk of tile
transfer ()f aluminwn, originating from the adjacent
weatJJ."red pyToxenes or feldspars, into an Jltero-
morph after a mineral tllJt uriginall),' did not contain
aluminum.
FinJlly, these elements can be trapped by tile
watn that circulates in the system of Fissures, and they
can contribute, by advecrion, to distant neofomlatiom
(imercrJ5wlline macro- or megarranifers). For example,
calcite-rich crystalliplasmas form by processes of
absolute Jccumulation in the lower parts of topo-
sequences dissolution.
The combination of the rates of (Iissolution of the
elements with their rates of leaching detel'mines the
nature and rate of the recombinations of tile ions and,
in this way, determines the nature an(l the composition
of the secondary minerals. The alteroplasma (or pri-
mary plasma) is progressively developed, a.nd it gradu-
ally replaces the primary minerals. This process is
called altaoplasmarion_
Aherop,asmatjon is a process that results in the
formation of pla.smas. either argilliplasmas or
crystalliplasmas. formed ;n situ by weathering of
primary minerals. The inherited textures are
minphantosepic* textures. The matrix that is pro-
greSSively formed is characterized by the juxtapo-
sition of primary plasma.s and provisional and
ephemeral skeleton grains made of undisplaced,
variably weatherable residues of primary miner-
als. Alteropla.smatjon is generally developed at a
constant volume and without disturbance of the
original textures, even where residual voids are
abundant. These newly formed entities, or units,
which appear at the expense of primary minerals,
are aheromorphs.
. emnJary plasmas
Secondary pla.smas develop at the expense of the
primary plasmas. They commonly correspond to pedo-
plasmas, and are plasmas of the seconcl generation.
42
In the upper part of the weatllering profile, under
the lowest hori7.0n ur the true pedological profile, the
I)rimary microstructural featun:s, ...v hich were inher-
ited rrom the parent material and which were until
now relatively well presen-ed, are modified and tend
to disappear. These ahrupt or graduaJ modifications
are produced, on the one hand, by the appearance and
tJll' development of an important and organized system
of fissures and, on tile other, by tile structural reorga-
nizations and the minera]ogial transformations that are
induced by this net\\-ork of Fissures. The sheet silicates
of the alteroplasmas arc progTessi\'el~ fractured,
c\jsplaced, degraded, incorporate-d to the matrix,
impregnated and colored by iron hydroxides. l\s their
size decreases and they are mixed into the second'll"Y
plasma, these panicles ultimately become unre-
cognizable as distinct cl')stalline units illIder the
optical micro~cope: alterol)IJsmas are replaced by
pedoplasma~ .
The combined effects of internal mo\-ements
recorded in this ell\ironment, involving displacements
of material, mineralOgical replacements, and concen-
tration, compression and srress-related processes,
result in tile rorrnation of a ~econdary plasma much
more homogeneous mineraJogically and microstruc-
turally than was the primary alteroplasma. The chemi-
cal and sn-ucturaJ inheritances are progressi\'ely and
definitively lost, The disrribution of the skeleton
grains, until nm\' consisting ot" unw~athered and undis-
pbced residual grains, is modifled. Large grains are
fractured, their fragments arc disjointed, separated,
and displaced, and the fine-sized skeletal grains thus
formed are scattered, to he finally more homoge-
neously distributed in the newly fanned seconclary
pedoplasma (matrix).
The secondary plasma is formed from tile aggre-
gat-ion of microparticles of secondary minerals, a.s in
the case of the primary plasma. However, tile material
consists of microparticles at" clay minerals and, conse-
quently, most of these plasmas al'e argilliplasmas. The
secondary pbsmJ is first de\'eloped locally, at the
expense of rhe primary pla.'ima, in tile contact areas
with the initial fissures. Jt is later !,'radually and widely
developed under the inlluence of the processes of pedo-
plaImar ion Jnd of peJorurbarioTl.
Alteroplasmas that arc rich in smectite-group
minerals and in 2: 1 clay minerals arc evidently the first
ones to be subjected to further mineralogical and
microtextural moclifications. These secondary miner-
als arc mechanicallv unstable. As such, they are easily
Cragmented 01- deformed WIder the innuence of alter-
nating conditions of humicLry and dr)'nl'ss, thev arc
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINE.RAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
easiJy cleave-cl ancl dispersed under the irtnuClll'(, of
exte;'lal mechanical factors, and they are ultimatdy
weathered to newh' formed clay minerals, or to oxy'
hydroxides. These' phases arc more srable umler the
n~w conditions or lmprowd drainage induced by the
developrrll'nt l1l'tlll' network of fissures.
Kaolinite-rich plasma.' are much less sen"iti"e tu
these modifications. The microstructures in which the
kaolinite is found can hl' deformed b)' strelching, frac·
luring or dispersion, but uleir mincralogical nature is
generall)' not modified, In spite or its microdivision,
kaolinilc will be dissolved or replaced by gihhsite only
where subjectcd to the mosl extn~llle supergene con-
ditions.
Fcrrallitic cr)·stallipL1smas. which are esscntially
composed of imn and aluminum hydroxides, are very
resistant to subsequent modifications. These minerals
form a residual framework whost' parts can be frac-
tured and mixed wilh ".lrious penoplasmas, but their
mincralog:ical constituents can remain unchanged.
even in p~'oxirnit)' of the soil sud:1Ce. \-Vilhin the hori-
zons rhat are characrerized by absolute accumulations
orinm ann aluminum in the profile, these porous box-
works can be filled up with a ncw generation of
hydroxides (cumulo-<Jheromorphs), which strl'ngthens
their frameworb and makes them less and Ie~s vulner-
able to the mechanical and chcmical processes prevail-
ing in tht: supl:'rficial horizons,
The large-.,ized particles 01' altcrolJlasma, initially
prese,'n:c1 within the- pedoplasma, can be assimilaten to
the skeleton, in the pedological sense of' the term. II'
tht'se rcsidual structures are ,'olurnillOm and ,veil pre-
served, they are lirhorelics or <Jltcrordic.i l,-\'cathered
lithorclic:s), 'depending upon the extent 01' their weath-
eriJlg (Sc.c later, in Part 4).
The pedoplasma also includes all the tran,sfern:d
plasmas, which are deposited a.s cutans b)' physical
mioration
b
into the horizons of absolute accumulation,
and which can be later presl'rved as papules in the
pedotmbed horizons. The pedoplasma first appears
and develops in the alloterilic level or the prollles, and
later bt'Comes dominant in the soil horizons.
T he conversion of the primary plasma system
to the secondary plasma system is accompanied
by mineralogical transformations. with degrada-
tion and Simplification of the chemical composi-
tion (chemical inheritances) of the secondary
constituents. The petrographic microstructures
PART I: GENERAL CONCErn
(structural inheritances) are first obscured. and
later destroyed. The skeleton. which is composed
of the fragmented. dissociated and smaller-sized
residual minerals. is gradually incorporated into
the secondary plasma and is more homoge-
neously distributed within it. This is the domain
of the alloterites and soils.
The nelHork ojJeep- eQtedJi!> ure.s
Thi~ network of nssure.s has a geological or pl:'D'o-
logical origin. It ">rim a ll1egasystrm that can extend
from the parental m::lterial at the base of the weather-
ing prollJcs, or exposed in Cjuarrie, and outcrops. to
the ulJper part of the supedicial horizons. This net-
work is inherited di/Tetl)' I'rom the geological struc-
tunes. It consislS of fracturl's, I'aults, planes or
sc.hjstosity. bending planes. and cooling fractures. lts
occurrl'n~e is independent 01' the sUI)Crflcial processes
or ,yeatlwring and predates them, -n)t:: nl'twork, or its
traces, nom1ally extends throughout the autochUlO-
nous part 01' the wl'athering profile. and ma)' even
rc.lCh rill:' soil horizons if these are developed From a
weakl)' pedoturben material.
Thl' network of this ml'gasystl'm of fissures COl11-
nwnh- is open, and thus arlc1\~'s l~asv circulation of
super'ficial water through the weathered levels to grcat
dcpths within the unweathercd rocks. This system
exhihits "aried and generally characteristic networks:
parallel, closely spacen and Jlnely an.lStomosing net-
worb in schistose and gneissic Forlllat.i,)nS, an orthog-
onal Ill' IJOlyhedral, irregularly spacen nl'lwork in
aranites and in most cndooenic
b b
rocks. a regular, com-
monlv vertical and c1o~cll' spaced nl'twork in efl'u~iv('
mag~atic rocks, dl1d para'IIe], densely spaced and orig-
inally subhorizontal nct\vol-ks in sedimentary rocks.
The thickness of the weathered horiwns is
strongly influenced bv the extent and density' of this
net\v;'l1:k of Il~sun"s a~d by its orientation and its orga-
nization. The thickest we;thered mantles are generally
devel0IJed on vertically' laye/-cJ rocks, such as strongly
inclin,'d schistosc or gncissic formations. TIle orthog-
onal network. which :ommonl)' is de\"(~lop~n in homo-
geneousl.,' structured rock, gl'ncra.ll). givcs rise to
spherical and concentric weathering, and the sizl' of
t.I1e firsl-formed boulders is related to rhe original
intL'n'al:" between the fractures. This case is observed
on granitic and. in some cases. on ultramafic rocks.
43
 This n('t\\'llrk is responsible For in-egularities and
indentations dew·loped at tlw weathering front. It is
also responsible ror the formation or weatheling
minoprofilcs, which can develop along both sides 01'
the deep vcrtical or obligue Ii-actw'es or joints, and for
their possible infillings by clays and allogenic materials
transported o\,er long distanc('s. Thc mio-onlOrph.o-
log1c'l.l study of these l.k:CI)I~ buried miLToprofllcs,
\vhich correspond to particular gcochemical em'iron-
ments, can bL' made LJnl~· with the help of numerous
and regularly spa 'cd samples carel'ully taken across
these layered m.icrohorizons or alTOSS the concentric
shdls that sUTTolmd the residual bou Iders. The miner·
alogical composition of such materials, in "'hid1
,~II()chthonous materiab can be intimately associated
\I'ith autochthonous material, is in most cases \'er~'
complex. Their relatin~ distribution and their rclatj\'(~
chronology necessitate a c<~rdul study of numerous
thil1 sections made from particularly well-distributed
,111<1 wdl-oriented samples,
The. up(!I:qene networks (?fji 'I1rc
and pore'
These appear in the weathered rocks as a result of
the multiplication and opening of Il'actures, fissures.
channels alld pon's through which the waters can move
easjl~·. These networks are potentially dependent upon
the original stTucture of the parent rock aDd are
strongl~' influenced h) the supergene processes of
w~~,)thering. Two main typL'S of networks can be dis·
tinguished according to their origin: the authigcnic and
the alloaenic
b
systems.
.
Features of the two arc
reviewed belcl"',
The aULhigcnir ysrem '1,(issurcs anJ por"s ,lppears and
de\'elops widlin the wcathL~ring rock. [t results from
the I'racturing or fissw'ing of the ruck and constihlcnl
minerals (Iransml[)f[tIijissures). ITom the dislocation and
separation of the component mincrals (i[}termineraljls.
sures und pores), ami from thc formation of resjJual
pores locatt'rl either \I'ithin the poro-alterol110'1Jhs
(in!ramincral pore,,) or partlv developed be.twl~C'n the
newly fomlCd secondary pruducts and the residual
fragmeIlts (ilJler-rlusma - mineral pores). The formation
a.nd evolution nf must or these voids arc due to the
Jirc:'ct influence of the \I'eadlering processes on th€'
rock. without inten-ention 01" external independent
process,·" such as thuse invoking human or biulogical
acti"jtits. For h"tter rlefinitkln;; of these systems or
pores and fissures. the reader should refcr to the work
of Bisdom ( 1967a), Note that thLs kind of s",stem of fis-
sun:s and pores b 'Tr~' widcsl)read only i~ weathered
rocks and is, in conb"ast, rarely obsc.ned in rocks that
44
were altered under hypogene conditions . .'\11 the Sl'C-
onclal'~' minerals formed under hypogene conditions
have <1 tendency to fill the \I'hule volume of the a\'ail-
able sl)ace and, consequently, most alternmorphs
formed under these conditions arc Iwlo-alccromorphs,
Transmineral porosiry is generaled either by the
opening of pre·existing c10serl fissures formed in the
parent rock under dle inl1lH:nce of' tectonic con-
straints, or by recent fraetLlling of the weatJ1cring rock
under the influences or physical, chemical and miner-
alogical processes, Th.e fractures cut minerals without
I'ollowing their intcrrnineral contact planes, and the\'
arc commonly se"eral centimders or decimetC'rs long.
These networks consist of (a) parallel sets or linear
fissures along directions of breakage, or 01' cun'ed Os-
sures around residual lloulders. due to physical or
Jlemiol proc('sscs, (b) j-Jdial ~ets of IIssures regularly
distTihllted around alteromorphs whose smectitic clay
content may promote compressi\'c stTt'sses clue to
swelling under alternating variations of humidity and
dryness, and (c) ilTcgular networks of intL:rc.onnected
f.'acnrrcs in weathered rocks, in which the formation
01' numerous meso'alteromorphs produces unidirec-
tional deformation of the weatl1ering rock and, cunsc-
guently, induces dIe irregular fracturing of its
unweathered constituents, JS in mica-rich rocks for
example.
Transm;neral poros;ry corresponds to the open-
ing of fissures and fractures that traverse the rock
and cut the mineral without following the grain
boundaries. These fissures and fractures are com-
monly pre-existing within the unweathered rock,
and are caused by mechanical or tectonic forces,
These networks generally consist of parallel or
crossing sets of interconnected fractures, which
can extend over long distances and, when
opened, can easily be coated by deposits of
allochthonous origin, The transmineral networks
can be observed at the megascale of the rock
outcrop, at the macroscale of the weathered pro-
file, at the mesoscale of the hand specimen. and
at the microscale of the thin section,
The inlerminem/ncrll'ork ''!Ipores is developed under
the inl1uence of differential mechanical hchaviors 01'
the plasmas am! thc residual unweathered miner,1Is. It
is not direeth· inhcrikd from tbe parellt rock, but its
distrihutiun ;nd density can be stT<lI1gly controlled by
the pan'nt rock's texturaJ and structural patterns.
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 Coarse- and medium-grained rocks that
exhibit equant textures. such as granoblastic and
lepidoblastic textures. are the most favorable for
a well-developed intermineral network of pores.
In contrast. fine-grained rocks, and rocks that
exhibit porphyritic. poikilophitic. diabasic tex-
tures., and, generally, all rocks with serrated or
notched grain-contacts. are not favored to form
regular networks of intermineral pores. The
intermineral fissures can be locally relieved by
short transmineral fissures upon intersection
with cleaved. or large-sized, or elongate minerals.
The twc> ,urfaces that limit the opening of an
intennineral fissure or fracture are generally accorJam
su1accs: their opposite margins exhibit complt':mentarv
shapes, which can be fitted by an imaginary movcment
of translation. NC\'ertheless, it Illust be kept in mind
that the dirc'ction of the opening of the fractun' is not
necl'ssariJ~' parallel to the plane of the ulin section and
that, conse(Juentl~, both accordant walls of the frac-
tme Illay not always ne onsen'en together in tl1e same
area of U1(' thin ,ection.
Under particuI3r1~' fa\'orabk conditions of regu-
lar, c1o.,e-spaced and interconnected inkrmincral fis-
sures, th: network is nearl~' continuous, and can
extend m'er long distances. Howe\-er, it allows the
easy circulation of water only along a part of its extent,
necause most separation [)ssures are discontinuous ;\Ild
form chains of alternating opened ;lIld closed elongate
pores.
At the scale of the thin section from deep-
seated weathered horizons. it is not always pos-
sible to easily distinguish the opened from the
closed sections of an intermineral network of
pores in relation to the circulation of water. In
contrast. in the upper part of the alterite. which
is subjected to processes of suspension. transfer
and deposition of cola red clayey material, the dis-
tincdon is easier. Moreover, the nature, the
shapes or the coloration of the alteromorphic
plasmas are modified at the contact with open fis-
sures accessible to the circulation of water.
Effects of oxidation or dissolution processes.
development of an aureole of diffusion of iron
compounds, and the subtraction or displacement
of particles, are commonly observed. The occur-
rence of these contrasted features assists in the
identification of this open network of fissures.
If the tra.nsporlcd material has not be('!l filtered
prior to its encounter with consnictiolls along the l'ls-
sures during tile upper part of its rravd, colored
argiLlans and deposits of miscellaneou", parLicle~ ('an
occur in the open sections or the. net\vork of tl1e f1~­
sun's. In contrast, if tht' circulation of wJter is slow
PART I: GENERAL CONCEPTS
and if the elements migrate in di~solvl'd rorm, crystal-
laria* and other banded deposits can be observed alung
notl1 the opened and apP,lrently closed section;; of tile
intcnnineral network of pores. Similar dcpo~its of
materi:ll can aJso be observed along the tran;;mincral
networks.
DEPOSITS OF DISSOLVED
AND DETRITAL MATERIALS
In general. deposits of dissolution origin and
those of detrital origin can easily be distinguished
by careful observation of thin sections. The crys-
tallaria or material deposits that originate from
transport as solutions show a tendency to nucle-
ate and grow perpendicular to the walls of the
pore system. whereas those that originate from
transport of detrital material show a tendency to
be layered or microstratified parallel to these
walls. In the first case. the length of the crystals
very commonly corresponds to the thickness of
the deposit. without variation of grain size.
whereas in the second case. the detrital deposits
exhibit a microlaminated texture in which small
variations in grain size are recorded.
The re~idual mineral grain> ulat exhibit shapes and
.siz('~ similar to the shapes and siz<:'s or tl1e completely
weaulered alteromorphs are generally not I'rJctured,
because tl1e~' arc avoided by the network of port~s out-
lined anon-. The grains art' then sUlTounded, in the
plant> of the thin section, by a peripheral, rounded or
roh'gonal pore that is connected at several places to
the intl'rlnineral network. In contrast, acicular crys-
tals, CO:lrse phenocrysts, ami porph~Toblastic and poik-
iloblastic minerals are fracnlred, :lJl(] ule resll.lti.ng
fragments are sepal-atc-d by open transverse fractures.
The occurrence of such connected fractures greatly
increases the wC:lulerabilit)' of tile mineraJs that the)'
cross, and of the isolated minerals that are enclosed
wiuun them as inclusions.
Transverse (racrures are those that cut a lath-
shaped or acicular or prismatic mineral either
perpendicularly or slightly obliquely to its long
axis. Transverse fractures may correspond either
to transmineral fractures where they cross the
mineral concerned, generally with a slight modifi-
cation of tlleir direction, or to intramineral frac-
tures, not relieved by external transmineral
fractures, where caused by physical torsion or
bending and consequent fragmentation of the
mineral. Single transverse fractures are generally
observed in the first case. whereas parallel sets of
45
 transver'se fractures are more commonly
observed in the second case.
Among the intemlineral S)'.stt'tnS of nssure.s ur
pores, one c<ln also include the vcr)' common and
widespreao '\:irnUlulOdular" IIssure~ and pores. These
Jevdop around h.lrO nodules, skell"taJ grains or
lithorelics where they arc embedded in a sort enclosing
matrix. This system is mainly clue to the differential
!>ehavior or the adjac~nt volumes. The hard ol.llrl incom·
pn:ssiblc volume or the nodule does not e:-.;periencc
dn)' variation due to swelling anJ shrinbge, whereas
the soft and malleable matrix can easily respond to
\'ariatiofls in \'olume (Tcneratcd hy, alternations in
~
humidity, and dnTle%.
, breakage of brittle minerals that are either easily dca\,·
A continuous CUf\'~'o circular or angular polygonal
open fissure surrounds the hard roundeJ nodule or
angular lithorelic and completely separates it from the
sluTounoing m.ltrix. \Vhere connected with other net·
worb of fissures, these circumnodular Il.,surcs anel
pores may be inl'illecl by allochthonous materials,
Tlwse systems or circumnooular porl's commonl)' are
responsible 1'01' tJlC formation and thickcning of SCl"
onoary indurated cortices arouncl the original nodules
or alterorelics (sec Part 4),
Intermineral porosity corresponds to the opening
of the imermineral grain-boundaries, under the
influence of physical or chemical processes. Phys-
ical processes generally form regular networks of
discordant fractures that delimit the original or
weathered minerals over importi\nt areas,
whereas chemical processes (weathering) give
rise to discordant intermineral fractures. whose
irregularities are mainly due to subtraction of
weathered material by circulating waters. The
imermineral network is generally interconnected
over important distances, and allogenic deposits
are commonly observed.
Expressed in terms or '·olume. inrramincral poroSic,1"
is generally much more important than th!'.' I)orosity
resulting from the t\\'o previous types of sysrcm. It is a
n'sidual porosity, wh.ich is exclusively due to I)roc Sl'S
or weathering. IntTamineraJ porL)siry generally does
not exist in primary minerals and rocks.
Intramjneral porosit}. at the .scale of the' optical
observation, practically does not exist in most
unweathereJ rocks. Thjs Ilorosity appear" and devel·
46
ops rapidly as soon as weathering is initiated in the
rock or in it., minerJ.1 components. It appears firM as an
aureole of pores situated either along the periphery of
the alteromorph. peripherally to the residues of pri.
mal')' minerals observed within the altcromo,vh (peri.
nudear or inter-plasma - mineral pores) or, more
rarel)·. as encloseJ pores within these residues. The
porusity is thereafter widespn'ad as residual alveolar
pores, closcl)' associated with the secondary alttTo-
plasmas and crystaILiplasma~. The shapes and U1C dis·
trihution uf thes!'.' pores are descrihed in 1110re detail in
subsequent chapters concerning the "pom"·altero·
morphs (Le.. pore-bcal'ing or porous altcrol11orph.s).
The ULlnSl'erse .fissllres and pores formed b)' the
able (pyroxenes and amphiboJes) or e;lsHy Fragmented
owing to their shape (acicular, fjbroL15 or tabular min-
erals) can be- also grouped WiUl intramim:raJ porosity,
alulOugh their Formation does not always depend
exclmively on the superficial processes of weathering.
Among these brittle minerals are apatite Jnd atgirine
prisms, actinolite and trenlOlite needles, and tJhular
crystals of feldspar in diabasic: and basaltic rocks.
Intra mineral pore·space is irregularly shapecl and is
formed within the alteromorphs where the secondar)'
products do not occupy all the available volume of the
parent mineral. Within partl)' wcaulcred pl'imar:-' min-
erals. this internal porosity very commonly occurs as
an l"l11pty irregular pore that surruunds Ul(' residual
rcmnant(s) and that separates it (or t.hem) from the
I1cwly formed altcroplasma (inlCf'plasma - mineral pores).
Th.is alteroplasma is permeable to c1ements trans·
ported in solution. Hovvever, this internal pore-space,
within the recently fanned alteromorphs, is generall)'
not connected with ule intcmlineral network. C.-ms('·
quently. it is not accessible to particlcs tnnspOl1:ed by
processes of aclvcetion. IntramineraJ pores may per,jst
empty for a long time before being filled up b)· allo·
genic materials.
The volume of the- inter.plasma - mineral pore
depends upon thc nature and composition of both pri,
mal!' and secondary minerals; it also depends on the
degree of lllinerJ.1 alteration. During the First step of
weathering, when the resiclual core is still voluminous,
ule open space that separates it from the secondar~'
plasma is small and barely perceptible in thin section.
But with increasing weathering, the por(" \'olume can
b(~col1le proi:,rressivel)' more significant.
The occurrence, shape and distribution of resieluaJ
pores within the altcromorllhs arc stTongl)' inOuenceJ
by the phySical ancl crystallocbemical characteristics or
An.AS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AlITRATlON AND WEATHERING
both primary and secondary minerals. On the one
hand, they are strongly related to the regular or irreg-
uJar crystaLlographjc discontinuitiC's specific to each
primary mineral, such a5th\? cle.wages and nC'tvvorks of
fractures (scpw-alrerolllorphs) , and the distribution of
internal ;:onations and micro-inclusions (all'copnro- and
cenrroporo-alrcromorphs). On the other hand. the nature
of the secondary products also in.lluences the shapes
and d·ist.-ibuLion of the interstitial residual Ilores, such
as the planar and paraJJel sets of thin pores obscned in
the phyl[oporo-alreromorphs, the ilTegular large pores
observed in the glomcro-alrerolllorphs, and the reticu-
lated and merarcmzcd pores observed in the reriporo-
alr~rolllorphs (see Part 3 for illustrated definitions of
these terms).
For intramineral pores to develop. it is neces-
sary that the volume of the secondary products
be less than the volume of the primary mineral
from which they are generated. The pore vol-
umes are generally proportional to the difference
between the molar volumes of the primary and
secondary minerals and. ultimately. proportional
to the volume of the exported elements, i.e..
those that do not enter the structure of the
secondary minerals.
If some immobile elements (AI, Fe, Ti) are main-
tained within the alteromorph as constiruents of sec-
ondary minerals, the \';:due of the ratio of the molar
\'olume of the primary minerals (Vp) and of the sec-
ondary minerals (Vs) determines either the formation
of an interstitial empty pore between these two min-
erals or the formation of protective surf;lce-Iayers :Jt
the contact with tJle remnant of primary mineral. Tms
concept bas rect'ntly been developed by Velbel (1993).
Where the ratio of these volumes (Vs/Vp) is less than
onc, the primar:' mineral is easil~' weathered to a
porous alteromOlllh. vVherc close to onC'. this ratio
determines the formation of a protective layer charac-
terized by slow diffusion of the chemical elements.
Once wholly developed, tJle altcromorph is compact
ann poreless: it is a true holo-alreromorph. Where the
r;ltio is greater than one, it determines a relative
llnweatherabj\il)' of the primary mineral under the
geochemical conditions prevailing in tJ1C alterite con-
sidered.
The development of pore less alteromorphs
(holo-alteromorphs). or of alteromorphs in which
the porosity is too small to be easily observed at
the scale of the optical microscope, is relatively
PART I: GENERAL CONCEPTS
rare in weathered rocks and minerals. In con-
tl<lSt. such alteromorphs are very Widespread in
transformations resulting from hypogene
processes: for example, the replacement of
pyroxene by amphibole. of feldspar by epidote. of
olivine by "iddingsite", and of nepheline by natro-
lite, generally gives way to compact and poreless
holo-alteromorphs.
This pore volume is, in contrast, inversely pro-
portional to the \'Olllme of the imported elements or
constituents nccessan for the formation of tJ1<':se min-
erals, such as water molecules necessary for the for-
mation of hydroxides and clay minerals. The richer in
soluhle elements is a primary mineral, the mort'
porous will be its alteromorpb. For the same primary
mineral, the more drastic the weathering processes.
the more easilv, and more extensively
"
the chemical de-
ments are removed, ami the more porous are the
resulting alteromorphs.
For example. the we<lthering of a crystal of
olivine, under conditions of restricted drainage
(very limited export of elements), gives rise to a
sheet silicate alteromorph whose residual poros-
ity is not perceptible at the scale of the micro-
scope (ho/o-alteromorph, see later). However,
under more extreme conditions of ferrallitic
weathering (two of the three elements are mobi-
lized). we<lthering gives rise to a very porous
alteromorph (seplo-a/leromorph. see later) of
goethite whose solid volume is small and propor-
tional to the iron content of the original olivine.
I nlramineral porosity results from the replace-
ment of a primary mineral by an aggregate of sec-
ondary minerals whose total volume does not fill
all the available volume delimited by the bound-
aries of the original mineral. Its importance
strongly depends upon the nature of both pri-
mary and secondary minerals, and therefore.
upon the we<lthering process. This, in turn, is
related to the rate of leaching of the elements
and. consequently, to the drainage conditions to
which the observed minerals are subjected. An
isalterite formed under conditions of restricted
drainage comprises only alteromorphs whose
perceptible intra mineral porosity is very minor
(holo-alleromorphs). A similar rock. subjected to
conditions of ferrallitic weathering, gives rise to
an isalterite of low apparent density. whose
alteromorphs are very porous (alveoporo-a/lero-
morphs and seplo-alleromorphs),
47
 The three main types of authigenlc secondary
pore-space are easily distinguished in thin section.
TronsminerOI pores, issued from transmineral
fissures and fractures, cut the rock, or at least cut
several adjacent minerals, without following the
boundaries between the original crystals. This
kind of porosity frequently originates in the
breakage of the rock by mechanical forces. inde-
pendent of the nature of the minerals traversed.
Its occurrence largely precedes the first stages of
weathering. Transmineral pores commonly are
connected with the general network of pores
and, consequently, they are commonly filled up by
later allochthonous deposits.
I nlerminero! pores disaggregate the rock over a
certain thickness along the original boundaries
between the primary minerals. Such pores can be
formed either by mechanical forces (in this case,
accordant surfaces are commonly observed), or
by physicochemical processes, which are respon-
sible for less regular discordant surfaces. In both
cases, they are in general connected to each
other and coated by secondary products of
allochthonous or autochthonous origin.
I nlrominero/ pores belong to the most wide-
spread system of pores in the weathered rocks.
They are formed within the alteromorphs by
weathering and removal of a part of the chemical
constituents of the primary minerals. Being with·
out connection to the other types of pore space,
they are generally not coated by allochthonous
materials. Their distribution, shape and orienta-
tion may be related to the crYStallochemical
structures of both primary and secondary
minerals.
The alI<J8cnic ~r51em cjjis5urcs develops under the
infJ.uence of pedowrbarion, which promotes man~' tex-
tural and structural modillcatiuns in the upper part of
the alteriles and in soils. The distribution of sud) fis-
sures is largely independent or the distlibution of the
authicrenic networks which were potentiallv pre-
eXisti~g in the parent ~aterial and which reJlI)' became
opened in the lower horizons. However, u)eir distrih-
48
ution may locally be superimposed upon these previ,
ously fOl'med networks. The allogenic system of 115-
sures is caused either hy external factors •.'uch as
colluviation along the slopes, collapse and settlil1g by
gra,-ity, the work of the soil and ~uhsoil by human
activity. animals and plant roots, or b), t.he direct influ-
ence of circulating waters, charg:e'd with dissoh-ed or
eroded material, or under the influence of swelling and
expansion within the secondary argilJiplasma.~.
Networks of channels and pores created in this
way may exhibit important "ertieal and later,ll extent,
and the circulation of water is l'e1atin:ly easy. Biologi-
cal factors are mJinly responsible for the' fonnation of
channels and galleries of important lineJr extent.
whereas physical factors are mainly responsible for the
opening and widening of planar pores along the earl)'-
formed intermineraJ and transmineral fractures.
The cross-sectiun (Jf biological pores is generally
circular. They are irregular and sinuous, and conse-
quently they appear in thin section as chains of isolated
and elongated p()n~s exhibiting an ellipticJI outline.
Only channels cut perpendicularly by the plane of the
thin section can appear isolated and circulal-. Their hio-
logical origin commonly is conrinncd by the occur,
renet' of root sections or animal excreml'nts
(coprolires) .
Large planar voids form by late distortion of tlIe
alterite and are widened by removal of mateJial, under
the inlluencl' of physical factol·s. They exhibit, in thin
section, linear extensions and irregular openings: their
walls no longer arc accordant surfaces. They JIT in
gener;l! the result of the easy circulation of \V;lter in the
('Mh'-formed net""orb or intermineral and transmin-
era! fractures. The in·egl.lbrities of their lrulcr surfaces
a.re determined either by the weathering of the early-
formed weatherable alteroplasmas or hy Ule internal
erosion of lnicropartides. Their walls conllnonJ~; are
colored by iron oxyhydroxide.s (hypocoatings) formed
either at the expense of the pre"iously formed fenif'er-
ou:, smectite-group minerals or by oxidation and fixa-
tion or dissolved i,'on-rich components. Tllcse "'ails
genC'l";llly are coated by argillaceous delJosits (cla)r
cutans) .
In the upper part of the isalterites, at the le'cl of
tbe alJoteritic materials and soils, all these 11L'tworks of
fissures are well developed and form an intercon-
nected and open network that facilitates the circulation
or water. 1l)cir inllucncc on t.he behil\ior of the
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTE1\ATION AND WEATHERING
materials and on their mineralogicaJ and microstruc-
tural transformations becomes progrcssi\'cly more
important. The mi.s'Tation uf the ions liherated from
the resiJual minerals and from the sti II \\eatlwrable
alteropbsmas formed in the deep-scated horizons 01'
the proAle prc,eeeds by ad\ection.
The more soluble ions (Na. K. Ca) can be
displaced over long distances, at the scale of the
landscape, before being newly conceno<lted and
fixed in the lower parts of the landscapes or being
transported away by superficial networks of
drainage. The less soluble ions (Al. Fe. Ti) migrate
only over very short distances, at the scale of the
mineral or of the thin seCtion. whereas moder-
ately soluble ions (Si, Mn. P, Ni) and ions that may
be integrated in the Structure of other secondary
products (Si. Mg. Fe and. possibly, K) have diverse
destinies according to the conditions of dilution
or concentration,
Chemical elements migrate not onl~' as ions in
solution, but also in suspension, as microparticles of
minC'rals. The occurrence of gOt'lhitt' or gibbsite ill
pores and channels can be du(" not oml)' to the precipi-
tation uf hydroxides from \'cry diluted solutions, but
also to in .,jll/ degradation of ferro-argillans previously
deposited from suspensions of microparticlcs.
On tJw walls of the fractures, tJle lIrsl-lrlrlllC<! sec-
ondary sheet silicates a1'(' weathered either 10 oxyhy-
drox.icles or to other sheet silicates whose compOSition
is simpler. Walls of fractures, and, in general, all the
alloteritic levels, arc t.hc' prel'clTed site of the hydrox-
ides of the weakly soluble metallic ions ,lIld of kaolin-
ile. The bulk chemical and nuncralo!,.rical composilions
are simplified and homogeni7:ed in these transitional
alloteritic Ic\-els. ThesC' processes arc' widespread in
the soil-folming horizons.
Alteromorphs that result from the complete
weathering of primary minerals into assorted slllecti!e-
group minerals arc degracicd slowh', with Jissolution
of part of silica and magnesium, and lilwration of iron.
Tbe portion of tJle silica not leached away is (()ll1hined
with the alwninum to foml bolinitc, eilher in situ or
in the nc'twork of pores. Iron is fhed as oxides and
h\'Clroxides, which pigment the degraded or neo-
formed clays. This progl'essi\'e a.nd ccntripetal degra-
dation dnoelops along tJle nctworh of inkrmulcral
and translllineral networks of pores. !\ network of
brown-colored rims is developed around the green-
culored smectite-rich ,l!tuomorphs. On onc hand, the
margin between the neighboring allerolllorphs is
obscured bv diffusion of iron, ,,-hieh forms opa~lue
deposits. On the other hanc!, the regtdality of the
PART I: GENERAL CONCEFTS
accordant surfacC's of the previous network or t1ssurcs
is progrcssi\'ely deslro)c'd: parts of the s\"Stc'm are
widened by dissolution or erosion of tilt' \\'alls,
whereas other parts are oIJstructed h~' locall\'
deposited illU\'ialion eutans.
InCllmplelely rlt'\'eloped alterol11orphs, which still
contain residual remnants 01' wt'ather<lble minL:rals, are
subjt'et to U1L: same processes as the pre\'ious onC's.
Thc'ir plasma content is degraded slowly, but the rem-
nants oC primary minerals arc now seriously out of
equilibrium "'ith the ne" geochcmical conditions.
\Vealhering processes are now complctd~' different,
and kaolinitc or oX~'hydroxidcs c'an be formed owing
to the leaching of the other cations and of a part of the
silica h'om the earlier-formed smectite-group miner-
als. As a resuJr, rO~J7'hl.1se alreromorphs or rnela-alrero-
morphs (or bod)) are Formed (sce Part 3).
/I. ver~' pnrous lacewl.lrk of plasma is fomled. It is
rimmed by brown-calmed depOSits of iron hydrox-
ide.'. These deposits arC' more or less eoncenrrieally
distributed because the~' arc Axed, on the onc hand, on
the walls of the open fissul"e and, on tJle other hand, on
the surfacC' of the central residual milleral or on the
inner surfKe of the residual central pore. From th<?
center to the outer 113rt of the altcrolllorph, one finds
the primary mineral core ,,-ith it.s own rim of ox Fe (=
iron oxyhydrnxides), a Ilerinuc!e.ar void, an inner lim
of oxFe IIxcd on tJle smeetitic cla,vs, a slllectite-min-
e,-al,rich conccntril hand, an outer rim of oxFe result-
ing I'rom the degraclatiun of the previoLls
smcclite-group mineral, and the open volume nl' lhe
surrounding fissure.
Moderatel_, \\'eatJlerablc minerals (hornbkndc,
mUScO\'ilt', orthoclase, mjcrocline), and the coarsest
crystals of the nHll'C' weathl'rable minerals (p).Toxene
or p lagioclasc'), where the~' sUI"\'i \"ed as rcsid ua I core.'
in the upper part of the profiles, are maillly dissolwd,
with tht' Irmnation of residual boX\\orks of hydrox-
ides, withoul Ilassing through the intermediate stage of
a .srnectite-f,'Toup mineral. They can even, under con·
ditions of extrvme leaching, be completely dissolved,
without fOl'ming ,1Iwthing hUl empty, ur nc·ad) empty,
altcromorphs (/.:oi/o-alreromorphs and cenrro-poro-l.1lrcro-
morphs; sce later).
Vcr)' resist-ant minerals (e'8" quartz, cpidote,
rutile, zircon, iron-rich opaque minerals), whidl were
fLlCtured during the earlier stages, an? now dislocated,
displaced and carried away as a l'OJ1Scquencc of the
remo\'aJ of the nucrosized particles that surrounded
and cemented them. The isolated fragments proJunxl
from a gl\'en mineral grain luse their original oric'llt.l-
tion (i.e., t.he~- lose thC'ir simultaneous extinction
49
 under XPL), and they arc randc)mh' scattered and dis,
tributed within the secundary plasmas, in which they
arc henccfol,th embedded ,).5 skeleton grains. With
their disappearance, the ultimate traces of the original
textures of the parent material disappear, a.nd only the
mineralogical composition of the skeleton grains can
gi"e an imperfect picture of its original petrographic
association.
In the soil horizons, the inlluencL' or thL' networb
of IIssures becomes predominant. Important increases
in the proportion 01' pores arc observed: pL)reS, hs-
sures, chal1I1cls, galleries, tubules and cha.mbers of all
sizes and shalJes are obsen'cd. They are formed by par-
tition and opening of the material, by dissolution of the
remnants or wcatherable minL'rals, by internal erosion
or the colloidal particles, and by the influence of
important factors of biological origin,
A new distribution of material is observed:
consequently, most of the inherited structures
disappear, and the material is homogenized. It is
composed of a secondary plasma (M-plasma"' or
S-matrix*) that encloses the skeleton grains of
unweatherable minerals (sand and Silt) and of
residual fragments of parent rock (lithore/ics).
EaCh mineral has a specific spectrum of poten-
tial patterns of evolution. Consequently, within
the alterites whose parent rocks have been
weathered according to diffusion-dependent
processes, an important variability is observed in
the mineralogical nature of the secondary prod-
ucts. On the other hand, where weathering pro-
ceeds according to processes of advection. the
mineralogical composition of the secondary
products is simpler and more uniform,
The more \\'Ntherahk the primary minerals, the-
less dnstic the conditions or their weathering need to
be; they can be weathered even at the base of the pro-
file undcr conditions or restricted drainage. Thcir
incipient weathering can even occur within thc practi-
cally unwcathered hard rock belov'i the base of the
.;ampled profile. The many kinds of secondar:' miner-
als fomlcd may bL' later weathered to other genera-
50
tions of ditTerent secondary minerals. In contrast, the
less weatherable the primary minerals, th,: mOl-e clras-
tic must hE' the conditions of their weathedng; they arc
\ycathered only in th,> upper part of the profiles, the
number of possihle secondary minerals is vcry
restricted, and these secondary products are less easily
dE'graded.
Among the most weatherabk 11rilllary minerals,
the olivine,group minerals and, to a lesser extent, the
pyToxenes, exhibit the largest range of pOSSibilities in
patterns of \veathcring invoh'ing diffusion and adwc-
tion processes. These very vulnerable minerals are the
first ones to be weathered, even under conditions of
rcstricted drainage characterized by slow circulation of
ion-lich waters. More resistant minerals, such as mus-
covite and K-feldspar, arc completely weathered unly
in environments of thorough leaching and strong
aclvection. The secondary products are few in number
(mainly kaolinite a.nd gibbsite),
Minerals exhibiting an intennediate degree of
wcatherability, such as those of the amphibok group,
may exhibit very different patterns of bcha\'ior
depending upon the geochemical processes to wh.ic:h
they arc subjected and the mineralogiC'al composition
of the rocks in which thev occur. Relative to the other
components of the parent ruck, an amphibole-gl'oup
mineral may behave either as a very weatherable or
\'er)' resistant mineral (Fig. 4).
WHERE DOES ONE ENCOUNTER WEATHERED
GRAINS OF HORNBLENDE?
For example, during the weathering of an
ultramafic rock in which olivine and pyroxene-
group minerals are the main constituents, the
more resistant hornblende is weathered after
these minerals. Under these conditions. it can
persist intact except in the upper part of the
weathered profile, where it is directly weathered
to iron oxyhydroxides without passing through a
"smectitic" stage. In contrast. in the weathered
profiles developed on more felsic rocks, with
important proportions of more resistant minerals
such as quartz and K-rich feldspar. the relatively
less resistant hornblende is weathered in the low-
est levels of the profile, in which the conditions of
restricted drainage lead to the formation of a
smectite-group secondary mineral. Such smectite
will be weathered to iron oxyhydroxides only in
the upper part of the profile. near the soil surface.
In the first case, iron hydroxides are developed
from the direct weathering of the amphibole
(ortho-alteromorph. see below), whereas in the
second case, they are developed by the degrada-
tion of the first-formed smectite-group mineral
(para-alteromorph, see below). The structural
ATlAS OF MICRO~IORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 - - Bux\\'ork after Hornblend,'

lncipient wcatheling or hp - -
Degraded srnectite ,lite I' Hbl--
A2 82
- - Degraded smectitc aftcr epx
- - Degra<1cd srneetite after OliviJll'

- - Srnc:ctitc <l~·lc:r Clinopyrox('ne

- - Incipil'ni weathering or
Hnmhlcndc
Unweathered Feldspar - -

- - Smeclile aher Oli\'inc

- - Unwc'lthcrcd Hornblende

- - 1J1cipienl weatJlering of epx

Unwe<lthc'red QUJrtz - - _1~~g~~~~_'1

At 81
- - SinecUre aher Oli'1nl'
Smcctilc after Hornhlende - -

Un\\·cath ...r"d Feldspar - -

- - Unwcathcred Hornbkndc

LLnwcatJlered Qua.ru. - -

Incipicnt weathering of J-ll>1 - -

- - InCipient wt'athering of Oli,·inc

FIGUIlE 4. Wb\TIIEHI:,,; OF HOR~'FIIXNIiE le; IS.. \UEHITIC PH'. 11'11 cS I1EVFl.< >l'EI J 0'" L1L·nl.~MJ'Fll A:\11 GJ\.·\NIlK r«.>CKS. IIESPfcTIVEL Y.

A. Ultramatic rock containing olivine, c1inopyroxcne, and accessory hornblende

/\ I. Low,:r level 01" tbe prnllle, in which lhc weathcr"hlc oliv;nc and P)T')XCnCs drc wcaiJl,~r,"d lu h"I,,-aherom/)rphs of smecble. whereds
the Ies; weatherable hornblen,k n'l1ldil\~ temporMil)' unweath('n'd. Signs or Iht incipienl w("~thering 01" the verv unstable oliville
C

Jl'p("ar at a low,>r le,·'" than "f the pyroxene,.

:\2. Upper level of ilic prolllc. in which previously I·ormed ,mcctite i, degraded into J.lveolar pores and internal rims 01 iron ox),hyelrox-
jell" (meta-aiv"e()poro-altl'romorphs). G",lir" of homblcndc arc weadlcred directlv t() porous "~plo-alLerom(lrphs(hoxworks) of iron
oxvhydroxide,. Al thi' kvel 01" the prnllle, dll minerals arc w,'ath,'red.

B. Granitic rock contaiuing quartz, feldspar and accessory hornbleude

IS I. Lower Ic-vcl 01" th!' prullk, in "Iueh 001)· the hornbl,mJe is r:Jirc-ctl~· we,lthered to holo-<'ltcromOl-phs 01" smectite, whereas Lhe le"
weatherabl!' feldspars tempor<lrily remain lInwCJLhcred. Quartz n'm"ins ulIweathered (,\,cr the entire isaltl':ritic pari of the pronk.
1$2. Upper Ie\'el of the profile. in which prcvinllsl\, rt'rmed sl11cctill'-rkh holo-alteromorphs after hornblende arc; (kgraued to rneta·alvcn-
l'0ro-alt€:rolTlorphs (alveolar pores and rims "I' iron o.,yu)'droxides), whereas the two feldspar' arc progressively wcathned to glom-
cro-s..pto-alteromorphs of gibbsitt·. Quartz. rcmains \lI1wc:athned up to iJK top 01" the isalt •.,rite.
Note that t11e iJlicknc.,s of lh,~ isalteritic part of the proJ1le is determined, at its lower I<:'·cl, hI' the IIr~t.we~lhering rninual (olivine
in the ultramaflc rock. and hornblenuc in th" gnnitic rock). Its uppu limil is del"rmined by the lower boundary of eiilier Lhe allo·
lcrilic con.>r or ()f tJ)C superfiCial soil.

PART I: GENERAL CONCEPTI

51
 inheritances are different, whereas the chemical
inheritances are rather similar in both cases. In
other words, to observe the weathering of horn-
blende to a smeCtite-group mineral, it is neces-
sary to study the lower pan: of profiles developed
on granitic and related rocks. On the other hand,
to observe ferruginous boxworks after horn-
blende, it is necessary to study the upper pan: of
profiles developed on basic and ultrabasic rocks.
ide_~
Similarly, the alteration of oli"inc to iron hydrox-
\\ill he obseryed with (uITicultv; in fact, this pri-
mar:' mineral is considen-d to he among the most
alterable or weatherable minerals. Consequently, c\'en
if it has not been subjected to hypogcnc processes of
alteration, it is h.ighl:' likd~' that trus miDcral ",ilJ b~
complete-Iy replaced by a sl1lcctite-group minCI-al,
even at the base uf the proFile. before it has the oppor-
tunity, in the mor<.' superficial levels, of being weath-
ercd to iron oxy-hydroxides.
The weathel-ing of olivine to ferruginous com-
pounds generally occur~ in recent ilows of basaltic
rocks and in deposits of volcanic ash, in wh.ich the
oli\-ine is subjected to near-surLlce weathering under
conditions of efficient drainage. Till' weathering of
olivinc to iron hydrOXides can also be obser\'ed ill
cndogenous rock, subjected to efficient near-surface
erosion, Outcrops may contain unaJlerl~d cTystaL<; of
olivinc. Weathering to iron h:'droxides sporadjcall~;
occurs \,-hen: olivinc grains hay(> hccn partly altered 1:0
serIH:ntine-group l1linerab or tu "iudingsite", for
L,xa01ple, and where their resiuual remnants ha\'t'
been. in this wa,"'. protected from wcaulCring to a
smeetitc-gruup mineral in the deep-seated le\'c!s of
alterite Carmor-ed" residual minerab).
In contrast. the fll-sl: stL'p in the incipient weather-
ing of a Mg-rich olivine to a smcetite-group mineral is
rarely ohsen'ed because dus primar~; mineral is the
52
first component of a fresh rock to be weaulcrcd. These
hard and compact rocks are reached or traversed only
with difficulty at the basC' of manually sunk wells. As a
result. no samples arc availahle for the study of the
incipient 'vvcathering of the otivine-group minerals to
smectitic secondary products.
A material is ultimately obtained in which are
operating sensu striao pedological factors. These
lead to the formation. in the upper part of the
profile, of a differentiated level composed of a
gmup of distinct superposed horizons, each with
its own pan:icular mineralogical, geochemical and
microstructural components. These soil horizons
are characterized by an organization, a tenure
and a composition that are quite different from
the lowest levels, either by the relative concen-
trations of the skeleton grains (A horizons), by
absolute accumulations of clay minerals (B hori-
zons), by continuously renewed accumulations
and degradation of organic matter or, ultimately,
by the homogenization and destruction of the
previous fabrics and construction of new struc-
tures through near-surface factors of biological
or anthropogenic origin.
T o undertake a micromorphological descrip-
tion, one must progressively abandon petro-
graphic techniques and terminology, and employ
different techniques of identification and descrip-
tion, with the help of a more specifically pedolog-
ical terminology.
or-
ATlAS MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINEAAL AlTEAA1l0N AND WEATHERING
 HI. I'I-i, 1), 1\111 !t, ),,i< \1'1 illustrates t.he partial weather-

T ing 01' plagioda..<C:' u.nJcr conditions ,)1' fen-aJ Utic

weathering. Tht' uriginal IT)'StaJS of pJagioclase arc broken

hy ilTegular rransmineral rraetllre~ Jnd trans,",,~rsc CTacb,

along which wc-athaing has begun. Thick septa of gibbsitl:

microcry~tals are regularly d,'\'c1oped along this network of

fractures; thin, hrO\\'n w.1eaments along their median pbne

mark the trace of t.Jw initial fraeture.<. Gibbsite crystals are

re~JUlarlv disD"ibuted papendicular to this median plane,

fonning typical scpta, wl1l'Tl'a., cavernous remnanL' of pla-

gioclase are i~ol'atcd bct',.\"eeJl thel11. In the beginning stage of

wt'athering, no int",r-plasma.mincral pores (or, "'bc-re pre·

sent, onJy ,"ery small ones) itrc developed between the pri-

mary and secondary minerals. Lat.er, ollee we,llhering ha'

progn'~sed, irregular pores develnp at the c-xpense of the

resiulIes, when:as the later-fonned crvstals of gibbsite

'lgglol11rratt'. The resulting Jlt.cromorph is a compkx glorn-

ero-s,"pto-alteromorph. Ivlore e.."pla.nations are gi'·,~n in t.he

captioos to photomicrogr<lpbs 308 am] 309.

 CHAPTER
Micromorphological Descriptions
11. ,hi '.\ proposed here mainly conccrns
T the description and classification of the pat-
terns of weathering or individual minerals,
They ar", treated as isolated single grains,
whether they occur as associated components within
the original rock w1dergoing weathering or as truly
isolated grains within the superficial loose materials
(alterites. soils. alJu vium, co Ill! vi urn 01" volcanic ash).
When a thin section is ohserved under the microscupe.
each mineral grain is systematically examined, One can
express. in this way. the extent of weathering attained
by each mineraJ and by all the minerals that constitute
the components of the weathering rock, The sum of
these partial observatiom allows quantification of the
extent of weathering reached by the individual mineral
and by Ule rock as a whole.
The following main morphological and mineralog-
icalleanlres must be obscn-ed and described:
• The extent of weathering. which is expressed by
estimating ti1e modal perccntages of the residual min-
erals and of their replacement phases, the percentage
of voids necessarily being included in the latter tlgure.
• The organization and distribution of I)athway~
along which weati1ering progresses through the pri-
mary minerals, and Ule inJluence of the cr)'stallo-
graphiC characteristics of each primaY)' mineral on the
development and distribution of secombry product,.
• The shape and size of residual fragments, their
internal fI~suring and fragmentation, and the orienta,
tion of these fragments,
• The mineralogic,ll nature of the residual grains
and of the secondal-~' products and, c\'entually, the
variations recorded in the coloration, orientation and
the grain/size of the secondary minerals.
• The organization and distribution of the sec-
ondary pores FOffi1ed by the weathering processes rel-
aD\'(: to the secondary products and to ti1e neighboring
minerals.
• The possible occurrence of several generations
of secondary minerals generated from the same pri-
mary mioeral under the successive intluences of sev-
4
eral dilferent factors (polygenetic alteromnrphs, see
Part 3) or the association of several distinct but svn-
chronous mineral phases formed under the inlluence of
only one process of alteration (polyphase altero-
morpIL~, see Part 3).
• The e\'entual occurrence of secondary minerals
formed by ionic transfer betwcen neighboring miner-
als or of abnormal distributions of secondary pruducts
beyond the original boundaries of th.: grain of primary
mineral.
.The sites in the thin section where \'ariations in
the chemical compositions of the primary minerals an?
presumed, or \\1here continuous or discontinuous suc-
cessions of secondary minerals are obsened, These
sites could be targets for more detailed studies by
ultTdmicroscopic methods.
The degree or weathering, either of the separately
obsen'ed dilferent mineral species, or or the \"hole
assemblage of minerals that compose the rock 01' its
alterite, is expressed by a number, from I to 4 (Stoops
Cf. ul. 1979): the higher the number, the greater the
degree of tJ1e weathering. The number 0 is restricted
to fresh or nearly ti-esh minerals and rocks, in which
less than 2.S% of primary material is 1I'(>athered.
Depending on the aim of the stud)", only the modal
percentages of the products of weathering need be
recorded, or perhaps only the proportion of all sec-
ondary produCt's. regardless of their hypogene or
supergene origin, is reCJuired. Most pedologists and
soil slientists consider secondary minerals forTlled by
hypagcne processes (c'8" cpidote, natTolitc, aCl1J10-
lite) as ~primarj" mineraJs, upon which supergsne
processes will operate, to form "true" (supergene) sce-
ondary minerals.
Classes I. 2 and 3 are restricted to mineral., and
rocks in which the secondary products (residual purus-
ity included) do not exceed 25, 75 and 97.5%, respec-
tively. or the origillal!~' un weathered material. Class 4
is restricted to rocks and minerals that arc (neal-))')
complt'tely weathered, .md in wh.ich the v()ltune propor-
tion 01' du:" residual primary material does not exceed
2.5%,. All thc~e perccntages arc estimated according tu
the areas of primary ,lOcl seconJaJ;' minerals obsen-ed and
mea<;ureJ in the plane 01' the thin section.
In the case of relict minerals isolated in near-
surface materials .1Jld sediment,. an estimate of the
degree 01' weathning is rClaliyely easy if the original
outlines of these minerals are well presen-cct a1H.1
rtrllain identillable. This is true in the cas.... of'minerals
that ba\'(' bet'n \\c.athercd aft<:'r their transport anu
\\·hose seconual;: products Jnd pores havc remained
int,let. [-Iowe\"l~r. in most cases, "ccondal;' pr-ududs
ha\"(: been remo\'Cd during transport of' the material,
:lI1d the original sizes and shapes 01" the mineral grains
dre no lunger identif'i.1ble. The remnants arc embedded
within and directly in cont.1et with their ncw sur-
I-ounding matrix, without relics of alteroplasma.
In the case of' part!)· \\-eathered primary minerals,
\\ hich are of the san,... mineral s[wcics and which arc
the cornponcnts 01" a partly wcathered rock. cstimating
the percentages is more c!imcult. In the "olum.:: cut b~'
the plane of the thin section, all grJins of the same
species ha v.. . not n,'cC':'sari l:' reached tile same degree
01' weathering, especiall y if the alteritc is developed in
successive cortices concentrically developed around a
r....sidual boulder, in whidl cas..' the \walhcl"ing is
necessarily 1)l"Ogrcssivc and gradual. In this casc, it is
better to ohsenT sepilratel)' each concennic band, and
to attribute to each a different class (numh,"r).
ln the CilSC of more homogeneollsly \\"(~a:thercd
rocks, in which all graills of ule same specie.> have
reached a similar degree of weather'ing, one mmt keep
in mind that the plane of the thin sec1.ion does not neces-
sarily cut all grains through their center. Cuts that cor-
respond to more exce.ntric sec-rions will appear mUCh
richer in sccond.:u;' produCTS than seetiom through the
core, especially' if these minerals are weathered in a
peril)hera! or centripetal manner. The smaller the sec-
tion of such a grain. the more weathered it appears. In
the case of alterom0I"[)llS in which pores arc clearly dis-
tingllislwc], the volume proportion or the \'oids must be
addeei to the volume proportions of tJle .secondar:· min-
nab in order to correctly estimate the degree 01' weath-
cring reached by the. mineral species concerned.
The case of rocb considered .1S a whole, in which
not all tJ1e primary minerals arc eiistingllished from onc
another, is l1luch more difficult to resolve hecause all
tht'se mincr.1l componcnLs may exluhit \-er)' different
weatherahilities. fndced, mall)' rorks such as granites
and gneisses contain important proportions of \'cry
slowl~' weatherclble minerals, or o[ minerals tltat will
56
be weathered only under exceptional conditions, For
example, can a granite, with 30% quartz, be con~id­
cred as completelY weathered if only tJ,e 70% of its
volume represcnt~d by the feldspa~s :mrl accessor~
minl'rals arc effectively \vcathered? Such a granitic
rock, where normally ":-eathered, \"'ill not exc:e~d class
2 of the weathering scale; it wi\llll' nccessary to attain
conclitions of lJauxiti'Lation for quart:r. to 1)(' completely
\·\,eathered and di~soh-cd. On t1lC' other hand, a com-
pletel:' disag,gregated and loose granitic grit or gr'u.s can
seclll, in the field, as a \v-holly weathered granitic rock,
whc-rcas after consolidation by technigues of impreg-
nation, the gJit can appear in thin section a.s a practi-
calh'. unwealhered rock, at lc:asl from a mineralooical b
poin1 of Yiew,
Some apparent incompatibilities may result
in this way, when field observations and micro-
morphological data are compared. This is the
case for partly weathered rocks whose primary
constituents are distinctly textured and struc-
tured. If the weatherable minerals are few in
number and randomly and uniformly distributed
in the rock, and if they are isolated from each
other. the hand spec"lmen of the rock may appear,
to the unaided eye, fairly fresh. This is the case
for basaltic rocks, for example, in which only the
olivine grains and volcanic glass are altered or
weathered. Such rocks will maintain their hard-
ness, color, density and other physical properties.
In contrast. weatherable minerals, even in low
proportions but distributed according to contin-
uous patterns. can give to the sample an aspea: of
a strongly weathered rock, which will not be con-
firmed by microscopic study. This is the case with
layered rocks, such as mica schists, in which the
weathering of the parallel and close-spaced layers
of biotite can be responsible for the complete dis-
aggregation of the rock.
vVhatever thl' syskm of classification adopteu, it
is bettcT to take into account th~" interpretations
derived from micromorphological observatiuns, even
if it then becomes necessary to complement t.hese
results witJ) a detailed morphological r1escTiptiun of the
samples, as sampled in the t1elrl.
The best appr-oach certainly consists in beginning
the dt'scdption.~ of weathcling by obsening the evolu-
tionary state of the most wC'atherable minerals and
in s..'IcC1:ing among tJ1em thc largest grains, the most
typica! graillS and the grains that do not exhibit natural
ur artil1cial defects (c_y., holes, air bubbles, p-articles of
ahr.1siV<:). The grains that show the largest apparent
diameter arc the grains that were cut closest to their
cguatanal plane and whose \'isible proportions of'
re!i c1' mineral fragments, of secondary products and
ATL'-S Of MICRG~10RPHOlOGYOf MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
of residual pores are the most rcprescntati\'c of the
actual proportions. A photomicrugraph or a drawing
is generaUy useful for efficient completion of the
micromorphological description of a thin section.
Thesc largest grains of the partly weathered minerab
also arc the best ones for cn~ntual further analyses
using ultramicroscopic methods. Thereafter, the
homogerrcity in degree of \veathering of the mineral
species concerned is vcrifled by obsening whcrher
there are gradients in weathering from onc point to
anotlH"r- in the thin section and by comparing the
results with the results obtai.ned From the next thill
sections (above and below in the protlle). All estimate
of volume proportions determined by point-COll11ting
grains of Ule mineral species considt'red, combined
with the characteristic number of the class of weather-
ing (from 0 to 4), are generally sufficient to character-
ize the debrree of weathering of ule rock and of its
mineral components.
A NEW PARAMETER
A new parameter is here introduced in
which the relative proportions of residual pri-
mary mineral (P), secondary minerals (5) and
residual voids M are each assigned an integer
from one to ten, such that the total equals ten. In
other words, the volume fractions of each of
these three textural constituents are in effect
rounded to the nearest ten percent., and the
resulting number divided by ten. In this way, the
volumetric proportions of the three textural con-
stituents of a partially weathered alteromorph
can be quickly recorded and reported.
For example, a parameter 2JSI3 describes an
incompletely developed alteromorph in which
tWO partS of residual primary mineral, five paiLS
of secondary products and three parts of residual
voids occur together within the original outline of
the primary mineral. A complete holo-altero-
morph is characterized by the parameter 0/ I0/0.
An empty koilo-alteromorph is characterized by
the parameter 0/0/ IO. The different parts of a
complete septo-alteromorph can be expressed
by a parameter of 0/3/7. for example, if no pri-
mary residues are observed in the alteromorph
essentially composed of three parts of septa and
seven parts of residual voids. If a part of the pore
volume is infilled by allochthonous deposits. they
must be considered. in the parameter, as pore
space and not a.s secondary minerals.
SECO OARY PO HO"; , n
Chemical weathering generally proceeds along
discontinuities, m.icropores and fissures, wh.ich may
pre-ex.ist in the original rocks and minerals. The
PART 2: PATIERNS Of WEATHERING
progress of weathcring promotes, in turn, the form-
atiun or a secondary network of pores, ephemeral or
permanent, which inlluence5 the rate of weathering.
The general description of U1e distribution, the
shape and the size of U1e pores follows the terminology
of Bre\yer (I %4-). This lemlinology, although con-
ceived for the micromorphology of soils, (\In easily be
applied to the micromorphological study of' weathered
rocb and alterite.s. Ne\'ertheless, it seems diFficult to
completely avoid the genetic content of the descrip-
tions and of U1C classification s)'stems because the
observed objects are generated from each other and
are in permanent e\'olution.
According to the dassillcation vI' BiscJom (1967a),
three main pauem~ of di.so-ihution of pore SI).l('C are dis-
tinguished: trallsmineraL intemlineral and intramineral.
Tansmineral pore-space corresponds to pores
that occur along fissures, fractures and cracks
that traverse the rock and the minerals without
following the boundaries between the crysrals.
Such pore space may have been widened as a
result of supergene phYSical or chemical
processes. The pores generally occur along regu-
lar planes (linear strings of pores when observed
in thin section). which cut the grains without
appreciable change of direction_
This network is I;-mned under dle inJ1ucnce 01' tec-
tonic forces (primary tnnsmincraJ tlssures and (Tacks).
Before the rock be,s-rins tl) weather. lhesc transll1inera.l
fractures are c1oscd, and generally marked by parallel
sets of thin Jineativll.5 or discoutinuities that rilll across
the primar)' minerab withollt modification of theil'
chemical composition, and without occurrence of
identifiable open pores_
In man\' cases, these inherited networks of fissures
arc the pathways along which hydrodlermal and other
hypogene processes transliwmed the trallSlxted pri-
mar)' minerals into a first generation of secondary nlin-
erills of hYfJogcnc origin. In this cast', the outline of the
transmineral tlssures and cracks may be emphasized by
the dcYelopment of veinlets of sec~ndary minerals (;r
yariable or regular thickness, such as talc or actinu.lite
in fractured pyroxenes, serpentine-group minerals in
li-acl1lrcd olivinc, 01' epidote in fractured plagioclase.
The mineralogical constitlltioll of the ycinlets is
commonly specific.llly rdatecJ to Ule nature of the
57
fractured primary mineral. The veiolets are succes-
-"jYely composed of different secondary minerals,
depending on the nature 01" the transected primary
mineral. In spite of this rule of thumb, the mineral
content of the veinlets is in general more uniform and
related to the kind of rock traversed, for example.
vcinlets of tak through pyroxene-rich rocks, or of a
serpentine-group mineral in olivine-rich rocks,
regardless of the nal1u-e of the primary mineral tran-
sected.
At the scale of study with an optical microscope,
no pores are c1earl~' distinguished if this kind of mate-
ri.ll is altered under hypogene conditions. Under the
influence or weathering processes. the early-formed
tr;lI1smineral fractures may be opened; this opening
allows weathering along the walls of the fractures,
with formation of secondary minerals of supugene
origin. But the main part of the open IJ'ansmineral
pore-space is observed only in partly or completely
weathered rocks. Observations rarely are possible in
the parent rock, where transmineral flssw'es typically
are closed. Weathering processe_' preferentially follow
these textural discontinuitie~. On both sides of the
tTansmineral fissure'S, the mil1erals are weathered, pan
of the secondary products can be removed slowly, and
an open system of fissures progressively develops in
which the porosity can become optically perceptible.
Another kind of transmineral pore-space, of sec-
ondary origin, may develop as, for example, curved
concentric networb of pores arOlmd residual houl-
ders, fractures generated by internal SO'esses due to
hydration and swelling of some smectite-rich aJtero-
morphs, and fractures and pores developed under the
inllucnce of mass movements \\ithin the altcrites and
soils. To these types of transmineral pore-space of
chemical or physical origin, pore-space of biologic-a I
origin can be added in the upper alterite.
The primary networks of pores, mainly joints and
large fractures, may penetrate the rock over long djs-
tances, and their dimensions (length and width) are far
beyond the scale of the thin section and of the sample.
This kind of large-scale porosit;, was discussed in the
previous secti.on (Part 1).
Smaller and straighter transmineral fissures, at the
scale of the profile or ofthc sample. may be intercon-
nected with othel' transmineral and in term.in era I fis-
sures and cracks, or they may extend over unsuspected
distances. This important open pore-space, although of
lower order, may be also infilled with later allochtho·
nous materials coming from the upper parts of the pro-
tuc. Derived from severaJ meters higher in the profIle,
or even more. the conteot of the deposits may strongl y
58
contnst with the host material. These deposits,
fomled by a process of absolute accumulation, origi-
nate from material transfers either in solution or as
suspensions fmm the upper horizons. Perceptible
enrichments of the host rocks in silica, aluminum, iron
and manganese may result before appreciable weather-
ing, regardless of the oatu1'(:. of the transected and
infiJled material. Deposits of green nontronite or of
red kaolin.ite are commonly observed in the fractures
running across ultramafic rocks. Halloysite and sec-
ondary apatite are obsel'\'ed as infilling material in
practically un weathered rocks (Bocquier er al. 1983).
If the host rock is not weathered when infilled, absolute
accumulations occur before relative accumulations.
The eer-m "transmineral" can be applied to
the transverse fractures that commonly are
observed in needle-shaped or in thin tabular crys-
tals. or to the fractures whose planar shape,
when crossing an easily cleavable miner·al.
becomes irregular and sinuous. The term "trans-
mineral" is also applied to fractures and pores
that cut amorphous materials (which are not min-
erals by definition) or poorly crystalline materials
(de\litrified volcanic glass). It can be extended to
fr<lctures and associated pores that cross micro-
crystalline rocks (e.g.. basalts. schists) tOO finely
for the observer to be able lO follow, in a detailed
way. the exact course of these fractures.
Pm'e-space u/onl1 in(amineraJ Jrc.l ture
Interm;nera) pores correspond to the pore space
that crosses the rock by going around and
between the mineral grains. without crossing
through them. If the intermineral pores are
closely spaced and if they surround most of the
component minerals. the rock loses its cohesion,
and is rendered friable. as is the case. for exam-
ple. in the granitic grits or grus.
The interminera1 netwol·k can result from a ph~'s­
icaJ process of alteration but, in most cases, it results
from the disa~gregation of the rock by processes of'
chemical weathering that promote the pellicular disso-
lution of all the weatherahlc minerals. 111e careful
observation of the morphology of the pores commonly
allows tbe identification of the origin of these two
kinds of pore· space. Physical alteration produces open
fissures and [nctures that exhjbit regular accordant
walls. Cbemical weathering produces irregular walls,
generally not accordant. that are separated by openings
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTl'RAnON AND WEATHERING
of variable thickness; the isolated mineral grains, com-
pletely surrounded by their alteroplasmas, have an
irregular. cavernous or denticulate shape.
In slightly weathered rocks. intermineral pore-
space occurs as irregular, sinuous and randomly spaced
alignments of alternately open and closed pores,
depending upon tbe inclination with which the inter-
mineral suture-plane is crossed by the fissure. This is
the reason why the intermineral fissures and pores are
rarely infUled by continuous allochthonous deposits, at
least at the beginning of rock. ·weathering.
In contrast, within the strongly weathered alterites,
the interrnineral network is more efficiently intercon-
nected and opened, because it is formed and ""idened
by peripberal dissolution and chemical weathering,
and DO longer only by mechanical fracturing. The Clr-
cuiation of water is facilitated along such networks,
and cutanic deposits are much more widespread.
Coarse-grained or less weatherabJe primary min-
erals occur as isolated grains within more weathered
alterites. These mineral relic., constitute mechanically
resistant units to the deforming forces generated
within the more easily deformed alteroplasmas.
Around tbese relics, a peripheral open fissure is devel-
oped. Linked v.'ith the general pore-space of the
weathered rock by a network of radial fissures, tl1ese
generaUy open peripheral pores can be filled by illuvial
cutanic deposits.
Other types of pores may be grouped with
the intermineral pores: these are the circum-
nodular peripheral pores, which preferentially
surround either indurated fabric units, such as
nodules or concretions, or elements of residual
structures, such as lithorelics and alterorelics.
These fissures and pores are preferentially devel-
oped around mechanically resistant units embed-
ded within a much more malleable S-matrix.
Theoretically, these pores form a closed envelope
that surrounds the residual or concretionary unit.
They appear. in thin section, as circular peripher'al
pores. Although these pores can be closed and iso-
lated. they very commonly are linked with the gen-
eral pore-space by a network of radiating fissures.
which are perpendicular to them. These peripheral
pores may be ephemeral; repeatedly and alterna·
tively, they aloe occluded or renewed according to
alternations of the humidity and dryness within the
surrounding matrix. Peripheral pores may also be
artificially opened by drying the sample during the
preparation of the thin section.
At the contact with open J.l]d interconnected
intermineral pores, the primary minerals are partly
weathered in a peripheral and centripetal pattern. The
PART 2: PATTERNS OF WEATHERING
alteroplasmas so formed may wldergo several modifi-
cations:
• Small particles of plasma may be dissociated.
extracted, displaced, carried a\vay, transported and
redeposited at long distances. These internal processes
of erosion and depOsition contribute largely to the
inegularit)' of the walls of the pores.
• .1\ Iteroplasmas rich in a smectite-group minerals
may be degraded into minerals of a second generation
(kaolinite or oxyhydroxides), which are more stable
and more closely in equilibrium with the circulating
waters. That later O'ansfonnation is commonly accom-
panied by material losses. by residual depOSits of iron
compow1ds of relati ....e accumulation. and by increases
in porosity.
• The plasmas, whatever tJleir mineralogical
nature, may be enriched by influx of iron
or manganese oxyhydroxides, which diffuse and arc
depOSited among the particles and so modify their col-
oration. These are commonly internal deposits, and
hypocoatings* are consequently formed.
• Clay cutans and cT)'stallaria may fonn locally.
They progressively fill in the pores until the filling is
complete, and thus stop the easy circulation of water.
• Clay cutans, which con.sist of particles removed
from the upper horizons, may be distinct in miner-
alOgical nature and coloration from the materials in
which they are deposited.
• Networks of intermineral pore-space. which
eventually can extend over long distances, may be
preferentially exploited hy microfauna and roots.
Their walls are consequently enlarged and modified by
processes of biopedoturhation. The pores may be
partly infilled by materials of biological origin.
• Argillaceous particles of the S-matrix, in close
contact with resistant fabric units, are commonly
subject to mechanical constraints. They exhibit a
strong conce.ntric reorientation parallel to tlle walls of
these units and form constraint cutans (granosu-iated
b-fabric*).
lntraminewl pUl'e-'1pace
I nuam;neral pores are localized within areas of
aJteroplasma. and are invariably found within the
original boundaries of the primary minerals from
which these alteroplasmas developed. Altero-
morphs that exhibit observable internal pore-
space are poro-alteromorphs (porous or
59
 pore-bearing alteromorphs). Intramineral pores
generally occur without apparent connection
with the intramineral pore-space that develops
within adjacent weathered grains. Their relative
distribution gives an important key for the later
classification of alteromorphs.
More specifically linked with processes of alter-
atil'ln or weathering th.an intt'rmineral porosity.
intTamineral porosity mu~t be carefully observed. Its
micromorphological description ","ill be the object of
morc detailed studies in Pal1 3.
Intramincral pores result from chemical alteration
of a mineral in which the volume of the products of
weathering is smaller than the original \-olume of the
primary mineral. The ~hape and distTibution of these
pores within the alteroplasmas provide important cri-
teria in the description and classification of minerals
undergoing weathering, and of completely weathered
minerals. "Vhcre the size and shape of intramineral
pores are unc\'en. and wherc they arc randomly dis-
tributed. the resulting altcromorph is an alveoporo-
alteromOl-ph (see below).
Weathering generally progresses into the primary
minerals in a non-uniform way. The de\·elopment and
di,m-ihution of the secondary products are strongly
iofluenced by the distribution of speciIJc textural fea-
tures in the- plimary minerals. Among these, the more
efFective ones arc planes or cleavage (pyroxenes,
amphibub and micas), twin planes (plagioclase and
numerous other minerals), interfaces between inter-
grown products of a deuteric or metamorphic reaction
(e.H., perthite, myrmekite, s)'rnpleetite, etc.), indu-
sion-I1ch planes and planes that are the loci of crystal-
lographic deflects. The rate of wcathel"ing is also
inllucnced by variations in the chemical composition of
the primary mine.ral (zoned minerals).
The orientation of secondary pal·ticlt~s may ~t1so be
innuenced by the crystal Iagraphic directions of the pri-
man· mineral as, for example. in tbe case of Rakes of a
sme-~titc-group mineral in an alteroplasma after pyl"OX-
ene or mica, and of iron oxyhydroxide microcrystals in
a cl"Ystalliplasma after a lerromagncsian mi.llel<ll. irreg-
ular' cracks " without any direct r~larionshjp to the cry~-
, The inter-plasma-mineral pore:-space that dcye!-
taJlographic directions of the mineral. are also at least
partly responSible For the uneven distribution of the
secondary products and pores. Their irregular pattern
is then cornhinecl with the regular pattern directlv
inherited from the primary mineral. This resulL~ in the
development of a complex pattern of alteration.
60
The orientation and distribution of secondan-
products are influenced by these bctors, as are the ori-
entation an(1 distribution of the pores tllat arc associ-
ated with them, although both secondary products and
associated pores arc complementarily distributed.
Within completely weathered grains of a pyroxcne or
g,1rnet, for example, the iron oxyhydrDxides fOl-m se-pta
that mimic the networks of" ck.a\·agcs and fractures
(sepw-ahcromorphs, sce below), wht:reas th.e. associated
pores arc distributed as isolated, dosed and empc:-
polyhedral volumes enclosed hetwecn these septa.
The shape and distribution of the pores within an
alteromorph may abo be intluenCed by th.e Cl"ystal\o-
graphic orientation of the secondary mineral itseU· and
not only by that of the primary mineral. This is the case
for smectite-rich weathering products after pyroxene.
These generally I"orm well-oriented ph}'IJoporo-alrcro-
morphs in which the pores are distributed parallel to the
more or less opened cleavages of the secondary min-
eral. without being intluenced by tllt' cleavages of the
prim31-y mineral.
Most intramineral pores arc isolated with.in the
alteromorphs. without direct connection to the tnns-
mineral and intermineral pores. As a result. they arc
not reached by the free circulation of water, and they
do not exhihit cutanic deposit" of particle., transported
by such waters.
Intramineral porosity ma~ also appear and develop
at a late stage within the alteromorphs by degradation
of the t1rst-formed uu.stable alteropJasmas. The disso-
lution and leaching of several constituents lead to the
formation of irreguJar ahc:olar pores (mew-oJ.-coporo-
ahcromorphs) , rimmed by new minerals formed from
the insoluble pal-t of the rlasma (goethite or gibbsite).
This new (mew-) pore-space may be random.ly distrib-
uted, or it may be concentrically distributed according
to the mineralogical or chemical variations 01· the
degraded mineral cOll5tituents. "Vhere residual pore's
are cl.irecdy generated by weathering of the primary
mineral, the resulting alteromorph is an orrho-alveo-
poro-altaomorph; where they Jre generated by the
degradation (If tl1e first-formed secondary products,
t.he resulting alteromorph is a para-all'coporo-altero-
morph (see Part 3).
ops between the remnants of primary mineral and tl1c
perrpherall1m of alteroplasma must also be considered
as intramineral pore-space, although it is ephemeral,
and will be replaced by a different kind of pore span>
after the complete weathering and disappearance of
those remnants (alveoporo- and ccntroporo-alreromorphs).
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINfML ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

A B c o
032
HORNBLENDE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire Sampled at
outcrop
Transmineral fissures
through hornblende
and c1inopyroxene
Objective: x 4
PPL
0.6

0.4

0.2

- 0.0 mm

heing partially trans-
formed into hornblende by a
postmagruatic process, the dinop)'-
roxe-ne of the- ol-iginal p~Toxe'nlte
\\as intensely Fractured. A set of
parallel thin transmineral f1ssUl'es
runs across several adjacent crystals
or clinop~Toxenc. These fissures
hornhlende', the transmineral fis-
sures ban: been maintaincd within
lhe chnopyroxene, whereas they
ha\'c been largely obliterated
within the ne\vly formed horn-
blende. In the hornblende, the orig-
inal transmineral fissures appear as
\'(~ry thin and short relict Ilssures,
sures, persisting within the dinopy-
roxene grains, have thus been
replaced by man)' relict intramin-
eral fissures in the replacement
mineral. All have maintained the
orientation of the original continu-
ous transmineral fissw"es.

.
may be many centiJneters or
'
decimeters long. During the partial
whose distribution and orientation
correspond to oind are in continuity
replacement of tbe clinopyroxcnc with those of thc original intramin-
Cl'ystab by large poikiloblast, of eroil hssUl"cs_ TIle tTaHsmineral lls-

PART 2: PATTERNS OF WEATHERING

61
TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

013
CllNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at the soil
surface
Transmineral fissures
in c1inopyroxene
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

0.0 mm

of two subparallel trans-
mineral fissures run across a
typical sample of clinopyroxenite,
\vhich is mainly composed of
ineguigranular cT)'staLs of clinap)'-
raxene associated with a few small
crystals of orthop)'Toxenc (E3 -4- 5);
both pjTOXene-group minerals may
be locally enclosed within poikiJo-
hJastic brown hornblende (E4-S).
The transmineral fissures have pro-
vided the cbannelway along which
hydrothermal alteration has begun.
The dark-colored bands are mainlv,.
composed of randomly oriented
and distributed microcrystals of
actinolite. The two thin light-col.
ored lines that run along the central
part of the bands correspond to the
tTace of the original fissures. These
were widened, along their walls, by
the hydrothermal process. A more
detailed view of a similar transmin-
eral Hssure in a related sample can
be seen in the next tvvo photomi-
crographs (034, 035).

ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTEI\ATION AND WEATHEl\lNG

62
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

034, 035
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Transmineral fissure
in c1inopyroxene
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

0.0 mm

I large crystal of
~ c1inopyroxenc has been cut by
a transmineraJ fissure, along which
part of tile colorless o'iginal min-
eral has been transformed to green-
ish actinolite. The secondary
arnphibole is clearly visible in the
widest part of the banded texture
(D3), whereas along its tllinnest
parts. the fissure has gi,'en way to
microcrystalline gra.ins of actinolite
without any particular' orientation.
The opaCJue bJrains of magnetite
that are located along the pathway
of the fissure remai.n undisturbed
and unaltered, as caD clearly be seen
by comparing the oliginal and sec-
ondary parts of the rock. Within the
O<Ulsformed bands, tile pattern of
distribution of the magnetite grains
is very simiJar to the pattern \-\-ithin
the original rock:. 1n this type of
clin0p)Toxenite, the magnetite and
the other opaCJue minerals seem to
be either intersertal or enclosed
crystals.

2;
PAltT PATIERNS OF WEATHERING
63
TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES
, !)arl< of thc land-
scape, in the contaC1: area bet\\T\::n
ultr,1Hla~1c and granitic rocks, both
rock types may be found interJay-
cred in the same profile. Within the
granitic layers, mixed smenitic and
kaolinitic clays iJl6.!1 the open traflS-
mineral fract1.JJ"C's in the minerals of
the granitic rock. Most li-acturcs arc
connected, and the}'- surround
pol)'mincraLic fragments of rock,
which bter will be released from
their man'ix to form isolated
lithorclics. In these illustrations, a
large s'l'Jin of mirrncline ha., becn
fragmented into several in-cgular
64
fragments by wide transmineral
fracntres, which have been inflllcd
by homogeneous clayey materia.!.
M icrolaminations or variations in
grain size are not de\'eloped. These
inflllings are crossed by irregular
empty crach. Small Fragments of
th" primary minerals are engulfed
in the innlling material. Most of
these fragments arc relics of ",eauI-
ered and oxidized crystals uf biotite
(mainly \'isible in C3 and A4-5).
The weathered biotite seems to be
the main source ol- the clay material
of the transmineral infiJUngs. In this
c.m:, tbe iolllling material has a sub-
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEAAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
036, 037
GRANITIC ROCK
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvolre
Depth: 2.8 m
T ransmineral fractures
Material displacement
over short distances
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
-0.6
- 0.4
- 0.1
O.Omm
autochthonous origin, and does not
come h.-om J very distant source.
The obsen'ation of' the next photos
(038, 039) \'ill confirm this inrer-
cnee. Nott' that the separated Ji-ag-
ments of microcline ha\'c not
maintainec] the originally homoge-
neous orientation of the large
miCJ-ocline crystal. Three areas of
myrmckitc are shown in C2, C3
and E4-, and cluartz grains are \'isihle
in Ule upper part 01' the photo-
micrographs.
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

A B c o
038, 039
INTERLAYERED ROCK
Koua Bocca. Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 3 m
T ransmineral fracture
Material displacement
over short distances
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

-0.6

- 0.4

- 0.2

-O.Omm

, the rock layers that
exhibit an i.ntermediate com-
position. c1inopFoxene and horn-
blende, derived From an uJtramaIic
rock. are more abundant and gener·
ally enclosed within large oikocrysts
of feldspar. In this sample. the feld-
spathiC component is not weath-
ered, whereas the malic minerals.
mainly the c1inopyroxene, afe
brgcly replaced by J saponitic clay
mineral. The wide transmineral
fracture that cuts the rock is inllllcd
with a Sl11cctiuc clay \\'host? chemi-
cal composition is very similar to
that of the t)Ve of smectite derived
from the weathering of tht' c1inopy-
roxene. Compared with the earlier
pllOtom icrographs (036, 037).
taken from an adjacent sample. it is
obvious that the mineralogiC'JI com-
position of the inllllings depends
strongly on the nature of the frag-
mented rock. Consequently, these
infiJlings are suhautochthonous, and
ill.ustrate material disl)lacement
over short distances. Fragmented
alteromorphs after clinopyroxene
and Fragmt?nts of ullwl"athcred
hornhlende and microcline arc
engulfed within the inAlling mater-
ial. These fragments have not been
displaced, as is indicated by the rel-
ative position of the fragments of
green hornblende (C4--5). The
infil1ings seem to hI:' formed gradu-
ally with the opening of the frac-
tUlY, smaJlmineral fragments being
randomly released from the walls of
the fracture and immediately
tTapped within the infllling mater-
ial.

2:
PART PATTIRNS Of WEATHERlNG
65
TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

040,04.
HORNBLENDE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
C6te d'lvoire
Depth: I m
T ransmineraJ fracture
Material displacement
over long distances
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

- 0.0 mm

fracture has been opened
1 in a relatively fi'esh rock com-
posed of c1inopyroxene, olivine,
bornblende and opa9ue minerals.
The: distribution of the: partially
weathered grains of clinopyroxene
(B-CJ, (4) indicates that weather-
has been cut by t.he fracture. Part of
it has remained enclosed in the orig-
inal rock, whereas the other part
has been engulfed in green smectitic
clay of illuvial origin. These al-
lochLhonous materials arc produced
bv, the wcatherino of rock in the
~
are continuously operating, eyen
after formation of the illuvial mate-
rial, which explains the microtex-
tures of these. deposits. The clay
material itself' is crossed by numer-
ous irregular fractures, ~~ith more
01' less accordant surfaces. Slight

ing started after the open.ing of the
fracture. Only the pyroxent> grains
that are located along the walls of
the fracture are partially weathered.
The more ,,-eatherable crystals of
olivine are completely weathered to
greenish smectitic day. A large
alterollwrph after oli~'ine (DI-2)
upper part ofthc prollle. MiLTopar-
ticles are eastlv loosened from the
alteromorphs formed at the
expense or pyroxene-gruup miner-
als and olivine by swelling and
shrinkage. and transported to
greater depths along the large con-
tinuous Cracturc.s. These proct'..sse.~
degradation of the smectitic clay
particles induces the fonnation of a
thin brownish rim of iron oxyhy-
droxides around each of these frag-
ments.

ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINEAAL ALTEAATION AND WEATHERING

66
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

041
WEATHERED
PYROXENITE
Koua Bocc;a,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 6.2 m
Transmineral fracture
Material displacement
over long distances
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
1.0

- 0.0 mm

043
WEATHERED
PYROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 6.2 m
Transmineral fracture
Material displacement
over long distances
Objective: x 4
PPb.6

- 0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

ferrallitic alterites and
I soils, the allochthonous deposits
of iUuviated clays are mainly com-
posed of particles of more or less
iron-rich kaolinite, "vhich may
occasionally be associated with silty
particles. These materials gi\'e way
to microlamillated inJillings, i.ll
which tine and coarse layers may
either alternate regularly or fonn
deposits whose grain size varies
progressively within the thickness
of the infllling. Disordered internal
movements of tbe soil material mio·oJaminations. Many secondary
along the slopes of the landscape cracks are randomlv distributed in
promote the irregular faulting of the illuviated material. Since tbey
the intllJing, and the relative dis- do not show any coaling, these
placement of parts of it, as can be empty cracks are possibly produced
dearly seen in these two photomi- by artificial desiccation of the mate-
crographs. Several grades of faulting rial in the laboratory.
an: developed; coarse fragments,
det-ived from macrofaulting with
large relative displac:ements, also
have been subjected to internal
microfauJts, which result in the
slight relative displacement of their

2:
PART PATIERNS OF WEATHERING
67
TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES
distributed and
parallel transl"t~rse fissures can
be assigned to the category of trans-
mineral f1ssur-es, although they are
1I0t clearly seen to <"xlend through
the neighbOling minerals. Such reg-
ular orientation is indeed limited to
the acicular cr~'stals, whose particu-
lar orientation allows their eaS\'
breakaoe.
b
Note that the IIssures arc
not clearly obsenTe] in the n.eigh-
68
044, 045
LUJAVRITE
Poc;:os de Caldas,
MG. Brazil
Depth: 0.4 m
Transverse fissures
in acicular crystals
of aegirine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
- 0.2
- 0.1
=-- 0.0 mm
boring crystals; thei.r OIientiltions actinoDte, and apatite. SUdl O'ans-
make the transmineral fissures indis- verse fissures also appear in crystaJs
tinguishable from the networks or III which Cloe dimension is l11udl
fissures due to clea"ages and otJlcr shortel' than the other two, ror
irregularities. This particular distri- example tabular and lamellar CJ:;s-
bution or fissures and rractures is tals of plagioclase.
commonly obscrI'cd in all crystals
in which one dimension is far
greater than the uther two, as b the
cast' for the needle-shaped, fibrous
and acicular crystals or aegirine,
ATlAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINEAAL ALTERATlON AND WEATHERING
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

B c D
046
GRANITIC ROCK
Koua Bocc.a.
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.8 m
Transmlneral fractures
Material displacement
over long distances
Objective: x 10
XPL

- 0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

047
GRANITIC ROCK
BR 163, Brazil
Sampled by F. Soubies
Depth: 2.5 m
Transmineral fracture
Material displacement
over long distances
Objective: x 4
XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

- 0.0 mm

fracture cuts a
1 feldspar grain by following onc
cleavage direction of the mineral. [f
the thin coatings are disregarded, it
see.ms that the walls of the fracture"
arc mainly accordant surfaces. and
that the directions of the fracture
are approximately at right angles to
one- another. These fractures arc
formed by lateral translation of the
felelspal· Ii-agments. Their opening
is not caused by dissolution, as
the margins of the fl-agments arc
perfectly unwealhered. at least at
the scale observable with an optical
microscope. A long transmineral
h·acture cuts grains of quartz and
weathered feldspar in the granitic
rock. It is probable that the fracture
and its inmling have developed
befure the rock was weathered,
hecause the widt.h of the fracture
remains constant whatever the host
mineral. The inlllling of the fracture
is composed of mcsocrystalline
gihbsi te, whereas the secondary
gibbsite after feldspar is microcrys-
talline. SUJ1 inflllings can promote
.:Jppreciable enrichments of alu·
minun1 in fractured but ul1weath-
creel rocks at the base of the
fcrralutic or baux.itic profiles. It is
obvious that the infillings are
allochthonous. and d1at they have
been formed by in silU crystalliza-
tion from aluminum-rich solutions.
N0te that the Cjual·tz grains are not
weathered.

2:
PART PATIERNS Of WEATHERJNG
69
TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

048,049
OllVINE-BEARING
ClINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca.
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 12.8 m
Transmineral fracture
Material displacement
over long distances
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

- 0.2

f
~

~
0./

0.0 mm

I! transmincral fracture
~ runs across a grain of olivinl"
that has been replaced by
"iddingstite" during an early step of
hypogene alteration. Many intra-
mineral cracks (protodastic frac-
tures) are still \isible, and they
appear as dark, curved, mu) linea-
ments coated with iron oxides
delived from the oxidation of thin
lameUar grains of magnetite, The
reddish browTl "idclingsite" is highly
birefl'ingent, and is homogeneolIsly
oriented according to the orienta,
tion of the original grain of olivine.
Manganiferous solutions were
transported over long distances
along the tTansmineral fracture.
\Vhere they crossed an easily im-
pregnated secondary material, such
as "iddingsite", the solution in-eg-
ularly difTllsed into and impregnated
both margins of the transmineral
fracture. Irregular hypocoatings are
expressed by t.he local replacement
of the usual bright red color of the
"iddingsite" by black opaque areas.
These displacement.s of manganifer-
ous materiaJ and aUochthonous con-
centrations are comJnoluy obsen'ed
during the weathering of basic and
ultrabasic rocks, but the impregna-
tion by these manganese hydrated
oxides is more commonly obsened
in iron-rich materials, such as in
"iddingsite" areas or in altero-
morphs rich in iron oxyhydroxides.
The other primary minerals of the
rock, mainly clinopyroxene, are
partial! y wea the red to sapon..i t.ic
smectite which, even in proximity
to the transmineral fracture, is not
coated with hydrated ox.ides of
manganese.

ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

70
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

050, 05 I
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.4 m

Intermineral fracture
and coatings
of illuviated clays
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

- 0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

, I 11, I I " interm.ineral frac-
ture separates an unweathered
rock into two fragments whose
margins correspond to the external
boundaries of the constituent
grains. The original configuration of
the open fracture has been partially
obscured by the irregular illuviation
of clay materials. The open fractUJ'e
is partiaJJy inItUed by coatings of
smectitic material derived from the
internal erosion of alteromorphs
after pyroxene in the uppermost
horizons of weathered rock, Both
rragments are composed or the min- has lost pa.rt of its regular shape, and
erals usually observed in these is now con\-erted into a chain of
rocks: dinopyroxene, hornblende interconnected short pores, With
and magnetite. AIJ these primary continued infiJling, parts of the
minerals are unweaU1ered. Along intermineral Fl'acture probably wi 11
the intcrmineral fracture, some pri- be closed until the fracture is
mary minerals ha\'e heen partially rt:opened as a rcsuJt of later internal
weathered (A I, 132), the regular movements.
neposits have been partially eroded,
and their more external lavrrs
/
have
been degraded into browTlish clay
materials. .'\s a reJlection of the
irregularities of Ule fracture and of
its coatings, the interrnineral pore

PART 2: PATIERNS Of WEATHERING

71
TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES
A c
1I I intennineral frac·
W ill' I
tures are closely spaced and
interconnected, rock fragments are
isolated li'om one another. Where
such fragments arc mixed into the
upper soil horizons, they are called
72
D
052, 053
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: lA m
Intermineral fractures
Formation of Iithorelics
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
-0.6
- 0.4
- 0.2
-O.Omm
lithorelics. The ori(1jnaJ rock is the lar ulickness of the coatings, con-
'" photomicro-
same as in the previous
graph$, and the' internlineral frac-
striction of the pores, and partial
weathering of the plimary minerals
tures and their coatings show the in grains that are located along both
same patterns as the previous ones: sides of the 6:actures.
irregularity of the fractures, irregu-
AnAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEML ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

054, 055
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
C6te d'lvoire
Depth: I m

Interconnected
intermineral fissures

Objective: X 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

pyroxene crystals in this
sample of eCluigtanular clino-
pyroxenite have been separated by a
regular network of intermineral fIs-
sures. These provided the pathways
along which the isolated grains have
been partially weathered to a yel-
lowish saponitic secondary product.
The weathering starts peripherally
around each isolated crystal. The
width of the bancleJ intergranula.r
material is relatively constant
through the ",.. hole thin section. the oetwork of fissures. Under
Cleavages of the pyroxene grains these conditirlOs, the nearly fresh
are enhanced by the beginning of rock loses its compactness and is
the weathering; the finely denticu- reodered vcr)' friable, even though
late shapes of Lhe pyroxene rem- "ery l.imited quantities of secondary
nants are clearly observed around products have been formed.
the most strongly weathered grains
(B2, D2), whereas the shape of the
oLher slightly weathered grains (B-
C 4- 5) is not yet modified by any
optically apparent denticulation.
Most mineral grains are loosened by

PART 2: PATIERNS OF WEATHERING

73
TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES
I11 .• ,I I rock contains
clinopyroxenc grains \vith an
etluigranular texture, grains of
biotitc altered to vermiculite (B J ,
85, £5) during an earlier hydro-
thermal stage, irrebrular graLns of
magnetite, and small interstitial
grai.ns of apatite. ,'\11 the c1inopy-
roxene crystals have undergone a
partial peripheral weathering to
sal)onitic clay. The lTansfonnat.ion
of the biotite into vermiculite, ",ith
an appreciable Lncrease in volume,
has promoted the opening of many
intermLneral fbsw'es and fractures.
These, in turn, have promoted the
subsegucDl peripheral weathering
of the pyroxene crystals. The
74
056
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Intermineral porositY
Hypocoatings
Objective: x 6.3
PPL
O.3
l
- 0.2
; 0.1
- 0.0 mm
weathering starts along the Lnter· the formation of very lightly col-
mineral pores: denticuJate rem- ored saponitic clay. In the ul)pcr
nants of pyroxene are surrounded levels, the circulation of water
by progressively thkker and thicker aUows the addition of iron, which
rims of saponitic clay as the degree enhances the coloration of the clay
of weathering increases. The free produced. Consequently, these
circuJation of water allows the upper alteroTIlOl1Jhs differ from t.he
pores to be widened, partially by lower ones, mainly in their chemi-
intemal erosion of the newly cal and minerillogical compositions:
formed secondary clay, and partially they are meta-alteromorphs.
by their own degradation into more
iron-rich kaolinitic day. True
cutans of illuviation are not
observed, but hypocoatings are
developed around each altero-
morph. Normally, in the lower
horizons, the weathering of SUdl
iron-poor clinopyroxenc induces
ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WE"THERING
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

OS7
BASALTIC ROCK
Morocco

Sampled by A. Dekayir
Depth: 0.4 m

Circum-mineral pore.
artificial coloration

Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

- 0,0 mm

OS8
GRANITIC ROCK
Dagolilie, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: I m

Perinodular pore
and clay coatings

Objective: x 2.5
PPL

photomicrograph,an ficially Willed with coloreel S)'11- Th", lower photomicrograph

I
1 I 'I

intermineral pore completel)' sur-
rounds a pyroxene phenocryst and
separates it from the weathered
basaltic matrix. Where such an
intermineral fissure or pore entirely
sUlTounds a grain of a particular
mineral, it is convenient to desig-
nate it as a c.ircum-mineral fissure
or pore. This pore has been partially
infilled with allodlthonous iron-
lich material derived !i"om the sur-
rounding weather.::d matl-Lx, The
open part of tile pore has been arti-
tbetic material for better "isualiza-
tion of its volume, and also or the
network of connecting of fissures
and macropores along wh.ich the
infilling malel"ial ha~ been trans-
pOl1:ed, Sudl circum-mineral pores
are commonly obscn'ecl where
coarse-grained and hard bodies are
embedded in a weathered matrix or
soil material that can undergo
important changes in voLume under
tJle alternating innuences of humid-
ity and dryness.
shows a circum-noclular pore that
sunOlUlds a hard indurated alte-
rorelic in a soft soil material. The
pore exhibits a constant thickness; it
is regularly coated by allochthonous
inFillings of clay material that
delimit a chain of elongate empty
pores in the median plane of the cir-
Clull-nodular cavity.

PART 2: PATTERNS Of WEATHERING

75
TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES
A 8
a IIrst .~t('p ()[ hypogene
alteration, a crystal of olivine
has been partially replaced by an
alteromorph of "iclningsite", sLi11
containing some small remnants of
oljylne. During a further step of
weathering, the area converted to
"icldingsite" lost magnesium and sil-
ica, and locally has been replaced by
a homogeneous alteromorph of iron
hyclroxine. At this stage, the rem-
nants of magnesium-rich o]jvine
bave been completely weathered,
and have disappeaJ'ed, leaving
numerous intTamineral pores now
76
c D
coaten by iron oxides of relati\'e
accumulation. These coatings arc
clearly seen, under PPL, as dark
reddish brov,:n deposits sUHound-
ing each empty pore. The result of
the' combined effects of both hypo-
gene alteration and supergene
weathering is a polygenetic aheo-
poro-alteromorph. During a later
stage of absolute accumulation of
aluminum within the recently
formed iron crust, the intramineral
pores, derived from the dissulution
of remnants of 0 livine, have been
inljUed by crystallaria of gibbsi te,
ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEf\AL AlTEf\AnON ANO WEATHERING
059, 060
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire
Iron crust sampled
at soil surface
Intramineral pores and
allochthonous infillings
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
0.1
=--- 0.0 mm
which are better observed under
XPL. This last process gives rise to
a polygcnetic eumulo-alveoIJoro-
aJreromorph. The aJJochthonous
origin of the gibbsite crystaUaria is
establisbed by the fact that olivine
does not contain aluminum. Note
that the network of the original
protoclastic fractures has been per-
fectly preserved during all these
successive steps of transformation
and accumulation.
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

061,062
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 10 m
Intramineral fissures
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

I prismatic cr~'stals of
1 clinopyroxene were com-
pletely encloseo within a large pOik-
iloblastic crystal of phlogopite.
During a flTSt step of hypogene
alteration, tJle phJogopite was
altered to a meso-alteromorph of
venniculite. with considerable
expansion perpendicular to the
sheets of this layer silicate. This
increase of volwne is responsible
for the fracturing of the embedded
crystals of pyroxene; numerous
open transverse intramineral cracks
parallel tJle layering of the sur- tals have practically maintained
rounding "enniculitc. The plane of their original crystalJographic ori-
the thin section is con"enientlv ori- entation, as shown by the homoge-
ented perpendicular to the layering neous and uniform interference-
of the layer siJicate, and clearly colors exhibited by all the frag-
shows the orientation of the resuJt- ments of CJch original prism.
ing cracks. During a second stage,
weatheJing of the pyroxene prisms
preferentially started along these
transverse intTamineral cracks, and
resulted in the development of Jen-
ticwate remnants, now surrounded
by saponite as a secondary product.
All fragments of the pyroxene crys-

PART 2: PAITERNS OF WEATHERING

77
TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

063
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca.
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3 m

Intra mineral fracture

Objective: x 4
PPL

0.6

0.4

- 0.2

0.0 mm

I crystal of orthopyroxe.nc
(hypersthene), whose pleochro-
ism in shades of pink is rather d1ar-
acteristic, has been peripherally
weathered to nontronite. The
thickness (volume) of the nontTon-
ite-bearing rim is sufficient to pro-
mote important \'ariations in
\'olume uncler the influence of alter-
nating conditions of bum.idity and
dryness. The"e stresses, whose
result is comparable to a process of
colloid plucking, are responsible for
the breakage of the grain of the pre-
cursor mineral into pieces by large
concordant fractures, wbich will
later be the pathways along wruch
weatheriog ,.\rill progress. In the
example illustrated here, it is not
the surrounding meso-altero-
morphs that caused the breakage of
the grain of orthopyroxene, as in
the earlier illustrations, but its O\,VTl
rim or secondary products.

ATlAS OF MICJ<OMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AL TEflATION AND WEATHERING

78
 TRANSMINERAL FRACTURES

064,065
PVROXENITE
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.4 m
Complex assemblage
of trans-, inter- and
intramineral fissures

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0,2

0.0 mm

T\ I - crystals of
orthopyroxene, surrounded by
clinopyroxene (A 1, C-D-ES) and
poikilitic hornblende, are crossed
by nunlcrous flssures. along wruch
the orthopyroxene was partially
altered hydrothermally to talc,
associated with thin bands of sec-
ondary magnetite. The network of
fissmes is irregularly disoibu ted.
The IIssures are interconnected,
and are of three main types. Both
orthopyToxenc crystals are crossed
by a common long transmineral fis-
sure, whereas they are separated by
orthopyroxcne on the right are
interpreted as remnants ot' previ-
ously o;'stalJized grains of clino-
a common interrnincral fissure. The pyroxene tilat were not completely
left-hand crystal exrubits numerous resorbed during later growth of the
ino'amineral fissures. along which orthopyroxene.
thin bands of talc are formed. The
right -hand crystal is crossed by fis-
sures of supergene origin, along
which iron oxyhydroxides were
deposited. The rOWldish crystals
that are enclosed iJ1 the c!'Vstal of

PART 2: PATIERNS OF WEATHERING

79

PAn'ERNS Of AtrERA ! I
AND WI:, THFRING
Primary minerals mOl)' weather according to se\'-
eral simple or complex patterns, which are generally
predetermined by internal and external factors. In
practice, each mineral species weathers according to its
own pattem. Without outlining all possible situations,
it is necessary to use a simplified scbenlatic classifica-
tion of the most frequently obser\'ed patterns. More
complex textures can be desLTibed by combining two
or more simple pattems.
Thc weathering pattern observed in t.he ''''cath-
cred part of a mineral b mainly controlled by the
nature of the primary mineral and hy some of its char-
acteristics. The proposed classitlcatjon can be used as
long as the original outline of the primary mineral is
recogrtizable, and the \'olumes occupied by the three
phases (residual mineral, secondary miner,d and
intram..ineral pore-space) arc identifiable. The scheme
is valid for all CRses of simple or complex, pan:i;:d or
complete altcromorphs. It is also valid in the case
where weathering is not exactly isovolumetJic, i.e.,
where originaJ shapes and volumes arc only impel"
fectly mainta..ined. In contrast, the scheme is no longer
useruJ, without important modifications, to describe
pedoplasmas, pedoturbed alteroplasmas, and other
features in whkh the original textures are no longel'
identifiable .
on. en'I1Lion of \'olllme;~
DepencLng upon the degree of preservation of the
size and shape of the primary minerals as a result of
their \vcathering, three main types of alteration and
weathering patterns can be distinguished (Stoops CL aJ.
1979):
Isomorphous alteration: The external shape and
dimensions of the alteromorph are similar to
those of the original mineral. The word "similar"
is preferred to the word "identical", because
undetectable modifications of shape and size may
have been produced during weathering. Such a
weathering process promotes the formation of
iso-a/teromorphs (anhedral primary mineral) and of
pseudomorphs (euhedral primary mineral).
M esomorphic alteration: The external shape of
the original mineral is well preserved and remains
80
identifiable. but its volume has changed in one.
two or three dlmenslo"ns. These modifications
are mainly caused by unidirectional expansion
produced during the weathering of primary min-
erals that exhibit an appropriate structure. such
as the phyllosilicates, or by multidirectional
expansion recorded in secondary minerals such
as the smectitic group of clay minerals. This
weathering process promotes the formation of
meso-alteramorphs.
Katamorphic alteration: The external shape and
size of the original mineral are modified to such
an extent that they are no longer Identifiable. The
mineral is partially replaced or divided, the relics
or fragments are scattered, and their outlines
become diffuse and indistinct. Only the mean
position of the original mineral can still be recog-
nized where the secondary products are not too
dispersed. This results in the development of
kata-alteromorphs.
T he term isomorphous. and not isomorphic. is
used here in its general. literal meaning to avoid
any reference to speCific meanings in crystallogra-
phy. By analogy, the terms mesomorphous and
katamorphous are used here.
Pellet/'alioll in a mineral;
th pOlhwoy ~f l\'corherinl1
The alteration patterm described below charac-
terize not only iso·altcromorphs, but also meso-
alterolllorphs. The case of kata-alleromorphs is more
complex, and can only be addressed by resorting to
specific descriptions for each case.
In all cases. the entire grain of a primary mineral
must be considered even if. during its weathering,
it has been fractured into several residual frag-
ments now scattered in its alteroplasma.
A secondaf)' mineral phase de\·e!ops at the
expense of a primar)' mineral phase foLlowing its planes
and other areas of weakness. The main ones are: the
external surface of the mineral, the. open intramineral
features (intramineral fissures, cleavage planes), and
ATlAS OF MICROMOI\PHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERJNG
the closed surfaces of discontinuity (separation planes tion planes and inclusions) and gcochemical (e.g.,
between adjacent minerals or inclusions. zonation) urigins, despite being vcr; different from
one another, produce compatable effects on the devel-
The exremal surface of the mineral forms the
opment 01' the weathering process and on the intemal
bounding planes with the adjacent minerals. By dc/lni-
distribution of dIe alte1'Oplasmas. The influence of
tion, all bonds along the external sw-face are unsatis-
these surfaces of discontinuity is added to tJlat of the
neeL Thus the surface layer is more reactive than the
c1eayages and fractures, and thus increases the com-
rest of the grain. Initially. these sw-faces form only
plexity of the alteromorphs and of their description.
potential pathways of penetration. Under the influence
The closed sW'faces of discontinuity are: twin 1)I<1nes.
of physical and chemical factors of near-surface origin,
separation planes between adjacent minerals or inclu-
the suture interfaces are opened, and the weathering
sions, and concentric zonations.
front. which exploits these planes. can penen-ate the
minerals in peripheral and centripetal ways even Twin planes are situated behw'cn two or more in<ii-
where the minerals do not exhibit any internal Fissures \'idual crystals of the same mineral species present in
or defects. These external surfaces are the most impor- dilTerent olientations in same grain. The twin law may
tant pathways for incipient weathering of practically all lead to simple or polysynthetic, contact or penetntion
primary minerah. twim. Se\'eral difTerent patterns of twins may cOt'xist
in the same grain (a1bite and pericline twins. for exam-
Swface, of intramineraljlssure, cause the minC'ral to
ple, in a grain of' plagioclase or microcl1ne). A twin
be cJivickd into several potential contiguous fragments.
plane, if combined \\'ith oblique networks of cleavage
Where open, these surfaces can be. to some extent.
on both sides. produces a distinctive "{Ish-bone"
compared to external surfaces of tJ1e first type, because
microsn-uctw-e. This pattern is commonly observed
weathering progresses into each fragment from the
dming the first steps of weathering of elongate crystals
periphef)' and in a centTivetal manner. Some of these
of plagioclase in ba.saltic, rrachytic and diabasic rocks,
fractures and Fissures may haq~ been infilled by h)1)o-
of orthoclase crystals in granitic rocks, or of twinned
gene products of alteration and coated by hydroxylated
crystals of augite in some plutonic or elTLLsive rocks.
minerals (chlorite in garnet, sericite in Feldspal-.
This specific distribution of symmetrically oriented
amphiboJe in pyroxene, serpentine in oliyine). In such
cleavages with respect to the twin plane leads to the
cases, the deScription of the weathering of these com-
development of acantho-seplO-alceramorphs (see below).
posite mjnerals is made either by first considering the
host mineral or b). considering the mineral that weath- Separation planes extend between lamellar or ver-
ers First. In any case. the entire mineral grain is (nn- micular intergro",ths and their host mineral. These
sidered, and not its separate fragments. planes separate distinct mineral species that generally
exhibit a close affmit)' in their mineralogical or geo-
C1caFa8e planes di\'ide the mineral by following
chemical composition. The two cJilTerent m.ineral
ont', two or e~-en three parallel, orthogonal or obligue
species may exllibit very different patterns of behavior
directions. They are responSible for the fragmentation
\-vhen subjected to weatJ1ering. Included in this group
of the mineral grain into small. regularly aligned poly-
are pel'thitic intergrowths of microcline and albite i.n a
hedral fragments. The cleavages 3re also to be consiJ-
K-rich feldspar, m)Tmekitic intergrow1hs of CJuartz in
ered as potential planes, which arc later opened once
sodic plagioclasc, lameUae of ilmenite in magnetite,
the minerals enter the zone of the active weathering,
s)·mplectiticintergrov..1:hs of magnetite and orthopy-
for example. They may also open in thin sections of
roxene, elC. Many separation planes of this type :Ire
unweathered rocks, subjected to strong med1anical
closed systems because they are related to isolated
stresses during their preparation. Systems of planes,
inclusions, within the host mineral, WitJ10ut cOlmec-
which correspond to poorly expressed cleavages. cut
tion ~~ith tJ1<~ external pathways of weathering. Their
the mineral into irregularly shaped and sized frag-
pattern of behavior is similar to that of surfaces of con-
ments, each opened cleavage not necessarily being
tact between inclusions and tJ1e host mineral. These
continuous thmughout the "'hole grain. Stair-shaped
surfaces are closed and without connection with the
open fissures are common. Where there is only one set
exterior in cases \\·here the inclusions are few, small
of parallel cleavages, d1e mineral becomes divided into
and isolated. They play their role only where the host
se\'eral layers, generally regular in shape, but of vari-
mineral is cut by inb-amineral or transmineral fissures.
able thic.kness in a direction perpendicular to these
Otherwise, the separiltion surfaces have no influence
planes. Such a case of one perfect cleavage is exhibited
on the v,eatheling of the inclusions, but produce
by all phyllosilicates (e.g .• musco\'ite, biotite. chlorite).
planes or areas of mechanical weakness. Apatite within
C1os~d surJ1ces <1/on8 disconcinuilie.' of crystallo- guartz, acgirine in nepheLine, and guartz in garnet are
gra!)hic (e.g., twin planes), mineralogical (e'8" separa- com.mon examples of inclusions. Whether the

PART 2: PATTERNS Of WEATHERING

81
inclusion formed by exsolution, by a metamorphic
reaction, or by accidental trapping during gro\vth,
seems "secondary" to the whole issue. If inclusions of
weatherable minerals are completely entrapped in a
practically IJnweatherable mineral. they can persist
unweathered until they reach the upper part of the
proille.
Concencric zonations resulting [i-om continuous or
discontinuous chemical \'an,Hions during growth are
typical of solid -solution series. One of the zones may
be rather more weathcrable than the other, and it can
promote, when weathered, the formation of a concen-
tric handed pattern, in which bands of weathered
material alternate with bands 01" residual mineral. The
development of a weathered central core may induce
the later fragmentation, b~· a radial network of fissures,
of tJle lllQre resistant residual rim. Some of the most
commonly obsern~d exan1ples include zoned plagio-
clase whose central part is more calcic and more
weatherable than is the more sodic, extelTlal part.
Zoned crystals of oHvine $ho\'\' a relative enridlment of
the forstel;te component in the core, and of the fayal-
ite component in the l;m. Zoned augite also shows a
predictable rirnward enrichment in the felTosilite
cumponent over the enstatjre component.
Parallel ahernarion of interlayered phyllosilicate;; of
distinct chemical composition and different weather-
abilities are rather common. This alternating alTange-
ment, combined "'ith tl1e perfect cleavage of these
minerals, promotes the weathering of the most resis-
tant species by inducing dcfomlations in the flTst-
formed secondary products formed at the expense of
the less resistant species. Some examples include grains
composed of alternating layers of primary biotite and
primary muscovite, primary biotit<> and chlOl-itized
biotite, etc. The more resistant muscovite or chlodte
commorlly is broken into small pieces by the stresses
generated by the smectite-group phase developed at
the expense of the less resistant biotite. The intercala-
tion of microcrysL.lls between tlle layers or some micas
can play the same role in the vveatherability of the.
\\;hole grain. Consider, for example, lenticular inclu-
sions of titanite and calcite hctvveen layers of hiotite
and d110rite, and tl,e sagcnitic rutile and goetl1ite
microcrystals regularly interlayercd in a biotite grain.
The secondary minerals that progreSSively
deYelop at the expense of tbe primary minerals uncleI'
the inIluence of near-surface weathering exhibit spe-
cinc patterns of organization, whim are influenced by
82
the nature, distribution, orientation and density of
planes of weakness in tlle original minerals.
During the Hrst steps of weathering, the organiza-
tion of the alteration textures remains strongly related
to tlle net\'wrk of planes and areas of weakness, inher-
ited from t.he original miner,)\. Thereafter, with the for-
matioo of new fissures, of irregular dissolution-related
pores, with the thickening and the multiplication of the
secondary microstructures and with the development
of recrystallization, new textures appear awa~· from
the original sites. In spite of tl1cse progressive modifi-
cations, tlle original microstructures persist for a long
time, and remain identifiable until the ultimate stage of
weatJlcring, when alteroplasmas have completely
replaced the original minerals. The persistence of the
primary patterns of organization in the levels of com-
plete weathering amount$ to a signature, and allows
the identification of the parent minerals and, so, the
identification of the parent rock, even if it has not been
reached at tlle base of the profile selected for sampling_
The classification and tlle systems of dcso-iption to
be presented below follow a preliminary attempt
(Stoops et al. 1979) and a more recently proposed ter-
minology (Delvigne 1994) that specifically focusses on
tbe completely developed altcromorphs. This most
recent attempt has been refined and is presented in
Pal1: 3 of this book.
Pellitulaz· p£Htern c!i01'guni:tation
In minerals that do not exhibit fractures or direc-
tions of good cleavage, tlH' organization of weathering
features is 01' a pellicular type (Figs. S, 6). It starts from
the borders of the mineral and follows the intemuneral
boundaries. Weathering proceeds centripetally all
around the mineral grain and gradually extends toward
its central part. It surrounds a residual core (or nucleus),
whose size progreSSively decreases. Three main cases
can be distinguished.
• Weathering transforms the original mineral into
secondary products whose volume nearly corresponds
to the volume of the Original mineral. Most cbemical
elements of the parent mineral are incorporated into
the structure of the secondary products. There is no
empty space, or very little, around the residual wre.
Once the weathering is complete and the residual min-
eral has disappeared, a full iso-alteromorph is fonned.
It is a h%-l1/reramorph (or, more precisely, a holo-iso-
alreromorph). Where the primary mineral is an auto-
morphic mineral, the alteromorph that results from its
weathering is a pseudomorpb. Examples include
the transfonnation of olivine to "iddiJlgsite", the
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL AlTEI\ATION AND WEATHERING
FIGURE 5. PEUJUIUI\ P_\TTEJC'J~ or WE.HH£RJNG.

A. Regular peUicular pattern

O' cuhedral crystals of pyrite;
I: thin pellicular rim of iron nxyh)'c1roxides;
1: thick pclliudar rim of iron uxyhvdroxides surrounding large residual cores;
l: nearly complete wcatbcring md small residual cor('s;
4: complete." weathering to iron oxyhydroxides: HOLO-PSEUDOMORPH.

NOle: Concemrk linc.:ltjons comn1C>nJy ar~ dsible witbin the lim or secondan' products; d,CV arc' tbe traces of lilt'- luce""ive. st:'ges of
weathering. Microlaminar.,d alternations or hcmatite - goethile are ohsen'ed in some instances; in this case. a c\\'o'phase bolu-
pseudonlorph results. Th(' weJthering or such cuhedra! cryslals leads to the r'Jrnlation or true pseudl'nlorphs.

B. Irregular peUicular pattern

0: anhcdral err,t.al of clinopvro,ene;
I: tbin pellicular rim or a s~condar)' smecUte·group mineral;
1: thick pelljcular rim or well-olielllcd smecrite and large dentieul3te residual core;
3: nearlv complete weat.hering to \\'dl-oriented s/Deceit" anJ small denticulate residues;
4: compiete weathering to wcll-oriented smect.ite \\'ithour visihle internal pores: HOLO-(IS0)·'-\L TEROMORPH.

Note: Where the plane of the thin sectio" is (nearlv) paroJleI tn the Z axis of the pvro"ene, the opticat orientation or che smectire is W1j-
form and continuous throughout the "Ic('romor"h, amJ the orkntatian of Ih" denticulation 01' ULe p.ITo'enc residue; is parallel to
thac of the general la~'eJing of the smectitt': particles.

C. Irregular pellicular pattern

0: anhedral cr)'st.'ll of onhop\T0"cne;
I: t!tin pellicular rim or a secoml"rv smeetitc·group minna];
2: t.hiek pellicular rim and large residual wre separated or rhi" circum-nodutar I'l>sidual void;
3: nearly completc \\'e"thering to oriented smcetite \\ith miml\f: residues rimmeJ DV thick residu"l voids;
+: orienled smectile ;mc! irregular pores de\'dop('d rrom rh,· last r",iuues: (ORTHO)-ALVEOPORO-!\ LTEROMORPH.

i':ote: In an ('rt!to·al,,·oporo-alcc:rmorph, as ,ho\\-11 here, the shape oftlw residual pores is denticulatC' and similar to the shape afth" resid-
ual cor"S chat I.lal'e disappeared; in a para.alveoporo-Jltcromorph, thcir shape is l'Ounder and smoother becau,,' the pore$, rimmed
by laIc iron OX)'hyJroxidcs, develop by further degra,I.1lion of rhe previously lormed smcclire'group mineral.

PART 2: PATTERNS OF WEATHERING

83
 ~ o

~
FIGURE 6.
o

PELLlCULAI\ 1',,'rrJ;I1NS 01· WE,ITHERlNti,

A. Combiued ,,;th a linear pattern

0: suhhcdral crystal uf biotite containing an inclllsion of primlatic apalite;
I: indIJi(:nt weathering of the biotitc to vermi<:lIlite wjth a small incre,lse in \'olume;
2: a,hanced weath"l"ing or the mica. Furthcr increa'l' in \'()Iume, amI Fracturing of lh" apatite indusion i
3: nearly cumfllete wcathering. widl formalinn ofpa"allel phyllopores and displacement of the fractured indllsion;
·k orientc,l verrniculilc and parallel lenticular phylloporcs: PHYLLOPORO·(MESO)-ALTEROMORPH.

Note: Wh(·.re th~ pdsmatic indusion i, not exactly perpcndicubr to till' layering of the mica. Ule transverse Fractures lhat segmcnt th!'
u,dusion. owing to the \·olume increase of the host mi.neral, also alloll' a lateral displac('rnent of its fi"grncnts. 11,e t'racnLru'g and
di"loc.ltion of the included miner.lls strongly incr~aSl~ thdr weatherabilit>"

B. Combined with a linear pattern

0: subhedrill crystal of hior.ite;
I: indpil'nl weathering to bolin.ite starting on and extending mainly from opposite ,ide,;
2: thin layers of boliniTe in lcrlayercd \\ilh thick residual COres of biotite;
3: thick I'avers of bolirntc shOWing expansion of r.heir lateral edges, opening of POr('S, and appearance of minute opaque inclusions;
~: oriented kaolinitl' and larg.;- lenticular pores: PHYLLOPORO-(MESO)-ALTEROMORPH.

Note: The iron content of the primary biotiTC is expre,s"d by minute 'Ty'tals of goethite distributed para lid to th,· bolin.ite layers and
concentrated within the central pall of the alteromorph, The lenticui.lr pores arc not True re_siduJ.l porb. hut rather pore_~ opened
undcr the inllue.uce of mechilflical foru,s developed as a r~sult of tI", e>..-pilnsion of the we3Ulcred mineral.

C. Combined with a linear patlem

0: sul)hcdrJJ cn'stal of hiotile;
I: incipient iJTegular wealh,~ring to a smectit.ic clay;
1: irregllUr Jistorsion of the primary and secondary miner.lls duI' 10 the swelling process;
3: '-\~Jl1Jlant' of Ule primar~' minnal and secondary products arc highly fractured and .:ontorted, with the ope.njng of many irregular pores;

4: irregular. highly fractured and disjoinll~d alterornorph: Ki\TA-ALTEROMORPI-I.

Note: 'n,\: repla<:emcnt of mica<:eous minc,""s by \'ermieulite or kaolinitc is accompanied hy " regular inlTease ill volume, which induce,
th.~ format.ion of ml:So-alteromorphs; swelling smectitir clay, gener.1Ur induee the formation of kat:a·alteronl0rphs. 11lC iron con·
tent of tI,C biotite commonly is accommodatcd in thc struct'ure of ti,e smectile.

84 AnA' OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AlTERATION AND WEATHERING

weathering of pyrite crystals into iron oxyhyclroxides
(Fig. SA) and of clinopyroxene into a smectite-group
mineral (Fig. 58).
+'vVeathering I)rogresses in the same wa),. but an
empty pore is rapiJly formed, as a rim around the
residual core (inter-plasma - mineral pore or perinuclear
pore). The width of the pore increases progressively as
the \'olume of the original core decreases. The volume
of the final pore is proportional to the' volume of the
exported chemical elements, which do not contribute
to the development of the alteroplasma. nle external
rim of alteroplasma becomes thicker and thicker owing
to centrifugal nanoscale transfers of elements from the
core to the rim. Once the weathering is complete, a
continuous corona of alteroplasma surrounds a resid-
ual empty pore, whose borders are more or less paral-
lel to and concentric with the original intermineraJ
contact-surfaces. They are porous or pore-bearing
alteromorphs (group of the poro-aheromorphs: Fig. 5C).
Where the alteromorph sho\o\'s only a large central
pore, it is a centroporo-aheromorph. This is the panem of
weathering of most un fractured and unclcaved, rela-
tiveJy small-sized grains of silicate minerals.
+ Weathering still progresses in the same way. but
with the complete congruent remo\'al of all the chem-
ical elements of the primary mineral. No secondary
alteroplasma is former! in situ, and the size of the resid-
ual core progressively decreases, with formation of
only empty perinuclear pores. Where the weathering
is complete, an empty alteromorph is formed (koilo-
aheromorph). The shape and si__e of the primary miner-
als are temporarily maintained if the adjacent primary
minerals are not weathcrable minerals, if they are not
yet weathered, or if they have given rise to mechani-
cally resistant alteroplasmas. Rocks that are rich in sol-
uble minerals generally lose their original structures
when undergoing weathcling. Koilo-alteromorphs are
commonly formed by the weathering of very soluble
mineraJs such as calcite, gypsum, apatite and, under
exceptional conditions, quartz. The term can be
extended to nearly empty alteromorphs whose (primary
or secondary) mineral content does not exceed 2.5%.
+ Pellicular patterns are commonly combined
with other patterns of weathering, such a.s Linear pat-
terns (Fig. 6). PracticaJly all plimary minerals exhibit
a pellicular pattern during their incipient weathering,
whatever the subsequent progress of weathering
toward the grain's interior.
PART 2: PAHERNS OF WEATHERING
In ar ami land d patLern.
Dw-ing the weathering of minelals, networks of
fracUlres and cleavages play the same role as the inter-
mineral surfaces previously described. Each part of the
fragmented or cleaved mineral, if isolated in these net-
works, reacts indi\iJually to the ",."eathering process,
and each or them is surrounded either by alteroplasma.'i
or by empty pores. 1n descriptions of this pattern of
weatllering, the original mineral must be considered in
its tot<llity, whatever the extent of its div"ision into
smaller fragments.
U" the primary mineral is weathered to altero-
plasma \\ithout development of inter-plasma - minaal
pores, all the lll1weatbered remnant~ within their
matrix of secondary products maintain not only their
position and their alignme.nt, but also their crystaUo-
graph.ic orientation. AJI the resiJual fragments of the
crystal cunsidered go sim uIwneousJ y to extinction (or
do so iD groups if the crystaJ is twinned) by rotation of
the microscope: stage with LTossed nicols. In conb'ast,
where. large empty pores are developed between the
primary mineraJ and the secondary phases, the re.m-
nants may maintain their position and tbeir alignment,
but generally they may partly or coml)letely lose. by
rotation, their common and uniform crystallographic
orientation.
Primary minerals that lose only a small part of
their constituent elements, and that as a result do not
develop identilhble pores once completely vveathered,
normally give way to holo-alteromorphs, which can be
distinguished .from the holo-aJteromorphs previously
described (peripheral patterns) only by the \isiblc
traces of the original networks of fractmes and cleav-
ages. -nlese traces are in some cases emph.asized either
by deposits of different materials, or by difference.s in
size, orientation or crystallinity of the particles of
aJtcroplasma, which arc distributed along these traces.
In general, within tllc fractured or irregularly
cleaved minel<lls, weathering follows these planes
preferentially. The secondary products are distributed
along them, first as a. linear irregtllar pattern, and later
as a banded irregular pattern where, witll increasing
weathering, the thickness of the secondary products
formed along the planes has i.ncreasecl (Fig. 7A). The
residues of the un weathered primarv mineral are irree:-
ularly distributed (random residu~s), and their si~e
gradually decreases, the smaJ lest residues generaU),
85
 ~ o

FIGURE 7. u:--i[j\n 1''\ -H"~ OF \\-UHIERINt;,

A, Regular (parallel) linear pattern

0: subhedr"1 crystal of bio[jt~;
I: incipient JIt~rJtion to d'doril~ J.long the ckaVJge; thin layers of chl0rite. d~\'eJop th,rough tlw LT:'s!:aJ;
1: chlorit" 1< distrihutc'cl in a regular pJ.rallel bmdcd pattern Jltemating \\;th orgJnized residue. of hiotir~;
): 0rgJnized thin la)'c'r" of residual biot;lc ar" e.nclosed in the chlorite;
4: lompkt~ ,llt~rarilln ofbiotil~ lo chlorite: ISO·ALTEROMORPH,

Ne.te: The IIrst ""ne< 01' drawings illustntcs the case uf alttTaLioo of a primal)' micac~ou$ min"",lto a chlorite, ,,-ithoul increa.,e of \'olume;
as J result, shape_ of' the original grains w~rc l11aintJ..inco, Thi.., t)'Pl: or alteration, without Yolurne lnC1'"a$~, is I"ss c'oml11onl\,
ubservcd tlrall th", next onc,

B. Regular (parallel) linear pattern

0: subhc-dral (:Tptal "I' biotite;
I: incipient alteration lO chlorit'" along dea\'age pbnes; thin IJ."CTS of d,lolite de\'dop through the crystal;
2: layers or chlonte and r"'sidualbiotite arc equally distributed, but the increase in \'olume is perceptibJc.;
3, organized thin layers of n'~idual hintite ami thick layers uf chJoriV: alternat,,;
4' complete altcrMion ')1' hiotit,~ to chlorite \rith regular increase of \'Olumc: MESO-ALTEROMORPH,

"lOll': Thi, second seri", or drawings illustrates the ,'ase olalteration of a primarv micaceous mineral with appreciable but regular incre.lSe
of volume- in a direction perpendicular to th" ICll','ring of the rill",,; t1Jc ext"rn,11 I'D im of the primary mineral 19 easily rc-cogniz.cd.
but the Jimcmiun,' ha\'c dlanged in onl' direction,

C. Regular (parallel) lineal' pattern

0: regulJrI)' d<'aved cI:'st.1 of pyroxene \Vhos~ Z a_'(j~ is I,aralld 10 the plaM of the thin section;
I; incipi.:nt \\'c<1thcl"lng to gn~lhil(' along p:trt or ib rim and its c1eavagt;
thin pellicular (pelil,heral) ilnd f'<1rJllel linear "'ea the ring; large denticula'''' residual core, of primary' PFoxcne;
~: thick p~lIicular anu paralld ha.nded patterns 'lIld organized minute denriculatt' re.,iducs or primilry pyroxene;
+: complete \\'c.<1theling to J regular hox\\'urk orgoct.},ite: REGULAR (PARALLEL) SEPTO·ALTEROMORPH,

Nute: Tbe thickne>s of the "'pta ancl the Si".- of'the rc,sidual ""ids "rc c10sdy rclatc'o to tbe origin-al iron content of the primar} lTIinemJ.
Oncc' the minute r~sidu", ,rc "oITlpletdy i<()iJt~d within a large cir,um-uodular residtLll void, they can Jose their comm"n orienta,
tion ,nd their "imult,n,'ol!.> cxtinction in XPL.

ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAt AtTERATlON AND WEATHERING

86
disappeal-jng before the largest ones. Good examples
of random residues surrounded by an irregular banded
network include partial serpentinization of an olivine
crystal (fTactured mine/-all or partial replacement of K-
feldspar (in-egulad), cleaved mineral) by secondary
plasmas. Upon completion of weathering, in the most
common cas"" of thorough leaching of dle original con-
stituents, an ah-eoporo-alteromorph is developed in
which subcontinuous alteroplasmas are a.rranged in
irregularly intercolUlect"cl bands, between wh.ich
irregularly shaped pores have replacecl dlC last-
removed primar} residues.
Where the banded networks of alteroplasma or
crystalliplasma exhibit a constant thickness (septa) and
where they surround empty pores whose total volwlH~
is greater than the volume of the secondary products,
an irregular septo-alteromorph is developed ("box-
work" texture). It must be kept in mind that the inter-
mineral bounding surface that sU/Tounds the primary
mineral playS dIe same role as a fracture and that, as a
result, the aheoporo-alteromorphs and the scpto-
alteromorphs are always surrouncled by a continuous
banded layer of secondary material whose composition
is similar to that of the intemal septa.
In minerals that show a regular and continuous
network of well-exprf'ssed parallel or crossing cleav-
ages, the weathering products are regularly distributed
along this network. Dudng the first step, they are dis-
tributed according to a parallel- or cross-linear pattel11,
which later evolves into a parallel- or cross-bancled
pattern_ The unweathered residue~ arc also organizecl
into parallel alignments (organized residues); each of
tllem is situated in the central part or a cell of'the lin-
ear or banded network.
An example of the parallel banded pattern is
given by the weathering of mica- and chlorite-
group minerals (one set of parallel cleavages: Fig.
7A. B). whereas examples of regular parallel. lin-
ear or banded patterns are also given by the
weathering of pyroxene- and amphibole-group
minerals. where crystals have been cut parallel to
their Z axis (one apparem set of cleavages in the
plane of the thin section: Fig. 1C).
An example of the irregular cross-linear pat-
tern is given by the weathering of an olivine crys-
tal whose irregular protoclastic fractures are the
pathways for the incipiem weathering of the crys-
tal (Fig. BA) or by the weathering of an irregularly
fractured crystal of garnet to iron oxyhydroxides
(Fig. BB).
An example of the regular cross-linear or
cross-banded pattern is illustrated by the weath-
2:
PART PATIERNS OF WEATHERING
ering of a grain of amphibole (Fig. BC) or pyrox-
ene (two sets of oblique or suborthogonal cleav-
ages). which is distinctly seen in crystals whose Z
axis is perpendicular or oblique to the plane of
the thin section: this pattern gives rise to regular
septo-alteromorphs.
It seems evident that not all th" cleavages of a min-
eral always appear distinctly in the thin section. Thus
they can be incomplete, discontinuous or interruptecl.
This factor determines the formation of a morc-or-lcss
complete network or hnes, bands and septa whose seg-
ments are mostly arranged according to idealizecl lin-
ear or crossed patterns. Other particular symmetrical
linear or crossed patt"ms result fmm the weathering
of t\-vinned mU1C:Tals.
An example of the incomplete regular cross-
linear pattern is given by the weathering of a crys-
tal of orrhoclase that exhibits partly developed
cleavages (Fig. 9A). An example of a symmetrical
linear pattern is seen in the weathering of a
twinned mineral (pyroxene or feldspar, for exam-
ple) whose cleaved parts are symmetrically
arranged on both sides of the twin plane (Fig. 9B).
Irrf::H u 1£11' pultel'n,
A last case is shown by minerals in which no frac-
tures or cleavages are developed and whose weather-
ing develops in an apparently random way, without
evident controls on direction or orientation by internal
or extemal factors.
A first irregular pattern of weathering
occur, where the breakdown starts peripherally
and invades the mineral following irregular and
interconnected digitate lineaments (Fig. 9C).
These are progressively widened (banded) and
connected. leaving irregular isolated residues of
the primary mineral. This pattern is common in
the weathering of apparemly unfraetured or
poorly cleaved minerals such as feldspars.
A second. very common. pattern of weath-
ering occurs at the beginning of weathering. when
the secondary products and associated pores are
developed as randomly distributed specks (speck-
led pauern) within the mineral. The size of these
specks progressively increase. joining together
forming patches (patchy pattern) at a more
advanced stage of weathering (Fig. lOA. B). The
primary miner-al is pr'ogressively corroded.
divided into several irregular fragments (ran-
domly distributed cavernous residues). The size
of these fragments progressively decreases (dis-
persed minute residues) until they disappear from
the completely developed alteromorph. Such is
87
 A~ ~./ I

;....
·,::i c,.....
'"

'"' ".
",
; ..::".

"'",
;
",\';'"

......... "-'- , .... ,

o

o 2 3 4

o 2 3 4

FIGURF. 8. L.INeAH r,;TlrHi'S or \\T.-\TJleIlING.

A. Irregular l.inear pattern

0: .nhedral enstJI of uli\'inc CTO".l.rl by [nlramineral prl'toc!a.,tic tT-aet.ure.,;
I. linear weath£'ring of the "Ih'ine to nontronitc al,mg p,irt of ils fracture, ann b0undari,~s;

2: irregular banded pattern with random rcsidu<:s; iron <)xyhydroxides app,'.ar along the fractures;
3: smalll.·"arsd)' ,knticulate residue, ",itl,in tlw nono-onite, part of which L< oriented, mainly along the fracnlres;
4: complete w~ath~rilig of oli'1ne to nl)nlTClIlitil.· cia)': HOLO·(ISO)-ALTEROMORPH,

Note: U' tbe orit.~nal cr)'stal is largely li'actured, Ihe cia)' particles commonly arc strongly orienr~d along its outer edges and along both
sides of th~ fracmres, "her'cas the inn,'r "olum.,s arT "lied with randomly orientcd and homog~nco", secondary clays, No diner-
cnces in composition arc rccol'<lcrl betwcl.n the orient(·d ancl the random particles,

B. Irregularly crossing linear pattcrn

0: undea\(:rl hut irregularl, fractured euhed'-al crystal of garnet;
I: incipi<'nt linear weathering alung p,)rt of the edge and a.long fractures in the cr),stal;
2: irregular cro>,-h.mded pattern ,)f gOf'lhite, enclosing random residue> ,:urrounded by residual vuids;
3: ,-andoml\" distributed minute residucs .uld man\' residual "oids within an ilTegular nl'twork of goethite septa;
4: complete weathering 10 on irregular l)Oxwork: IRREGULAR SEPTO-ALTEROMORPH.

Nore: The richer i.n iron is thr garnet, uie thicker die sepia of gOdhit" anu Ule smaller ore the residual \'"i,k In the case of euheural crys-
t.ab, the comp!<.:telv w"aUlered grain, orgarncr gi\"e rise to irregular scpto-pseudomorphs. Manganese oxide ucposit, or minute ("I"."s,
till, otgihbsite eommonl) arc observed in the alterumurpbs after Mn-rich or AI-rich garnet, re'pcctin~.J)'.

C. Regularly crossing linear pattern

0: wdJ·c1eaved euhcdral (1"\'$tal of hornblende;
1: incipient linear weathering along part of the cTosscd cleavage" lea\'ing nalTOW rc.~iullal "oi,";
2: regular cross-hancled pan"m or ;'oethite (boxwork), organizeJ rcsidues and residual void,:;
3: organized minute residu<,s of primaT)' mineral isolated ,.-;thin a regular box work ol"gocrllite;
4: complete weathering tu a rcgularl)' crossing box"'ork: REGULAR ,CROSSED) S[PTO-,\LTEROMOHPH.

Note: During the first slages of weatheri.ng, all th,' nenticu\·ate n:sidup-, mai.ntai.n their uriginal orient'ation anti their simultaneous extinc-
tion, Once complt:rel)' isobled .1nd free to mO"e within their cells. the)' losc Uleir original orientation, and Ulcir extinction, in XPL,
nu longer is simulrane')us t1U'oughOllt the Jltcrornorph.

88 ATLAS Of MICltOMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL At TERAnON AND WEATHEPJNG

FIGURE 9. LINblR PA1TERNS OF WUTHERING.

A. Regularly crossiog linear p"ttern

0: c1"''''"d anhedral crystal of orthoclas,'; fel\" deal'ages .pp... ar in the unweatl1l'red min ... ral;
I: incipient linear wealheling lO an isotTtlpic secondar,' material along a part or the rim anu along th ... clc,l\'ages:
2: regular cross-b.lnded panern in the secondary material anu org.lIli2.eu cal'ernOllS rt"idues of prinun feluspar;
3: nearlv complete weathering to Lsou-opi<: materi.l, and kw org.niz,'d minutl' residue.> or prim"" reIJsp.r:
4· complete weatherLnl' and I'urtbe! evolution w bolLnile: GRADUAL POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPH.

Note: The isotropic material i, an intermediate phase th,n commonl), t!c-I'c!rJp' between the f",ldsp.,r r"sidues and the bolinitc minerals:
thcse appear as end-products of the weathering under restrict"d t'r IH1rnnl conditions of \\·,'athe,ing. Traces or t}le orig'inal clea"-
ages ar<~ partly enhanced hy thin deposits or iron oxyhydrmcide orallllchl.honous origin.

B. Regular symmetrical linear pattern

0: t\.Iinm:d ilJ1d cleaved orthod,"e; cleavages "re nen",,,,rily symmetrically orknterl ')I' hoth sides of the twin plan,,;
I: incipient linear weathering to cry"tals of gibbsit" anrl organiz"d Ca,",~rnOllS rl'sidurs of primar~' fddspar;
2: regular s)~nIl1etrical banded pattern of crystalline gibb"itr and organized ea""r1lllUS re,idu(:s ot' primMy feldspar;
3: advanced weathering: s)'lllmetTicJlJy bandd pattern or gihbs.ite and minute residue' surrounded h)' largc residual voids;
4: <:emr.1 septum and symmetrical septa endosing brg" rt'sidual loids: !iCANTI·IO·SEPTO·ALTF.110MORPH.

Note: Under conditions or ",mcic'nt leaching, reldsl)ar'group minerals eommonl\' weather rlirr.:li) to gibbsite "'ilhout passing through an
intermediate ph-as~ of i.;otl'Opic material. The leaching of a.lkalis and silica G complete; the I'olum" or residual void" may he largl-r
than that of the scconclarv minerab.

C. Irregular digitate pellicular pattern

0: anhcdral cryslalof feldspar;
I: incipient w.:-athering to isotropic material :l('L'Ording to a pellicular and irregular digit.lte pattern:
2: irregular core> within isotropic material (lM): smalJ dot" recently' lormt,d IM. large1' dOL" e.r1~,-rormcd IM:
3: the lirst·lormed part of the IM is r.:-placed h)' gihbsit" er)'stals a(nll-cling to :1I1 irregulJr digi ...l tc h.lJl,kJ texture;
4: e:lrl)'-fom1ed septa or gibbsite assnciateJ with r"'cently form"d gibbsite: GlOMl:RO·SEPTO-AlTEROMORPH.

Note: The chemical composition of the isotropic makri.l, "hieh i' intermediate between thl: t'cldspJr and l>ibt"il<', is gradually nwdill"d
with aging: the tarlv-rormed paJ-LS orlM arc i:onse'luently the flr't ones \.0 be ""plaL'ed bv gi"bsitc. F<~I('jspar rcsidu:s, IM;'d gibb'it!:
<:In temporarily coexist.

PART 2: PATTERNS OF WEATHERING

89
 FIGURE 10. SI'ECKUol) .\ND l\nOI' P.-\TTERNS OF WE.\THEIUNG.

A. Irregular speckled pattern

0: irregularly Frncrured eT"sta! of pl'giodast';
t· irreguJ,u']y sp~ckl.:d pattern of isotropic secondary producLs ,Jong part of th.: intrnminera! Fractures;
2: i'Tegular patchy p'llem of the secondary material and large GIVeffiOUS residues of primar)" mineral;
3: advanced stage of weathering, with Further development or tbe secondary maleri,,1 wd disper'ed minute rcsidues;
4: complete weath~ling tt> iso!n'pic matnial h/Ofore kaolinit" has develuped: HOLO(lSO)-ALTEROMORPH.

Note: As early as stage 2, the isolated specks and patdl'" of the secondary matcrial begin to coalt'Scc. and give way to a c'ontinuous
secondary ph"s€' in which coarse or minute: cn"croous re~idtll" an~ isolated. Traces of the- original frncrures may be partly enhanced
bv allochthollous ,lq,o,it, of iron oxyhydroxides,

B. Regul~r speckled pattern

D: onhoclase crystal with fe'" regular opened deavagc_<, which are pathways ror the development of slUalJ specks of sccondnry mat"rial;
I: the earl\'-formed specks coalesce along the cleavages and form regularl\' crossi'ng elongate patches;
2: most patcho::s form d continuous phase or isotropic malerial in which organized cavemOU.5 r"sidues .lre distributed;
3: neuly complete weathering: disperse-d minute residues rmdomJy rltstribut.ecl in;) homogeneous scc:ond'l.ry phase;
4-: th,' resirlues disappear, and kaolinile [oml., from the seconda,:' phase: GRADUAL TWO-PHASE ALTEROMORPB.

Note: Thb cas", very similar to the pre'-;ous one. is distinguished from it by the internal distrihution of the nrst- formed speck.5 and tbe
later patcbes of secondary producr..5. The development of the kaolinite in this example can also occur in the previous onc. sinc€' it is
e.\'idelltly not. related to the regularity or irreguJarit)' 01' the rr.ctures or de;}vagcs.

C. Concentric speckled pattern

0: wncd crystal of plagioclase, wbose zonati(ln is expressed by lh~ lin~ar and concemric development of incll."iom;
I: specks and palchr-s of seconda,:' matLeIial are devdopl'd mainly ill th~ cenlJ'nl (more caldc) part of the fddspar:
2: patches o[ seconda.r:' material are enlarged and coalesce, with repbccment of most of the central zone;
3: the digitate central patch of secondary products is surrounded by un irregular residual rim of the primary mineral;
+: crystals of Kaolinite develop in the cl'ntral part (the llrst-fOlmed) of Ihe intermediate isotropic muterial.

:'-Jote: Where olteromorph' still contain both intermediate isotropic material and kaolin.ite. it is more suitable to classi!)' them as gr;"Il.lal
t'Wo-phase "lteromorphs. Where the isotropic material has disappe.ared, it is mon·. objectiv!: to classify them as bolo-(iso)-aJtem-
morphs (or botryo-alteromorphs if o')'srals are isolated. with inconIlected voilL- het",,,en them).

90 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY or- MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERJNG

 the case, for example. in the weathering panerns be either simultaneous and parallel to the ex.tinction of
of most feldspar crystals. whatever their replace- the pyroxene residues in the case of the weatheling of
ment phase, be it gibbsite, kaolinite. halloysite or an orthopyroxene cryst,,] (straight extinction), or not
isotropic, amorphous material.
simultaneous and oblique to the residues if the "veath-
ered mineral is a c1inopJToxe.ne (obbque extinction)
A third example is given by the weathering
of zoned crystals, whose more weatherable cen-
tral parts are attacked before the outer parts. This These differences in angle of extinction
concentric panern is illustrated by the weather- between the smectite particles on one hand. and
ing of zoned crystals of plagioclase (Fig. IQC). the residues of pyroxene on the other, constitute
an additional criterion for identification of the
parent material where the residues are too small
Comp/e" p tEems
for normal determination by optical methods.
Most patterns described above may combine with
Where the alteromorpb is completely developed,
one another to give complex patterns of alteration.
traces of the first fractures can be still identified if
They can be described by combining a number of morc
intramineral pores (strong leaching) or iron oxyhy-
simple patterns. The most common situations are
droxides (differential weathering or absolute accumu-
those in which several distinct patterns are juxtaposed
lation) were formed at their contact. The complexity
side by side or superposed one upon the other. They
of such alteromorphs can still increase by later weath-
develop from the combination of sets of irregular frac-
ering, either of residues of pyroxene or of the smectite-
tures and regular cleavages or tv\-in planes and from the
bealing secondary products, as will be shown below.
combination of intemaJ zonations and sets of fractures
or cleavages.

A classical example is provided by the

weathering of coarse-sized crystals of pyroxene,
In summary, the different possible patterns are:
which are fragmented into several parts by trans- regular
mineral or transverse fractures. During the first
stage of weathering, the distribution of the sec- pellicular patterns: mainly controlled by inter-
ondary mineral (such as, for example. the smec- mineral discontinuities and mineral interfaces,
tite-group mineral that develops under conditions linear (or banded) parallel or crossed pat-
of restricted drainage) is related to the network
terns: mainly controlled by incramineral fac-
of fractures. The smectite-group phase is distrib-
tors, such as well-expressed cleavages. twin
uted in an irregular banded panern. Thereafter,
during a more advanced stage of weathering, each planes and crystallographic directions. or
isolated but unfracrured fragment of the primary zoned patterns: with concentric distribution
mineral is weathered in a regular parallel or cross- of the secondary products mainly controlled
linear panern, which is related to the number and
by intramineral chemical variations;
directions of the original cleavages.
irregular
The crystallographic orientation of minute sec-
linear (or banded) patterns: mainly controlled
ondary particles is also related to speciJic crystallo-
by transmineral and protoclastic fractures in
graphic directions in the original mineral. All these
crystaJbtes arc oriented parallel to the Z axis of the uncleaved minerals,
pyroxene crystal, and, thus, independently of the frac- speckled and patchy panerns: mainly devel-
tures and of both sets of cleavages if these are simulta- oped within the mineral without any apparent
neously arid distinctly obsencd in the alteromorph. If relationship with its crystallographic struc-
only one set of clea\'ages is apparent (as in the case of ture, or
lTystals whose Z axis is parallel to the plane of the thin
complex panerns: resulting from the combi-
section), the secondary particles are oriented parallel
nation of several simpler regular or irregular
to the cleavage. Their straight extinction is then simul-
patterns.
taneously observed in the whole alteromorph; it will

PART 2: PATTERNS OF WEATHERING

91
 PATTERNS OF ALTERATION

066,067
BASALTIC ROCK
Morocco
Sampled by A. Dekayir
Depth: 2 m
Regular peripheral
pattern of alteration
around a euhedral
phenocryst of olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

I I 'I I· of olivinc hecn completely transformed to a tal grains of c1jnopyroxene, grains

has been partially altered to
1.
"iddingsitc" during cooling of the
basalt. The periphc,-al alteration
progresses centTipctally from tJ1C
l'dgc of the grain. Hac.J the alteration
process continued to complerion.
the euhedral crystal would have
truc pseudomorph of uic.Jdingsitc". of magnetite, and small crystals of
The oriainal
b
crvstal's
.
faces have olivinc that a.lso have been partiaUy
remained undisturbed during and transfonncd to "iddingsite".
aFter tJ1C transformation. Thc
groundmass of the basaltic rock is
not altered; it contains lath-shaped
grains of plagiodase, smaU interser-

ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AlTERAnON AND WEAmERING

92
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

A c D
068,069
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 3 m
Regular peripheral
patternof weathering
around grains
of c1inopyroxene
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

r'l::
0.0 mm

grains of of a secondary product of saponitic clearly observed at the scale of the

M I

this eCjuigranu.lar cli.J~l)pyrox­

enite are separated by a re,brular net-
work of open intermineral fissures,
along which peripheral weathering
has begun. Most grains of dinap.'"-
roxene arc sUHounded by a thin rim
composition. The fme denticulation,
which normally develops around
optical microscope (compare with
phowmicrographs 054, 055).
residual cores, has not yet appeared
around most grains; tht> weathering
reaction has not progressed suffi-
cientlv to allow such a featun: to be

2:
PART PATIERNS Of WEATHERING
93
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

A B c o
070, 07.
CARBONATITE
Juquia. SP. Brazil
Sampled in a quarry
by A.V. Waiter
Regular peripheral
weathering panern
around grains of calcite
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

I carbonatite mck is suture planes, giving \vay to a regu- (see the two next i1lustrations, 072
T
I1 1,1 I

essentially composed of car-
bonat~~ mineraJs, whicl\ exhibit a
gra.nular texture, with variahle
quantities of accessory minerals
such as apatite, opaque minerals
(magnetite, perovskitc), micas,
c1inopyToxene. olivine, monticel-
lite and clinohumite. The dominant
carbonate mineral is generally cal-
cite, but it may contain variahle
amounts of magnesium and iron.
The photomicrograph shows the
fIrst step in the weathering of such a
rock: it starts along the intennineral
lar peripheral pattern of weather-
ing. The primary calcite is
progreSSively dissolved. Complete
dissolution will be responsible for
the formation of koilo-altero-
morphs (see later), whose original
borders are in some cases empha-
sized by residual deposits of oxyhy-
droxides derived from the insoluhle
iron content of the precursor. Note
that as soon as they begjn to
weather, the primary minerals
quickly adopt a denticulate shape,
which progressively will increase
and 073) with concomitant thicken-
ing of the residual deposits of the
insoluble components. Two C1-ystals
of apatite are recognizable, in
A-B2, by their first-order grey
interference-color in XPL. Note
that these slightly more resistant
minerals do not undergo any
peripheral weathering; their outer
surface is not denticulate.

ATI.AS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTEl\AnON AND WEATHERING

94
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

072, 073
CARBONAT1TE
Juquia, SP, Brazil
Sampled in a quarry
by A.V. Waiter

Regular peripheral
pattern of weathering
around grains of calcite

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

- 0.3

0.2

f
=-
~
0.1

0.0 mm

I \yere is well developed around each par- koilo-alteromorphs (see later, 285
T ill 1 Illll Ill' .111

tilken from the same sample as

i.n the previous example, and show
t

tially dissolved grain of calcite.

the weathering front. The upper
left-hand corner corresponds to the
weathered part of the rock, and the
lower right-hand corner, to the
un weathered rock. Note the di.ffer-
enn", ShO~11 by the intermineral
suture planes, which are only
slightly emphasized by very thin
deposits of colorcd material in the
unweathcred part of the rock. In
contrast, the regular denticulation
Although not obvious in this pho-
tomicrograph, the orientation of
the denticulation is related to the
cl-ystallographic; orient.ation of the
primary crystal. Note the thicken-
ing of t.he residual deposits of iron
oxyhydroxides, derived from the in
(jeu crystallization of the insoluble
iron content of the calcite, the
widening of the interminel-al
residual pores. 'Nhich "'ill promote
the formation of (quasi-) empty
and 286), and the relative resistance
of the apatite grains in the weath-
ered part of the rock. This differen-
tial behavior of the calcite and
apatite promotes the formation of
highJy concentrated relative accu-
mulations of residUill apatite. which
makes the weathered rock an eco-
nomically interesting phosphate-
rich layer.

PART 2: PATTERNS OF WEATHERING

95
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

074
AMPHIBOLE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Regular peripheral
pattern of weathering
around pyrite
Objective: X 10
XLP

=- 0.0 mm

075
GABBRO
Cataguases, MG, Brazil
Sampled by LM. Lopez
Depth: 4 m
Irregular peripheral
and internal linear
patterns in
titaniferous
magnetite
Objective: x 6.3
XLP

~ ::
lo.1
t OOmm

'11 I \I is partly oxidized
J to a peripheraj cortex of iron
oxyhydroxide, which ce.nrripetall~'
invaJes the opaCJue core of the min-
eraJ. The thicklless of the peripheral
cortex is somewhat regular all
around the residual grain. Note that
the cortex c1osl'l)' surrounds the
core, and that no intermediate pore
is observecl. The primary mineral in
the core is more or less protected
from continued '....eathering by this
protective layer. This phenomenon
generally occurs where the ratio of
molar volume of the secondary
mineral to that of the primary min-
eral is eCJual to or greater than I .
The regularity in thickness or the
peripheral cortex is due to the lack
of intTamineral defects in U1C pri-
mary mineral. Such is not the case
in this second .... xample of we,lther-
ing or an opaCJue mineral (titan-
iferous magnetite), which is criss-
crosscd by numerous twin planes,
lamellal' intergrowths ami intramin-
eral fractures. The peripheral pat-
tern of weathering loscs its
regularity, and penelTates the pli-
mary mineral along all its planar
defects. The secondary products
cOfllain both Fe and Ti ox.ides. In
the upper right-hand corner of the
photograph, an associated grain of
ilmcnite has been completel;'
weathered to yellov.·ish brown
cryptocrystalline anatase. The sur-
rounding grains of feJd.~par are
comple-tc1y weatheJ'ed to gibbsite.

96 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATl1ERING

 PATTERNS OF ALTERATION

D
076,077
GARNET-BEARING
GRANITIC GNEISS
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop

Peripheral pattern
of weathering
around almandine

Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

~ 0.1

0.0 mm

I ~I I" I of
~ almandine (garnet group) is
embedded in a granitic gneiss
whose main mineral constituents
are quartz. alkali feldspar and pla-
gioclase, with biotile and accessory
muscovite as the micaceous miner-
als. All these minerals are regularly
oriented and distributed, giving the
rock a tvpical layered texture. Note
that the foliation tends to WTap
around the gl-ain of garE1l't. The
peripheral vveathering of the garnet
has given way to the formation of an
irregular rim of iron oxyh)·drox-
ides, but this rim seems to he
formed not as a trUe rim closely
bonded to the external surface of
the residual core, but as a detached
I-im formed by diffusion and
impregnation of the surrounding
micat'eolls minerals by the iron
compounds released by weathering
of the garnet. TIlt' volume of the
pore is related to the volume or the
portion of primary mineral that was
weathered. Note that garnet-group
minerals have a cubic wmmetry and
that, consecluently, the)' arc
isotropic and at extinction in XPL,
Some quartz inclusions an:~ ran-
domlv distributed \vitrun the garnet
porphyroblast,

P"-R, 2: PATTERN~ OF WEATHERING

97
 PATTERNS OF ALTERATION

078,079
BASALTIC ROCK
Island of Samoa
Sampled by V. Targulian
Depth: 2.8 m
Irregular peripheral
pattern of alteration
around olivine
Objective: x 16
PPL and XPL

of oli"ille is panialJy
altered to '\:hlarophaeitc"
under deuterje \.'onditions. The sec-
ondary phase is the isotropic bright
yelluw material that surrounds the
oli"illc core. The secondary product
is mainly peripherally distributed
arOllnd a "Cl)' irreglllar core, whose
mJrgins are coarsely d"JlticlIlatc.
Since the matcri.:t1 is isotropic, it is
not possible to test for concorllancc
between the orientatinn ur the
ali \"-ine core and mator th" "chlorn-
phaeite" rim, The "chJorophacit<.:"
usually exhibits this bright yellow
color in PPL, but it may ,'ary in
colaI', from b,-jght orange to deep
green, ;1I1d in index of refraction,
from 1.50 to 1.62. "Chlorophae.ite"
is not a VCT)' common product of
"ltcl<ltion of alivinc, but is used hen:
to illuso'ate all irregular peripheral
pattern or alteration. Silica, iron
oxide and H)O are its mClin con-
stituents. The other components of
thf.' rock, clinop)-Toxene, plagiaclase
and magnetite, a.re generally not, or
vcry slightly, affected by such a
hypogene process.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MIMRAL ALTERATION AND WEATl-lERING

98
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

080,081
PLAGIOCLASE-
BEARING
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Irregular peripheral
pattern of weathering
around plagiodase
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

!
~ 0.2

=-- 0I

~- 0.0 mm

IJ" 11 I, ,. and discontinu-
ous rim 0 an isotropic sC::'c-
ondar)' product is developed around
this cuhedral crystal of plagioclase.
The secondary product is easily dis-
tinbTUishcd in PPL by iL~ ycUowish
color, which is due to impregnation
vvith iron-rich compounds. similar
to those thilt appear \\-ithin the
inter- and ino·.lmineral fissures of
the surrounding rock. The isotropic
character of the secondary product
is dearly' S...,...,11 in XPL. llle isotropic
rim contrash stJ'ongh' with the
unweathered gn~y' twinned cl-ystal. or t.he primary corC', am.l remain
Note Ulat tht' internal border of the until it is itself replaced by sec-
rim is highly irregular, and that the undary crystalliplasm<ls whose
products of weathering irregularly mineralogical composition (kaolin-
penetratc the rcsiJua.l CCJre along ite or gibbsitc) will depend on the
digitabng and branching fissures. local conditions or vicathcri.ng aJ1d
With increasing degrce of we-aUl!:r- leaching.
ing. the thickness of the isotropic
rim gradually increases, the rim
matcrial vdll pcnetTatc the core
along irregular fissures, isolating
sm.ll1 rcsidul's raJldomll' distrihuted
within the secondary [)hase. The
isotrollic material will replace must

2:
PART PATTEl\NS Of WEATHERING
99
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION
T' ' GIn be included as an
exampk of' a peripheral pattern
01' weathering, although thl.: growth
(IF till' weathered .1rcas, as seen in
.1ppropriatel)' oriented thin scc-
tiuns, seems to occur mainly along
the cdgc.s uf' tilL' mica. The weather-
ing h'om penetrates t.he ~T)'$t.al as ,)
series 01' wedges along both lateral
edges or the mineral, whcrea~
lOO
082,08)
KERSANTITE
Brittany, France
Sampled in a quarry
by E. Bernabe
Particular case of a
peripheral pattern
of alteration
around biotite
Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL
0.1
- 0.1
0.0 mm
weathering seems to be much more
restricted along the tOI) and hottom
edges 01' the stack of sheets that
PPL, the chJorilized edges arc pale
yellow, whereas in XPL, the)'
exhibit the commonly obsened
make up u)e mica. As cummon')' abnormal blue interference'colol".
obs~'rved in such cases, the process
01' mesomorphic weathering, iJ)
which the primar;- biotite is partly
replaced by chlorite, promotes the
opening of' kntindar pores in the
unweatl1ered part of tht, biotite. fn
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 PATTERNS OF ALTERATION

084,085
K.eRSANTITE
Brittany, France
Sampled in a quarry
by E. Bernabe
Regular peripheral
pattern of alteration
around biotite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

t
- 0.2

0.1

:: O.Omm

11' I I· arc weathering to l'olorless chlorik These photomicrographs show how

T
' i I' Ill,

taken from a rock sallllJle very
similar tu the previous one (082 and
083), but the partly weathered crys·
tals of biotite are oriented in the
plane of the thin section, so t.hat the
regular pattern of' \\'cathC'ring can
easily be recognized as a true
peripheral and cent.ripetal onc.
Most crvstals
.- of biotite arc six-sided
euhedral crystals, and their partial
ohviously encroaches upon the' I)ri. differently the weath.ering patterns
mar)' mineral from its external can appear, depending on the rela-
margin, with formation of' a reguJar tive oricnl.1tion of the grains in the
rim whose lack of coloration con- plane of the thin section.
trasts strongly with the deep reddish
brown color of the primary min-
eral. The layering of the chloritc
alsu is parallel to tJle !Jlalle of the
thin section; this is the reason why
the rims arc at cxtinctiun in XPL.

101
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

086,087
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
Pedra Balao,
Po~os de Caldas.
MG. Brazil
Sampled at outcrop
Particular case of
a peripheral pattern
of alteration around
nepheline
Objective: x 4
XPL and XPL + A/4

-0.6

- 04

0,2

- 0.0 mm

I I of' a peripheral
pattern of alteration i~ shown
by the partial replacement of' J crys-
lal or nepheline by natrolite, a zcu-
lite-group minc:ral. This alteration is
due to a hydrothcj'mal process
according to the idea'li/ed reaClion:
2NaAISiO, + Si0 2 + 21-1 20 = order grey') of the residual
NalAIJSi,Olo·2H?O. The nuio
IJhdsC preferentially penetrdtcd the
primary mineral along a direction
parallel to a main axis; in the ca.se
~hown here, the Z axes or both pri-
mary and secondary minc-rals arc
parallel. The contact between
nephelinc: and natrolitT is coarsely
denticulate; the pattern oralteration
is rather s'imila,· to that of' hiotite·
alteren to ehlurite (082 and 083).
The upper illustration shows the
very low interference-calor (Arst-
nepheline core and the low interfer-
ence-calor (white to first-order
pdle yellow) of both domains of'
natrol.itc. The second illustration,
also taken in XPL but with a 1-./4
auxiliary plate, dcmonstr,lles the
opposite signs of the primary (uni-
<lxialnegatile) and secondal-Y (bia.,,-
ial positil'e) minerals. The
needle-shaped crystals at E5 arc
aegil-ine, a sodium-rich clinopyrox-
l~ne, whel'eas the smaller prismatic
crystals, within buth nepbeline and
natrolite grains, arc inclusions of
ri.nkite (= mosandrile)), «(a,(c)+
Na(Na,CahTi(Si,07)JF2(0,F)2, a
relati\"(~ly rare mineral whose occur-
reno: is restricted to sodium-rich
dlkalioe rocks.

ATL~S OF MICRO'IORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALrERATION AND WEATHERING

102
 PATTERNS OF ALTERATION

088,089
PLAGIOCLASE-RICH
AMPHIBOLlTE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire

Irregular peripheral
and digitate weathering
of plagioclase
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

- 0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

J ' illus-
T
I "
trate the incipient wcath('I'ing
of plagioclasc (labraJorite), which
exJlibits its characteristic twin
lamellae. The wCJthering starts
main.I~' in the peripheral part of the
(l',Ystal, but the centripetal ad\'ance
of the weathering li'onl is irregular
and JelC'rmines the formation of'
irregular patches and internal digi-
tations of isotropic material. Thi~
~econdary product. slightly beige- il'ication, either h)' Jllcration or by
colorerl in PPl, show~ a sharlJ ('on- weathering l)roL'l:~sc~. Only some
n'a~l with the hl)~l plagiocla.~c in cracks. in the right part of the pho-
XPL. An carliC'r incipient alteration tograph, are enhanced by brown
or the mck, lU1dcr a low-g,-ade iron ox ~'h)'droxjdes.
hydrothermal process, j~ n:sponsi-
blc If)r the rormation of micro-
crystals of epidote and scricire
irregularly distributed lhrough the
feldspar. The surrounding horn-
blende has not undergone any Illod-

PART 2: PATTIRNS OF WEATHEIIING

103
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

090,09.
GABBRO
Zaala. Touba,
western Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: lA m
Irregular peripheral
and linear patterns
in plagioclase
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

02

- 0.0 mm

T ·. '. I1 I'" of an elongate

sunhcdral grain of plagiocla.~e

starts according to two irregular
rattcrns, the first ont' along the
reriphery 01' the mineral, and the
second One along many tTansvcrse
cTacks. The combination of both
irregular peripheral and linear pat-
tcrns results in the isolation of manv
)
irregularly shaped rcsidues. The sec-
ondary prorluct is an optically
isotropic material. Commonly
colorless, it appears, in PPL. as pall'
yellowish owing to slight staining by
iron-bearing solutions, whereas the
median line, which runs along the
lincar fractures, is enhanced by a
brown-calored deposit of clayey
material derived from the neighbor-
ing weathl'Ted ferromagnesian min-
erals. In XPL, tile' isotTopic material
appears as black linear or patchy
an:as. No residual pores arc formed
around the residues of feldspar.
which all have maintained their
original optical orientation. The
isotropic product is ephemeral and
transitory; it will progressi,c('ly Lw
replaced by aggregates of gibbsite
crystals. Th.is further development
or weathering will result in the
gradual formation of a polyphase
alterolTlorph. Gibbsitc crystals arc
not yet observed in this thin sec-
tion; more evolved samples, higher
in till' profile, must be examined to
see gibbsite and a reduced propor-
tion of feldspar residues. Incipient:
ferruginous weathering can be
observed (B5) within a grain of
dinopyroxene.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

104
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

A c o
092,093
NEPHElINE SYENITE
Pedra Balao.
Po~os de Caldas,
MG, Brazil
Depth: 0.4 m
Irregular linear
pattern of weathering
in orthoclase

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
: 03

=- 0.2

_ 0.1

- O.Omm

or artho-
cla.se, characterized by its sim-
ple twinning (Carlsbad law), is
highly divid.ed into numerous resid-
ual domains by a network of subpar-
allel trans\erse cracks, combined
\vith somc irregular longitudinal
cracks. The direction uf the b'aDS-
verse cracks is not a reflection of' a
crystallngraphic" direction or the
primary mineral, but rather a result
of tectonic I~)rces Jcti..ng on J thin
tabular LT)'stal. Most open space"
between the residues are Rlled by
small crystals of gibbsite of
autochthonous urigin. They are
directly formed frum the wCJther-
ing feldspar in thf' same way as iron
oxyhydroxides are formed by the
weathering or the neighboring crys-
tals of aegirinc (85). Coatings of
iron oxyhydroxides can be seen in
the gibbsik·rich areas along the
margin or l.h<:, feklspar crystal (C4,
D4). In contrast to t.he case shown
in the previous photomicrographs
(090 a.nd 091), the kl<bpar weath·
ers dircctly to gibbsitc vvithout
passing through an ephemeral and
transitory phase 01' optically
isotTopic material. The lack of such
isotropic material reflects the much
better conditions of internal
drainage in this proF! le.

2:
PAin" PATIffiNS OF WEATHERING
10S
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION
A l\
01 nephelinc
exhibit~ incipient weathering to
isotropic material. 111e microscope
stage has been rotated to gi vc the
best cuntrast betvl'ecn the host min-
LTal (IIrst-order grey interkrence-
color) and the secondary isorropic
material (always black in XPL), The
"'cathering process gj"cs rise to a
secondary [)rnduc( tbat is irregularly
distrihuted (i) along the periphery of
the erysta'! of nephcline, leading to
the formation of an irregular and
discontinuous peripheral area of
106
094,095
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
Poc;os de Caldas,
MG. Brazil
Depth: 1.8 m
Irregular peripheral
and patchy weathering
of nepheline
Objective: X 4
PPL and XPL
0,6
- 0,4
0,2
0,0 mm
isotropic matc-rial> and (ii) also the right part shows a poikilitic
within the host mineral, as irregular cTvsta.! of arfvedsonite (sodic amphi-
patches surrounding the intramin- bole). Both minerals are common in
eral inclusions of aC'girine and sodium-rich alkaline igneous rocks,
rinkitc (= mosanclrite?). The first- such as ncpheline syenjte. Rinkite is
named inclusions are greenish a rare silicate mineral containjng Ti,
hrown in PPL, whereas the second, Na, r: and cl)e rare earths.
small Cl' than the first, arc pale
brown. 80th minerals arC' brightly
colorcd (second-order interfer-
('nce-colors) in XPL. The left part or
the IJhotomicrogmph mainly shows
suhparallel elongate crystals of
aegirine (sodic p~!roxenc), whereas
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 PAITERNS OF ALTERATION

096,097
ACTINOLITE-RICH
AMPHIBOLlTE
central Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.6 m

Regular peripheral,
cross-linear and
transverse patterns
in actinolite

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

-0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

I . . or the a..rnphibole networks of iron·rich secondary iron oxyhydroxide. The photograph

T I

group are genera.lly much less

weathcrable than most rock-form-
ing minerals. Where they are the
main component of the rock, as in
this example, they allow the ,'ock
the opportw1it;' to remain practi-
cally unweathercd until the upper
levels or the proHlc- or to form out-
crops of practically un weathered
ampbibolite in the upper part of the
landscape. In these cases, incipient
weathering is gener.1l1y expressed
by regular patterns of thin lincar
minerals. Thes~ photomicrographs
exhibit nearly all the possible pat-
tCI'llS of weathering. A regular
peripheral deposit of a lerruginnus
secondar~' product IS c1eady
observed all around the largest' cr~s­
tals. The cr)·stals .1150 are crossed h~
tranS\'crse cracks, which arc U1C
main pathways for internal weather·
ing of the cf)·stals. All crystaJs
exhibit either parallel or obliquely
intersecting cleavages, which arc
also enhanceJ by thin dCP"lsirs of
in PPL clearly shows the complex
distribution of the secondary prod-
uct, whereas the photograph in XPL
shows that the colodess parts (in
PPL) \vithin the cr~'stals arc not
residual pores, but unweathcred
parts of the primary minerals. These
part.s are not empty septo-altero-
morphs formed at the expense or
coml)letely weathered grains, but
rather primary crystals undergoing
incipient \\-eathering.

PART 2: PArr-tANS OF WEATHERING

107
 PATIERNS OF ALTERAnON
A 8
of tranS"\'erse
Ilssures dew>loped within long
needle-shaped crystals of acgirine
(~odic pyroxcne), Most transverse
fissures arc oriented parallel to each
other, a.nd more or less pcrpcnrlicu-
lar to the Z axis or the primary min,
crak Most transverse fissures are
colort~cl by thin deposits 01' iron oxy-
hydruxides, These beL'ome thicker
as the weathering of the primary
mincralllroceeds; the linear pattern
J08
c D
098,099
NEPHElINE SYENITE
Pedra Balao,
Po~os de Caldas.
MG. Brazil
Depth: 1.2 m
Regular linear
(transverse) pattern
of weathering in aegirine
ObjeCtive: x 10
PPL and XPL
:- 02
0.1
- O.Omm
i~then replaced by a banded pattern maintain their original optical ori-
that will isolatt> sma.ller and smallel' entation, As the perinuclear pores
residues of pyroxcnc, whosc shapes subsequently widen, the resiJues
will IJrogressively change from \\'ill have the possibility of rotating
smooth ITgular to finely denticulate fTcely, and the simultaneous extinc-
shapes. Thicker and thicker residual tion of Ule residut's will he lost.
pores also arc dc\'c1oped betwcen
them (sce 139 and 140), As long as
thl' linear distribution of IVc,\thering
products remains narrow, the
pyroxcne rcsiduc;s, c10scly iittcd
between the secondarY products,
ATLAS OF MICR0110RPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

100
ACTINOLITE-RICH
AMPHIBOllTE
central C6te d'lvoire
Depth: 0.2 m
Peripheral and
transverse patterns in
actinolite

Objective: x 10
PPL

0.2

0.1

=- 0.0 mm

101
ACTINOLITE-RICH
AMPHIBOllTE
central C6te d'lvoire
Depth: 0.2 m
Peripheral and
transverse patterns in
actinolite

Objective: x 10
PPL

B. ~ I I I ) 11 show details
of th~~ distribution of secondar;.·
products along the periphery 01" the
crystal and along its trans\"('rse
cracks. The conditions of Ferrallitic
weathering prevailing in this super-
llcial en\'ironment induce the lcach-
ing of most chemical componcnts of
the actinl,litc, and rhe fLxation or its
residual iron and subsidiaryI alu-
minum_ This process of leaching
leads to the formation of large resid-
ual voids. During incipient weather-
ing, the residual dl;posit of iron oxy-
hydroxide is close to the mineral
remnant, without appn:ciabJe pore-
space between them. But with
advancing weathering, the oxyhy-
clroxide hands become progres-
sively separated fwm th" dissolVing
residues, and the iron, liberated
from the actinolite, must migrate
over short distances, through ne\vl)'
Formed residual pores, to increase
the tJJicknes~ of the ferruginous
deposi t previous I)' Formed. An
Cllll)ty I)ore- vol ume develops
between both primary and sec-
ondary minerals. The residucs of
actinolite acquire a denticulate
shape characteristically developed
on the wa.lls of the transverse
cracks, whereas the outer faces of
the prism are essentially un III odi-
lIe'd _The first opening of the cracks
is still identifiable a~ a regular empty
pore rW1lling between two parallel
thin hands of Ferruginous products.
The development of such intercon-
nected pore-\'olumes makes the rock
friable, caLLsing it to crumble to
loose sand-size particles.

PART 2: PATTERN, OF WEATHERING

109
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION
1, r - show
T
.I I I1 I " I j"
a complex pattern of alteration
of a crystal of oli~ine, which at first
is replacecl by red-colored
n
"iddingsite along its periphery 'lOd
along the Ol-iginal protoclastic frac-
tures. Most protoclastic fractures
originally contained thin lamellar
c1eposits 01' magnetite (black),
which have remained undisturbed
dW'ing the transformation of the
host miner;!!. They are still clearly
recognizable in the banded and
peripheral areas of secondary
no
minerals. Some of tnese fractures
have been ouly slightly opened at a
late stage. The peripheral areas of
secondary products arc irrehTUlarly
developed and contain small
residues of unaltered olivi.ne. The
banded textures arc more regular,
and their thickness remains rather
constant over their entire length.
Several small branches of secondary
products are del'elopec1 in a con-
stant orientation (C3) pel-pendicu-
lar to a main ax:is of the olivine. No
residual pores are observed in this
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOlOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
102,103
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Complex
(peripheral + banded)
pattern of alteration
in olivine
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
- 0.6
- 04
- 02
0.0 mm
part.ially developed alteromol-ph.
Once completely developed, it will
become a holo-alteromorph in
which the first-developed banded
tex'tures will remain clearly recog-
nizable within a contrasting, more
homogcneous mao-ix. Note that at
this level of alteration, the graiJ1S of
cl inopyroxene and poikiloblastic
hornblende are not altered. Th 'S~'
photomicrographs should be COID-
pared \\ith thl:' next ones, taken of a
sample from the same outcrop.
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

104,IOS
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Complex
(peripheral + banded)
pattern of alteration
in olivine

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

~ 02

f
~ 0.1

~ O.Omm

" l' 1
I '- 1 I of a complex
l"'\ pattern of alteration combines
an irregular peripheral and a welJ-
cleveloped banded pattern. Com-
pared to the previous illustlations,
the banded textures are \'I'idened,
which aHows the internal organiza-
tion of the associated "iddingsite"
and rc-siducs of early magnetite to
be more clearly recognized. As in
the pre\rious ilJustrations, the thin
section has been rotated in such a
way (4S~) that both olivinl? and
"idclingsite" ex.hibit their nighest
interfcrcnce-colorSi when rotated
parallel to the polarizing filters (0"),
both phases an' optically at extinc-
tion simultaneously (not shown).
The oli .....i ne residues .l.re finely den-
ticulate in a direction perpendicular
to a main axis of the primary min-
eral. No residual pores are
observed, and the sinuosity of the
denticulation is common to both
primary minef'al and secondary
product. As alteration progresses, a
LTansitory comb texture is devel-
oped; it will Jisappear once the'
olivine rcsidue_~ have ht'en com-
IJleLcly altered. The oJiviJle grain is
then completely replaced by a holo-
altcrornorph in wh.ich the early-
Formed handed textures (with their
original deposits of magnetite) wiH
contrast v\ith the more homoge-
neous matrix developed at the
expense or tJle last-rcmoved
residues of olivine.

PART 2: PATTtRNS OF WEATI-iF.RING

111
 PATTERNS OF ALTERATION
A c
"'" i .• :1 show
T
t.
an oUvine crystal that ha.< been
partially altered to a polyphase asso-
ciation of serpentine and magnetite
during a IJrst step of hypogcne
alteration. The large rcsidues of
olivine cores ha\'e been later sub-
JCTted to a second process of alter-
ation, to bro.vnish "idclingsitc". The
areas altered during the first step
are minor, ancl restTicted to straight
colorlcss bands that follo\\' part of
the network of protoc!astic frac-
tu res and part of the periphery of
112
Cl
the olivine crystal. Deposits of sec-
ondary magnetitc, genetically asso-
ciated with the formation of
serpentine, are locally developed
(A I, C4). During the second step of
alteration, parts of the' l)livine cores
are altered to "idwngsite" that either
surrounds the early-fOl'mcd sel1Jen-
tine bands, or follows the hitherto
wlI110dificd protoclaslic fractures.
"lddingsite" also penetrates the
ol.ivine crystal accorrling to a
peripheral and an irregular linear
pattern. No resirlual pores are
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
106, 107
OllVINE-BEARING
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Peripheral and banded
complex pattern
of alteration in a
polygenetic alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
0.0 mm
observed bel,vel?n the olivine cores
and areas transformed to "iddings-
itc". The contact bct"veen them is
expressed, in X.PL, hy a regular con-
centric distribution of the interfer·
ence-colors, whose variation is due
to the relative thicknesses of both
phases in the thickness of the thin
section. These cOllcentTic colored
bands are somewhat similar, mW,oris
muwndi" to the contours on a topo-
graphic map.
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

A 8 c D
108, 109
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Boeea. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 13.8 m
Irregular 'banded
pattern of alteration
in olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

:- 0.2

- 0.1

- 0.0 mm

J\ \" 1'1 ! I 1 . 1 ' • of an
["\ oli\ine grain that is nearly com-
pletely replaced by bright red
"iddingsite". The secondar), prod-
ucts exhibit an irregular banded pat-
tern, with the commonl), observed
deposits of relict magnetite. The
banded textUl'e, near tJle residucs of
olivine, is marked by an intermedi-
ate fringe of a reddish brown sec-
ondary product wbose chemical
composition is intermediate
between "iddingsite" and nontrorute
(polygenetic altcromorph). Elec-
tTon.microprobe analyses show that
the nontronite is richer in Si and Mg
than the early. formed "iddingsitc".
The interference-colon of the
"iddingsite", in XPL, are completelY
masked by its intense natural coI01-,
but its transparency allows one to
see that all tJ1e bands of"iddingsite",
whatever tJlcir thickness l)r orienta-
tion, exhibit the same intensity of
lighting. All have inherited tJlejr
optical orientation from the original
primary oUvine. The IJandcd tex-
tures, JS well as the septa, which
dC\'elop b~' Ule Jlteration or later
we<J.thering of ferromagnesian min-
erals like oJivine, pyroxenes or
am phibole. are at extinction
between crossed polarizers when
oriented in such a way tllat their
constituent particles are parallel to
a main axis l)f the primal-y mineral.
They go to extinction simultane-
ously with tllc relict cores of the
primary minerals.

PART 2: PATTERNS Of WEATHEIUNG

113
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION
III 1.11111 of the sec-
ondary products IS closely
related to the internal zoning of the
primary mineral. In this subhedral
crystal of plagioclase, the core .lnd
some of the concentric zones of the
primary mineral are more caJcium-
rich than are the remaining parts.
The zoning of the chemical compo-
sition is expressed by the concentric
distribution of the secondary prod-
ucts: minute inclusions 01" mus-
114
I I 0, I I I
CALC-ALKAlINE
GRANITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Concentric intramineral
pattern of alteration
within plagio~lase
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
0.6
- 0.4
0.2
- 0.0 mm
covitc paragonite, which arc minerals. Th(-; alteration of the
responsihle for the cloudy habit of feldspar to an association of hvo
some of its parts, and inclusions of secondary minerals result, in the
epidote (high interference-colors in formation of a partiaJly developed
XPL.). Tne secondary minerals are I)olypbase alteromorph according to
restricted to U1e more calcium-rich a typical concentric intramiJleral
parts of the crystal, whereas the pattern.
more sodium -rich zoncs remain
clear and free of any inclusions.
Note that the distribution of the
inclusions of epidote closely follows
that 01" the micaceous secondary
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINrAAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

o
I I 2, I I 3
DIABASE DYKE IN
BASALTIC FLOW
Ribeirao Preto.
SP, Brazil
Depth: 3.2 m
Intramineral weathering
along twin boundaries
in plagioclase

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

= 0.2

f
_

~
0.1

O.Omm

T" \',1 11' .1. or a twinned

lath-shaped C1")'staJ of plagio.

clase has begun along intramineral
cracks. which bave mainly devel·
oped parallel to the twin planes, The
smectite formed as a secondilr}
product after plagioclase has a
chemical composition ,'cry similar
to that or the weathering products
after the neighboring minerals, such
as c1inopyroxene, and to that or the
cryptocrystalline l1lateri'll formed
various primary minerals or materi-
als occurred easily, by slow dirrusion
along the network of intergranular
after volcanic glass. The chemical micropores.
and mineralogical homogeneity of
the secondary products indicates
that the weathering of tbe rock
started in a det~ply buried horizon,
where transfers or elements among

PART 2: PATTERNS OF WEATHERING

115
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

A 8 c o
1 14, 1 15
BASALTIC ROCK
Ocean floor,
Costa Rica Rift
Leg 70. Drill site S04b
Sampled by C. Laveme

Irregular patchy pattern

of alteration in quartz
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

l
~ 0.3

=-- 0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

I p,ltkrn of arc c<L'iily distinguished by their homogencous mint'ral. There an: no

alteration appeared eiuring the
parti:d replaccment of a subherlral
cryst.al of qua.rtz by secondary nUJl-
el'als of the- 7_eolite group under the
influence of a late hydrothermal
process. Under XPL, both minerals
interference-colar, pale grey for the
remnants of quartz, contrasting
with dark grey I(Jr the zeolite min-
eral. The iJTcgularly shape-d patches
of secondary product an:: randomly
distributC'd hecau:>c quartz is a wry
cleavages, nor twins, nor zones to
provide likely st<lrting points for the
alteration, and tu influence its later
J~,velllpment.

ATU\S Of M,CROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERA.L ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

lJ6
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

1 16, 1 17
BASALTIC ROCK
Ocean Ooor,
Cosra Rica Rift
Leg 70. Drill site S04b
Sampled by C. Laverne
Irregular patchy
pattern of alteration
in plagioclase
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
0.3

02

- 0.1

~ O.Omm

can be zeolite is related to thc orientation ation uf the feldspar to a zl:oli te is

B I I I·

compared with the previou~

ones. The cuhedral crystal of plagio-
dase illustrated is partially replaced
by irregularly shaped <l11J oistrib-
llLed palche~ of a zcolite-group
mineral. Note that the optical ori-
entation at' nearly all p.ltche-s of the
of the twins. In XPL, the patches 01'
zeolite ::lppCtlr medium grey within
due to a hydmthcrmal process that
occurred long after lTystalli'Altion
the part of the plagioclase t\\'in of the basaltic magma,
ne::lrl)' at exLilll:tion, whereas the
patches cjf zcolite in the mc·dium
gre)' member of the twin arc p;\!er,
.'\." in the previous case, the alter-

PAKT 1: PATTIRNS OfWEATHfRING

117
 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

-~""' I 18, I 19
NEPHELINE SYENITE
Por;os de Caldas.
MG. Brazil
Depth: 1.2 m

Complex polygenetic
pattern developed
in nepheline
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

0.2

f
:.- 0.1

=- O.Omm

of nephdine rounding isotropic materia I, at aging. wa:; partially conve-rted to

..,'as first partially replaced hy
randomly distributed "olume~ of
secondary natrolite l)~' hydrothermal
origin, c:oncCIllTatcd in its periph-
eral and central parts. During a later
step or weathering, natrolitc was
replaced by microcrystalline gibbs-
ite, whereas the residual part of the
nepheJine was completely replaced
by an isotropic secondary material.
In XPL, the microcrystalline gihbs-
ite appears JS briJUilJlt white patches
that contrast sharply with the SIIT-
complete extinction. The isotropic
material exhihit, ilJl incipient retic-
ular pattern or pores, which m<Jkes
it a rctiporo-alteromorph. No visi-
ble trace of thE" replaced nephcline
and natrolitc is left. This particular
situation can lead to misinterpretJ-
don about the origin of the polyge-
netic alteromorph. Without
obs(Tvations on le,S); weathered SJm-
pies, one could conclude that the
nepheline was first weathered to an
isotropic material which, with
secondary gibbsite. A comparison
with later photographs shows t11at
the transformation of a retiporo-
altcromorph of isotropic material
after ncphdine gives way to gibbsitc
microcrystals concentrated along
th(' reticular network of pores and
not to the patchy pattern shovm
here. The surrounding minerals a.re
elongate crystals of aegirine and
twu areas of partially ,veathcred
pink cudialyte.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

//8
 PATTERNS OF ALTERATION

120
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
Po~os de Caldas,
MG, Brazil
Depth: 1.8 m
Irregular patchy
pattern of allochthonous
natrolite in orthoclase
Objective: X 4
XPL

0.6

0.4

- 0.2

0.0 mm

121
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
Po~os de Caldas,
MG, Brazil
Depth: 0.6 m
Irregular patchy
pattern of
allochthonous
gibbsice in orthoclase
Objective: x 6.3
XPL

- 03

_ 0.2

- 0.1
,

~ 0.0 mm

T" 1,',.11 ,. illus-

trate another case of possible
contrast quite sharply in XPL. The
first is nearly at extinL1:ion; its dark
misinterpretation of the origin and grey calor C'onb'asts with the bl-ight
that shown in the lower iUustratiun,
hut without knowinub of tlle occur-
rence of the intermediate stage- or
the affinities of the secondary prod- \I'hite coJor or the natrulite. The narrolite formation, onc could con-
uct'. The upper illustntiull shows a , lower iJlustratiOll shows the com- clude cllat the gibbsite results from
large crystal of onhoclasc that has pletl:' weathering or the natTolite the direct weathering of the ortho-
heel] fractured and partiaUy reGp- patches to microcrystallim; gibhsite, clase, A comparison with later
talli7.ed, lea\ing irregular alTas k-a\"ing the host orthoclase practi- photographs (308 and 309, for
quickl)' infillcd by a natrolitc L1ystal cally unwealhered. The substantial example) shows that \\'Carhering
(s\"llC'hronous with the natrolite difference in weatherability patterns (septo-altcromorphs)
sho\\"ll in t.he pre\iuus photographs). hetween the minerals allows the involving gibbsite after fcJdsp,~r­
The texllIre suggests a case of par- natrnlite to be weathered lono- I:>
gm up llJinerals hal"(; a "cry c1iHerent
tial alteration of the feldspar to befun,: the orthoclasc crystal. When appearance.
natrolite. Orthoclasc and natTolite stud:;ing a thin section similar to

PART 2: PATTERNS OF WEATHERING

119
 PATTERNS OF ALTERATION

122,121
QUARTZ VEIN IN
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d')voire
Depth: 3 m
Irregular patchy
pattern of weathering
in quartz
Objective: X 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

I ' of fer-
raJlitic weathering, a large grain
of quartz in a leucocratic vein is par-
tiallY; weatJlered to an irreoularb
patchy pattern. The dissolution-
induced voids are randomly <listrih-
uted within the grain, wiUlout any
apparent relationship to the crystal-
lographic orientation of the min-
eral. As the voids are opened by
further dissolution, they are par-
tially i.nlllJed hy reddish brown clay
coatings. This allochtboDous mater-
ial comes from the upper horizons
of the soil. Some quartz particles
apl)ear as isolated remnants, but the
preservation or their simultaneous
extinction with the large domains of
quartz shows Ulat th('~c remnants
are intcrconn~~cted, in the third
dimension, by irregular bridges not
visible in the plane of the thin sec-
bon. As weathering proceeds, the
volume of the remnants will
decrease until they become fi'ee to
move and able to rot3te. The photo-
graph in XPL is included to show
Ulat Ule calm-less areas in PPL arc
not holes hut ~l partly weathered
colorlcss mineral.

120 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERAnoN AND WEATHERING

 PATIERNS OF ALTERATION

A c D
124, 125
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
Po<;os de Caldas,
MG. Brazil
Depth: 0.8 m
Irregular patchy
polygenetic alteration
of eudialyte
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

0.2

f
-

~
0.1

0.0 mm

Iltl is a lujauite, pleochroic, colorless to pinkish. A tern, to natrolite, a secondary min-

a nepheline-bearing syenite
whose main constituents arc
nepheline, orthoclase, aegirinc (a
sodic dinopyroxcne) and coarse-
sized crystals, up to 5 cm of diame-
ter, of eudialyte, associated with
minor proportions of arC-veJsonite
(a soJic amphibole) and rare tira-
Il.ium minerals. Eudialyte is an un-
common complex lTigonaJ silicJte
whose general f(lrmuJa b Na l6 Ca 6
(Fe)- ,Mn 1+, Y)jZJ-/Si 30<j)1(Si'.P 21)2
(OH.CI)~. In PPl, the mineral is
variation in its coloration can be
seen even within the same CT)'sta\.
The uPIJcr photogra[Jh shows that
the pink color is restricted to the
parts of the mineral in cont.act with
aegirine.The second photograph, in
XPL, shows the characteristic
uneven distrihution of its low inter-
ference-colors; some internal parts
appear to be nearly ison·opic. Dur-
ing a I-Irst .,tep of hydrothermal
alteration. part of the eudialyte was
altered, in an irregular patchy pat-
eral of the zeolite group, whose
higher interference-colors are
clearly seen in X'PL. During a later
step of weathering, these Sdme
domains were partially weathered
to poorly crystallized iron oxjde~ in
which part of the original zirconium
content has been camoullaged.
These dark brO\\-"11 iron-rich areas
are better cLstinguLshed in PPL.

PART 2: PATTERNS Of WEATHERING

121
 C /-/.1
Partly Weathered Minerals
thl' description or the IIrst
'<It. " '\1111 11 '.1' ,
F steps of wC.:Ithering must i.ncluck morpho-
logic.:Il details concerning the shape of the
unwe.:lthercd rc.~iducs Jnd the intern.:ll organi-
zation of the seconda'}' minerals that SUrrCllll1J them.
Partly weathered minuab generally occur in the
lower part of thC' weathering profile, Jt or near the con-
t,let with the llJ1\Vcathcrcd rock. The thickness of this
intermediate level depends upon the 1OC.:I 1 conditions of
climate, topography =d drainage. In f'erraUitic L~OVers.
this intermediate. partly weathered level CJn be some
milljmctcrs thick on])', whereJ~ under difft'rl'nt condi-
tion.', and on similar parent materia], it> thickT1CSS can he
much greater. Higher in dle prollle. all wcatherable nun-
era Is are repbccd by alterolllol"phs of argillipbsmas or
crystalliplasmas, in \·vhich all residues have disal)peared.
The thickTless of the intermediate level JIso depend~ on
the nature of the parent rock. On gran.itic rod,s, wllO.~e
constituent minerals exhibit J wider range or weaUlLT-
ability, the intermediate level is generally much thicker
than on maRc rocks, \\·-hose constit11ent nUnerals exhihit
J narro.......er ranoc
b or \\·eJUltTJbilitv.
_
FTHI:: PR1MARY OI1-S
Peripheral pellicular weathel-ing, and to some
extent, Ule oUlcr patterns of weathering, tend to gi . . e
to xenol11orphjc minerals their automorphic ~hape, at
least during an ephemeral t.ime and in an imperfect or
incomplete way. The primary residues can acguire reg-
ular geometrical ~hapcs that they did not exhibit Ln the
unweathered rock. 50111(' examples follo\\-.
RcgulJr and planar surfac('~, with linea.r hound-
aries, at least at the scale of the opticalmjcroscope, are
in some cases de . . eloped owi.ug to congruent dissolu-
tion along specific internJl planes. Quartz grains
in bauxitic alterites and in old ferrallitic duricrusb
are slowly dissolved, awl thcir residues are in some
instances demarcated hy regular planJr margins_ The
dissolution of calcite and dolomite can promote a sim-
ilar rcsul t (rholllbobedral and sCJlenoheclra I shapes).
PT [R 5
Weathering of xcnomorphic crystals of pyroxene
;lnd amphibole, which arc mineral~ with VI'cll-
eXI)ressed c1ea.. . ages. commonly forms reguJarly shaped
ami parallelepiped-shaped residues that arc isolated
from each other by a net,"'-ork of open cleavages.
Where weJthering is more advanced, these residue~
more or less maintain their geometrical shapes, but
detailed ohservJLion shows that the I-csidues maintain
regularl; lineal' outlinl'"s on faces parallel to the origi-
nal Z-axis or the mineral, whereJs tlw other faces are
finely denticulate.
Nevertheless, all these secondary sbapes (diamond-
shaped or rhomb-shaped residul's) do not exactly cor-
respond to the aut,)morpnic shape thJt the mineral
could ha\"C in tbe rock if it hacl surncient free space for
its development during growth. These finely denticu-
late outline~ Jre commonly nbsen'ed, and are generally
a charaderistic fe~1t11re of the weatherilw b
of the chain
sil i c,lt cs (inosi Iicate,). These c1enticu lations a I~() are
observed at the ultramicroscopic scales.
ORIGIN OF DENTICULATE REMNANTS
Where denticulate remnants are observed
in soils and in colluvial or alluviaJ materiaJs. and
generally in all materiaJs that have been subjeaed
to a transport process. it can be concluded that
the remnants were extracted from a lower level
of the alterite (in which this denticulate shape is
common). and not from a rock outcrop subjected
to erosional processes (in which fractured or
irregular remnants are more common). More-
over, the distance of transport has been very
short between the site of weathering and the site
of deposition; otherwise. the very small and brit-
tle denticulations would have been abraded
during the transport of the mineral remnant.
In contrast, detrital grains of pyroxene. for exam-
ple. can exhibit denticulate shapes within soil or
alluvial materiaJs if these grains have been weath-
ered after their transport and deposition. In this
case, either an empry peripheral pore or a thick
rim of secondary products surrounds the dentic-
ulate remnant, and the shape of its external
boundaries is inherited from the shape of the
detrital grain.
 The IIrst stage of weathel-ing uf fddspar-group min-
erals leaves generally irregular and cavernous residues
without an)' particular geometrical shape. Nevertheless,
the weat.hering of orthocla..~e Coln in some cases liberate
triclinic: residue.s (para.11elepiped-shape'd residues in thin
section) whose shape is governed by the main c1eJ.Yages
01' the feldspar. Thesf' well-Illted rcsiducs within the
alteropla,smas can maintain their orientation and their
simldtancous extinction in crossed nicols 101' a long
period of time. The regular and geometrical shape of the
residues rarel~, corresponds to Ule euhedral shape of the
original J:,JTain of orthodasC'._
Th t' ouvine-grOllp minerals commonly arc b-ag-
menl;ed by irregular C-TJcb of protoclastic origin. The
shapes of the residu<?s arc rarely regular. Nevertheless,
under certain circumstance.~ of" weathering to chlorite
or saponite, the secondary mineral follows tht' path-
ways of' these protoclastic fractures, but leaves residual
fragments that are charaettTized by a sawtooth-shilped
outline. The angles of the teeth are open, and the linear
corners of the dcnticulation an: parallel to the' poten-
tial (00 I) faces of the [)Ii~-ine CT)'StaJ. Tllis coarse dcn-
ticulation is reproduced parallel to itself whatever the
orientation of the fracture followed by the fluids
responsible tor hyrogene or supergene alteration. In
contrast, a.ltcration to talc, and weaUlering to nontron-
ite or to iron oxyhydroxides. leave residues that exhibit
a fmclv denticulate outline rather similar to the dcntic-
ulation observed in weaUlerecl pyroxcnes and amphi-
boles. Alteration of oli\-ine to serpentine generally
gives residues of nlivine with a curved and smooth aut-
lint:', at least at the scale of the optical microscope.
Wbere the primar;; mineraJs do not exhibit Frac-
tures or w('lI-expressed clcavagc. or a tendency to
autom0rphs, their residues arc irregularly shaped, wiUl
curved and cav,;rnous outline, \\ith rc-entrants due to
corrosion or cml)ayments, and intramineral patches.
Tb", residues can be closely fitted within the aJtero-
plasma without forming perinuclear voids, or they can
be loose and freely rotating in larger alveolar pores
delimited by septa of argilliplasma or crystalliphsma.
In this last case, all the residues coming from the
weathering of a minel-al grain lose their unique orien-
tation and, freely rotating in their a.lveolar pores, they
lose their simultaneott5 extinction under (TOssed. nicols.
Two more examples follow:
TIle first step ofweathcTing of feldspars to gibbsite or
to bolinite. by \.. .'ay of an intermediate- opticaJly isotropic
aluminosilicate phase, leads tu nwneroll.~ cavernous
residues. which arc isolated From eilch other by se pta of
gibbsite, by bands of kaolinite, or by irregular area.., of
isutropic material. Inter-plasma-mineral pore-space is not
124
obst'rved, and all the \-,-elI-tltted resiclues maintain the-
crystallographic orientation of th,' primary mineral.
The first step of weathering of olivine or garnct-
group minerals to iron OX)'hydroxides leads to a porous
and irregular structw-e. It consist~ of two component-s:
ferruginous septa t.llat arc distributed according to Ule
originill intramineral fractures, ilnd irregulal- ca\'ernous
residue'S. As the t.llickness of the f"elTuginous network
increases and as the volullle oJ the residues decreases,
perinuclear voids de\'cJop around each residue. The
thickening of the septa i~ achicv<.:d by intramineral
naIloscalc transfer or chemical elements from the core
through the perinuclear pore. The residues arc: then
loose in their cell, and their rotation promotes the IOS5
of their common crystaJlographic oJientatiorl.
In s-ulllll1ary. the residual fragments that are iso-
lated within their alteroplasmas, with or without peri-
nuclear pores, exhibit the follOWing charactcri~tic
shapes, at least during pal-t of their ("'olution:
• Regular geometrical shapes, generally ephemeral,
result from the subdivision of the mineral by the
opening of its cleavages and by the linear distrib-
ution of its secondary products.The remnants are
numerous, regularly aligned in one or two dimen-
sions. and exhibit a linear outline. These geo-
metrical shapes are observed during the first step
of weathering of well-cleaved minerals such as
inD-, phyllo- and some tecrosilicates.
• Irregular shapes result from the developmem of
the regularly shaped residues imo particles with
finely or coarsely denticulate outlines.These shapes
are mainly developed when the weathering pro-
ceeds, and the secondary plasma's structure
becomes thicker. The irregular demiculation
strongly obscures the previously developed geo-
metrical outline. These shapes are commonly
observed in partly weathered pyroxene and
amphibole and. in some cases, olivine.
• Very irregular, cavernous shapes. observed in the
randomly distributed residues, result from the
weathering of fractured but uncleaved, partly
cleaved. or poorly cleaved minerals. The remnants
vary in size and commonly show imernal areas
and patches of weathered material. These shapes
are generally observed during the weathering of
feldspars and of many other primary minerals.
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOlOGY Of MINERAL ALTIRATION AND 'vVEATHERING

The pattems uf organization and of distTibution of
the secuncbry products within Ilartl; weathered [lri-
mar)' minerals arc generally re~llar and bom()gencou~.
The orientation or the elementary crystals or the
argilliplasm~ and crvstalliplasmas is strongly influ-
enced by the orientation of the primary mineral and, in
some cases, by the orientation or transmineral I"rJC-
tures and intermineral suture planes. The di~tribution
or the nrst-Formed seconc.lan' minerals and of the asso-
ciat~>d pores is determined by the pattern of the net-
works 01" discontinuities, which were f"ollo\Ved during
this first srage of weathering. Thi~ tirst, early-developed
distTibution generally remains identitlable within the
completel_" developed and later-formed alteromorphs.
V'/ithin the partly weathered alteromorl)hs, in
which the mineralogical I)' homogeneous secondary
flroducts arc still associated with remnants of primary
minerals, only a part uf t.he s(;:l"eJlldary phase can ex..hibit
a particula.' inherited or imposed orientation, whereas
the other pan is arranged according to it~ own regular
or irregular pattern. Within the IJoly!lha:;c altem-
morphs, which contain two or more nistinct mineral
phases, only onc of the components, generally the 11rst-
formed one, is regularly oriented, wherea, the other
onc is randoml\' orieuted.
Concordance bet"veen the crystallographic orien-
tation of the secondar~' minerals and that of the pri-
mary remnants is commonly obser\'cn. It is expressed
eitJlCr by the simultaneous extinction, uncleI' crossed
nicols, of both primary and scccJlldary millerals (as in
the weathering of orthopyroxenc to a smectite-grcJUp
mineral, for example) or by a difTerence in extinction
angle between the secondary' and the r<'sidual minerals
(as in the weathering or c!inopyroxene to a snwcr-ite,
for example).
Some coincidences may be obsern:d in the distri-
bution and orientation of" the inclusions !"ormed within
the secondar~ produCTS. They re.:;uJt from the local con-
centration i.n the primary mjm~ral of immobile. ell:-
ments that cannot enter the structure of the secondary
mineral. Well-oriented needles of ruti.le (Ti0 2 ) are
commonly observeu between I<lyers or vcrmiculite
fOl"nled by weathering of titanium-rich hiotitc
Since some optical characteristics of the secondary
minerals arc in concordance w'ith those or
the primary
minerals, at least partial inherit,lnce of some crystallo-
graphic structures musr necessarily he maintained dur-
ing the wCJtJlering of the primary mineral, and must be
tnlllsferren to the structUrt' of the' secondar)' mineral.
PART 2: PATTeRNS OF WEATHERING
This inheritanc-c can only be maintained during the
carly stage of the weathering process. These hrst-
formed crystal lites arc the suhso'ate for the later prod-
ucts of IT)'stallization and for their patterns of
distribution. Indeed, as soon as a perinuclear void
dcvelops, the chemical elements must migrate in solu-
tion through tllis void to re<Jeh the lir.st-rormed sec,
onclary septa, making them thicker. The direct
inheritance is then lost, but the common orientation is
reconstructed at the contact with the previoLlsly
formed seconclary LTystallites. This case is common in
partly developed septo-alteromorphs after pyrox.ene-
group minerals, in which the sept,l are composed of
cr,vstallites of goethite whose optical orientation is
determined by' t.he orientation nf the residual frag-
ments, !"nJI1l wh.ich the)' are separated hy somc tens of
micnHneters. [n the C!-,;C of the weathering of' pyrox-
enc-group minerals to gocthitc or to well-oriented
flakes of a smectit{", the nirection of extinction or the
secondary products allows the directjon of the Z axis of
the primary mineral to be cletcrrnined c"en where no
remnants are still observable \·\ithin the alteromorph.
The morphl)logy of the hl-st-developed secondary
crystals can also he determined by fractures and cleav-
ages and call exhibit regular patterns of orientation,
size Jnd crystallinity. Later generations of similar scc-
ondary I)roducts are less regularly oriented.
This is me case in saponite-or nontronite-
rich alteromorphs after olivine (holo-altero-
morphs), in which bands of well-formed and
well-oriented crystals of saponite or nontronite
follow the pre-existing protoclastic fractures. The
internal volumes between these bands are
entirely occupied by unoriented and microcrys-
talline material of similar mineralogical composi-
tion (see Fig.8,A4).
This is also the case in gibbsite-rich altero-
morphs after feldspar (glomero-septo-altero-
morphs). The first crystals that develop along the
fractures are coarse grained, well formed and dis-
tinctly oriented relative to the fracture walls. The
later-developed crystals are smaller and clustered
or agglomerated following an irregular and unori-
emed pauern,
This is also the case in goethite-rich altero-
morphs after pyroxene (glomero-septo-altero-
morphs and botryo-septo-alteromorphs), in
which only the central part of the septa has pos-
sibly preserved the optical orientation of me
pyroxene. The lateral parts of the septa, formed
by thickening of the central pan:, do not maintain
any pan:icular orientation inherited from the
pyroxene, and occur as optically disoriented
microcrystalline accumulations.
125

PAITER
TIll' orientation a.nd cr~,stallinity of the secondary
mincrab Glll vary from point to point within the
aJteromorphs. Consequent I)., the distribution and the
morphology of the residual pores, wlllch arc associated
wid, residual primary and ncoformed secondary
phases, ilrc not homogeneous, even \\ithin monophase
altcromorphs. If the weathering proceeds in a well-
Jr.uned horizon, which promotes the leaching of must
chemical e1emcnts of the primary rruncral, the rcsiduill
parc.-span' may become dominant. In exneme C<lSCS,
onl)' J periphcrJI \'oid is develuped around the rem-
nant, or a practicalJy empty box'work structure results.
Microporosity Jnd mc.soporosity arc distinguished
acconling to the size uf the pores conneLteJ to the sec-
ondary material. The tcrm macroporosiLy is restriLted to
the fissures, fractures and channels of higher ordcr,
which cross the <llterites O\-er longer distances.
The microstructures that are connected to the
developmcnt of micro- Jnt! mL'soporosities arc
described in more det.uj in J subsequent chJpter, in
which t.he micromorphology of completely developed
Jlterunlorphs i~ described. Ne\'erthclcss, some of the
main chJracters that allow one tu differentiate these
t\\'o t)1)CS of pore space arc listed here.
rJlicroporo, it
Microporosity gencl-ally i.,> an i.lltramiocrJ] poros-
it\" (a.s 1~1r as origin:!1 borJers of the primary grains arc
concerned), associated with the microcrystalline struc-
tures of the argilliplasmas. The distribution of this kind
of pore SpJCC is interparticulJr and generally uniform,
c"pecially where no inheritance of specific orientation
is observed in the secondarv products. This micro-
porosity is mainly obsence! within t.h" argilliplasmas,
which occupy all the J\-aiIJhle slJace resulting from the
clisappearance of th\" primary mineral.
126
This ruicroporosity, which is reduced to the empty
pores existing betwel,n the milTopanicles of secondary
products, is not easily distinguished at t.he scale of res-
olution of the optical microscope, but it can he
enhanced by naturJI impregn<ltion of colored mJteri-
als, such as iron and manganese oxyhydrox.ides. Water
is strongly retained within dlesc pores, and the possi-
ble ionic transrcrs an: slow and occur 1>)' way uf diA'u-
sion-dominated processes.
Me opor sic)'
Mesoporosil)' results from the development of
secondary minerals tllat do not occupy all the Jvailabk
space created by the weathering of the primJry min-
eral. It is comlnonly observed within the crystaJJipbs-
mas developed under conditions of ferrallitic
wCJthcring, in whil:h the vulume of exported elements
(Na, Ca, Mg, Si) is much grealer tJ1an the volumes of
the imported constituenb> (H 2 0, C02), combined
with those corresponoing to the resiJuJ] elements
(Fe, AI, Ti).
The shapes of the pores, tJ1cir nwnber and the reg-
ularity or their distribution depend strongly on the
IJotential or actual microstructural properties of the
primary mineral that have determined the pathways of
penetrJtion Jnd the rate of the weJthcring processes.
Mesoporosity is eJsily distinguished Jt the scale or
the
ol)tical microscope e\T11 ifthe pore space is maintaincd
emp\), Mesoporosity COffl"5pOnds to residual pores_
Conseguently, it is distTibuted within the altcromorphs
and not at their periphery_ V/here distorted, opened, and
connected with the other systems of IJorcs, mcsoporcs
can be inlJlIeo by lakr materials of allochthonous origin.
The distTibution and patterns of orientation of the
mesopores provides convenient bases for fw-ther clas-
sification or
the Jlteromorphs where all the primary
residues hJVC disappeared (sce later the cbapters con-
cerning "poro"-JI teromorphs).
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERAnON AND WEATHERING
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A c o
116, 117
CARBONATITE
juquia, SP. Brazil
Sampled in a quarry
by AV Waiter
Thick pellicular
dissolution around
ankerite
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

- 02

- 0.1

~ 0.0 mm

11' ,Ill "canbc
compared "...ith those shown
pre,·ioush (070 - 073), taken or
similar samples in the same tluarry.
These were chosen to illustrate the
case of a thin pellicular pattern of
weathering developed along inter-
mineral fissures. Now, the dissolu-
tion of the carbonate mineral has
progressed to the extent that thick
pell icu lar wssolutiun-inclucul '·oids
surround denticulate cores. The
in>n content of the ank('rite,
Cal-e 1 +(CO')1-, .....1!in:s Will' tu irrecr1!-
) ~ ~ ~
lar autochthonous deposits or insol-
uble iron ox)'hydroxides, which
partiall~' inl"ill the residual pore-
srace. These deposits allow the orig-
inal texture of the rock to be
lllaintaLn(·d on Ule short lerm, at
least during: the first steps uf weath-
ering. The later-Je\'cloped koilo-
alteromorphs do not exhihit any
resistance to crushLnI1.b
\,yithout the
uccurrence 01" these insoluble sec-
ondary products and of late-formed
crystallaria or secondary apatite in
these phosphate-rich rocks (see
later, 285 and 286), the)' will soon
disappear_ Note that the shapl:' o!" the
dcnticulation of the primary min-
eral residues differs rTOm that of
residual pyroxene or olivine. The
angle of the denticulation reflects
the rhombohedral system of the
carbonate; the weathering uf th~'
crystals of carbonate minerals is
strongly influenced by their regular
c1ca,-agcs.

PART 2: PATIERNS OF WEATHERING

127
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A c D

128,129
KERSANTITE
Brittany. France
Sampled in a quarry
by E. Bernabe
Irregular banded pattern
and organized residues
after biotite
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

- 0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

has been par-
tially alterE'd to a chlorite-
.1
group mineral. The residues or
biotite are regularly distributed and
oriented parallel to the cleavage of
the primary mineral, whereas the
chlorite exhibits a more irregular
pattern of wstribution. The sec-
ondary mineral forms a continuous
pbase, in which renmants of the pri-
mary mineral are isolated. The cbJo-
rite is pale green in PPL and
exhibits its cNlracteristic abnormal
blue interference-color in XPL. The
biotite is hro\·\ll in both photomi-
crographs. The minute dark brown
patches that are randomly distrib-
uted through the alteromorph are
small cr":"talJaria of titanium oxides.
Titanium was a constituent of the
biotite. It has been rejected by the
chlorite and, consequently, it
appe.ars in a separate secondary
phase. The alteromorph is poJy-
phase. This example of an ilTegular
banded pattern can be compared to
another example (151, 152) of a
I'ery regular parallel pattern devel-
oped during a comparable process
of alteration. The sUITounding
grains consist of pi agiocla..-;e , par-
tialh' altererl to sericitc as the
biotite was being converted to duo-
rite.

ATlAS OF MICROMORFHOLOGY OF MINEf\AL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

128
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

130,131
BASALTIC ROCK
northern Kivu,
Democratic Republic
of Congo
Sampled at outcrop
Irregular banded pattern
and random residues
after olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

show oFoli'·inc. Note that the typical den· perpendicular to the Z axis of the
T
I I,

the beginning 01' the replace-
ment of a subhedral crvstal of
oli\"ine by a polyphase association of
chlorite and saponite along irregu-
lar transverse fra('lur~'s. The chlo-
rite-gTlJUp mineral is greenish
bro"'l1 in PPL, ,md rebrularly distrib-
ticulation of the oli\'ine appears as a
"Sdvv-toOth" pattern, which is "ery
different from the find)' denticulate
pattern developed by the weather-
ing of pyroxencs and amphiboles.
'vVbatever the orit;ntation of the
original transverse fr'Jcl"ures, the
olivine crystal. Note that the tlLin
cracks parallel to the Z axis of' the
cr>'stal ha\"(:- not generated a bandec.l
texture, but some of them have
influenced the development of the
denticulation and the distribution of
it~ apices.

uted ailing and oriented parallel to "dges of t.he denticulat.ion always

the Z axis of the crystal, whereas the exhibit the same orientations in the
~. ('llowish oeige saponjtc inbll, the cl)·stal. Note dlat. the saponite flakes
areas between the tl"Lick regular ;In,, abo oriented eith!"r parallel to
bands or chlorite and the remnants the edges of t.he denticulatioll or

2:
PART PATTIRN$ OF WEATHERING
129
 PRJMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS
A B
cr\,st.:tI
~ (hypersthcne) shows incipient
weamering to nOnlTonite along sev·
eral irregular transverse and longi-
tudinal cracks parallel to the
cleavage. The Z axis of the crystal is
more or less oriented in the plane 01'
the thin section. Compared to the
prc,ious iIJusb-ations, note that the
denticulation is much liner than in
the coarse "saw-tooth" denticulation
de\eloped on the residues or
ohine. This flnC' denticulation onlv
develops along the banded textures
130
c D E
132, 133
HYPERSTHENE-
BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.6 m
Irregular banded pattern
and random residues
after hypersthene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
-=--- 0.0 mm
more or less perpendicular to the Z me denticulations art' invariably ori-
axis of the cr~'stal, whereas the ented parallel to the Z d-"is for all
edges or th", residues that are paral- the relevant mineral species. The
lel to this axis (and to the cleavage) thin chains or pores obsened
do not exhibit any denticulation. between me primary and secondary
This particular distrihution of den- minerals are I)robabl)' due to artill-
tkulation is im"ariably observed in cial :;hrinkage or me secondary
the weathering patterns of all ferro- products.
magnesian minerals or the oliyille,
pyroxcne and amphibole groups. In
special cases (see 163), it has also
been obsened in feldspar-group
minerals. This distribution illus-
trates a general rule: the apices of
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTE.l\ATlON AND WEATHERING
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A 8 c o
134, 13 S
SERPENTINIZED
KOMATIITE
Munro Township,
Ontario, Canada
Petrographic collection.
Universite d'Aix-
Marseille III
Banded serpentine
around random residues
of olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

- 0.1

0.0 mm

of olivine ence-calors of the olivine residues. luwer right corner or the upper
T
I \ I I

whose shape a.nd rdativc distri-
bution ar0 characteristic of komati-
itic web (uJtrabasic now,;), are
partially replaced hy .ul association
of serpentine and magnetite. The
serpentine is distributed a.s sinuous
banded units 01' regular thickness
running along small residue,; of
olivine, which show smooth and
cun'ed shapes. The serpentine,
colork_s,; in PPL, exhibits in XPL a
flrst-ordlT to>(lTe)', interference-color,
which contra.sts sharlJly with the
second- and third-order interfer-
The serpentine is regularly associ-
ated with alignments or microgran-
ular crystab of magnetite (black
deposits in PPL). In the upper left
corner of U1e lo""er photograph,
part 01 the oli vine crystal is rcpl<lced
by talc, which exhibits high interfer-
ence-colors. It is distributed in thin
irregular banc1s, isolating maIlY
c1osel)' spaced residue.'; 01' olivine.
Both specific characteristics allo\\'
t.he area of replacement by tak to bc
easilv distinguished from the areas
of replacement by serpentine. In the
photograph, the dark brO\\TI band
corresponds to an interstitial area of
microcrystalline protocrystals of
augite. The arrangement of olivinc
CTVstals as sub[Jarallel elongate or
tabular l.T)'st.als lined with areas of
m.icrocrystaJline 3ugite (and, origi-
nally, glass) is characterictic of
komatiitcs, and i.s referred to as the
"spinifcx" to:ture.

2: PATTI~NS Of WEATHERING
PART
131
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A B c o
136,137
SERPENTINIZED
PERIDOTITE
western Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by Y. Noack

Irregular serpentine
+ saponite bands
around complex residues
of olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

O.Omm

network of hierar-
chized tram- and intramincral
band~ of serpentine dh-jdcs a crystal
of oli"ine into man~ irregular and
random Iy distributed residues. This
flrst partial transformation to ser-
pentine preceded .1 second phase of
alter.ltion, t1uring which the perilJh-
cry of each oli'ine domain wa~ par-
tially replaced by brownish saponite
(formerly IulOw11 .lS "bowlingite").
These two first steps of alteration
belong to an early phase 01- h~vo­
gc-ne origin. During J more recent
episode, incipient Ferrallitic weath-
ering transformed the paiphery of
each residue tu dark brown iron
uxyhydroxides. These successive
partial replacements consequently
led to the formation of a polyge-
netic alterolllorph. The last phase is
alsu responsible for the: ,veatJ1ering
of the thin lining of magnetite
within the serpentine bands. This
weathc/-ing of the magnetite,
together with the incilJient weather-
ing of the oli,'ine residues, arc
responsible for the ~'eljo\\' col-
oration of the serpentine, which is
normally colorlcss in PPL, and for
the darkening of the saponite areas.
which normally are greenish
browll. The lower photograph
shows that ;)11 these partial transFor-
mations, 'lnd all the secondary
microtextures that they induce,
affect a single crystal of oli'cine, as
can be deduced ]i'om the uniform
(blue) interrerence-color or all the.
residues.

132 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOlOGl: OF MINEJ\Al AlTEf\ATION AND WEATHERING


A B
Il8
HORNBLENDE-
BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d']voire
Depth: 1.2 m
Irregular banded pattern
and random residues
after hornblende
Objective: x 10
PPL
0.2
0.1
0.0 mm
crystal 01'
hvrnblende is shown in its first
stage of weathering to iron oxyhy-
droxiLies. The netwvrk of intramin-
eraJ li'actLlres is irregular and
independent of the orientation of
the deayage. Several fissures cross a
long, thin prism 01' apatite. These
are intramineral Fissures in the
hornblende, L,ut become transmin-
eral (transverse) fissures in the
apatite. The weathering ol' the horn-
blende begins in the uPIJer part of
the altcritc. This explains why the
secondary l)l"oducts after horn-
blende are exclusil'eh' brownish
iron ox yhydroxides. The original
iron cuntent of the hornblende is
relatil'ely km', and as a result the
secondary l)roducts do not infill all
till" ITllume available. The thin dark
brown lineaments arc surrounded
on both sides by empty pores,
whose I'olume is related to the
amoLlnt of' matter rernol'(,d from the
PART 2: PATTORNS OF WEATHeRING
PRIMARY R.ESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS
c o
primary mineral. The amphiholc
residues art: finelv denticulatt> in a
direction that is independent of the
orientation of the fissures, but
close Iy related to the Z ax is of the
mineral, and consecjuenty parallel
to its cleavage. Note that the alJatite
crystal does not seem to han:, been
weathered. fts transyerse fIssures
arc coated with iron oxyhydroxides
deril"ed fi"olll the lVeatherina
b
of the
enclosing hornblende. Some hexag-
ooal sections of other apatite CT)"S-
tab arc I"jsible ill the lower right
corner of the flhotomicrograph.
Some l'cTmiculite alteromorphs
after phlogopite are observed in the
upper leh corner, along Il'"ith inter-
stitial allol'hthonous infillings of
organic soil material. As the degree
of weathering increases, the I'olume
of the residual hornblende will
decrease, the open spaces will
become Ivider a.nd wider, and new
fissure,s will probably appear. This
example of incipient weathering of
hornbknde may be compared with
a similar st.age of weathering of a
Feldspar-group mineral (e.8 .• 161,
165). Although the fissure is also
emphaSized by a thin deposit of iron
compounds, there is no residual
empty pore-space, or almost none,
between t.he Ilssure and the residual
feldspar. Nearly all the available vol-
tune generated by the dissolution 01'
the Feldspar is filled by the sec-
ondary crystals of gibbsite. The a1u-
minum content of the feldspar is
much higher than the iron content
of the hornblende; furthcrmore.
al!oc:hthonous aluminum can be
added from the weathering of
neighboring grains of feldspar.
133
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS
A <:
I1 can be
compared with photomicro-
graphs 098 and 099. The samples
used ror the two sets of photm
belong to the same weathering
sequence and to the same prohlc.
The distribution and orientation of
the banded I)atterns arc similar to
those shown earlier. The bands
result from tbe thickening of the
rihbons of secondary products
oWing to more advanced weathering
134
o
139,140
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
Pedra Balao,
Po<;os de Caldas,
MG, Brazil
Depth: 0.6 m
Regular banded
(transverse)
weathering pattern
in aegirine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
:- 0.1
0.0 mm
and concomitant decrease of the level 0[" the weathering profile,
volume of the p:Toxene residues, under conditions 0[" strong ["erral-
which t,lke on a denticubte shape, litic weathering, the associated pri-
or arc even completely dissolved, mary orthoclase and nepheline arc
leaving residual empty pores (04). vveathered to gibhsite (B I, E4).
These bands are composed of two
parallel alignments of crystallized
iron oxyhydroxides on both sides of
the median plane (central parting),
which is the trace of the early-
Forrneu Fissures; they can be consid-
ered as lTue transyc:rse sCI)ta. At this
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINeRAL AlTERA'Tl0N AND WEATHERING
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

141, 141
HYPERSTHENE-
BEARING
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m

Irregular banded pattern

and random residues
after hypersthene

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

[ "'
l::
- 0.0 mm

I . can be als, were artificiaUy developed dur- ner, incipient later weathering to
T
J It 11 11'( +J ,11

compared with the previous
ones; the weathering here is a little
morc developed, which results in
the formation of thicker bands of
secondary products and thinner pri-
mary residues. The distribution of
the denticulation and the patterns of
its orientation are similar to the
prt\ious cast>. Note the ch,)raeteris-
tic pinkish calor of tbe orthopyrox-
ene relics. Residual pores, which
are irregularly distributed between
the secondary and primar~' miner-
ing the desiccation of the sample. iron oxyhydroxidcs is clearly d.istin-
All residues, well fitted within their guished. This gradual weathering
secondary products, exhibit a paral- ,'viII gi\'(:' rise to a polyphase altcro-
lel optical orientation, and their morph, whose later development is
interferencl:-coJors are homoge- shov.-11 in photographs 377 and 378.
neous. The orientation of' the sec- The surrow1ding crystals of c1inol)Y-
omiary products is dearly observed roxene are weathered to saponite.
in this alteromorph, although it was
also observable in the previous pho-
tographs. Note that in the lower
right corner, the pyroxene residues
are directly weathered to a smcc-
tite, whereas in the upper left cor-

PART 2: PATIERNS OF WEATHERING

1]5
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A c o
143
ClINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'!voire
Depth: I 1.4 m
Regular transverse
fractures and weathering
patterns in prismatic
c1inopyroxene

Objective: x 4
PPL

06

0.4

0.2

- 0.0 mm

144
ClINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 10.6 m
Regular transverse
fractures and weathering
patterns in prismatic
c1inopyroxene

Objective: x 6.3
PPL

~
- 0.3

~ 02

- 0.1

~ 0.00101

I I " . { J' and lower pho-
tographs show the regular trans-
\'t~r:;e breakage of prismatic crj'stals
of clinop}Toxene under the inllu-
ence of U1e mesomorph.ic alteration
of the intersert<l! phlogopite to ver-
miculile, The resulting expansio(l
has led to the regular breakage of
the prismatic crystals originally
included in the mica, It is ob\'ious
that this breabgt' is linked to the
particular orkntation of the vermi-
culite layers, perpendicular to the
prism axis of the pyroxene. Where
this orientation is difTercnt, a~ in the
uPI)cr part of U1C tol) photograph
(C I and C2), the conjugi1tion of
both orientatjO(lS resulb in an
oblique breakage of the included
prisms. Such breakage allows the
incipient weathering or the pyrox-
ene fragments to a smectitc. It
seems ob\'ious that if included
within wKle'I\'ed poikilitic horn-
hlende, for example, these clinopy-
roxene prisms ,,'ould not· be broken
or indpi('ntly weathered.
The lower photogragh illus-
trates a similar distrihution of both
host and includt.'d minerals, but the
relatiyclv higher position of the
sample in tht· profIle leads to the
development of thicker bands of
smectitc and denticulation of the
p)TOXene residues. The central part
of the fractures remains empty
o\dng to the intense breakage of the
dinopyroxene into many slices sep'
arJ.ted by wide empty pores. The
depth or the samples does not allo\\'
deposition of allochthonous material.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINJ'I\AL ALTEI\ATION AND WEATHf.RING

136
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A c o
145, 146
PHLOGOPITE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Complex peripheral and "2
banded patterns with
minute residues
after c1inopyroxene

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
-::- 03

=- 0.2

_ 0.\

L 0.0 mm

01' the ori~inal around the ensta! and around a.11 slight darkening of the margin of thl?
T rock
!I I1
"

been replaced by
has
meso-alt~~romorphs of vermiculite.
These havc given rise to many irreg-
ular intC'rmineral ancl transmineral
pores, along which weatllering of
U1C clinopyroxcne grains has pro-
gressed_ The c1inop}Toxcne is an
iron-poor diopside, and the iron
content of its secondar)' products
(mainly saponite) is \'er)' low. The
re(JUlaritv
o .
of the banded texture is
obscured by the SUlllutaneous uevel-
opment of peripheral weathering
the residues. Ranuomh- uistributed
within the secondary phase, thesc
alteromorph. The photomicrograph
ill XPL shows the consistent orien-
resiclues exhibit tlle lille denticula- tation of tbl:" saponite througbout
tion, r;picalJy oriented parallel to the alteromorph. This prderrccl ori-
the Z axis of the crYStAl. Several entation will be better explained in
inclusions of apatite and magnetite, next fow' U1ustrations 147. 148,
both primary, are included within 149 and 150.
the alteromorph. The pale beige
calor or the .,aponite is characteris-
tic or a secondary product after such
iron-poor dinopyroxenc, but a
slight in.flLLx of an allochtbonnus
iron oxide is responsible for th~

PART 2: PATTEfl.NS OF WEATHERING

137
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

147, 148,
149, 1SO
ClINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I m
Oriented but irregularly
distributed resldues and
regularly oriented
secondary products
in an alteromorph
after c1inopyroxene
Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL

::- 0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

texrura] and miner-
alogical characteristics of this
<lltcromorph after clinopyroxene
are similar to those shown in previ-
ous examples. However, lhe pri-
mary residues arc much smaller,
and the main aggregate of residues
(D2) is surrounded by saponitc,
whose usual color has been dark-
ened hy rclativ(· acculllulation of
iron oxvhydro.xides
, , derived from
U)C more recent weathering of the
residues (147). Photograph 148
shows the straight extinction of the
secondary product, parallel to ule Z
.lXis or the clinop~Toxenc. The
residues arc not at e:-.'1:inction
hecause c!inop):roxenc is mono-
clinic. Photograph 149 shows Ule
oblique extinction of all the
residues, whereas the secondary
product is near its position of Jl1<Lxi-
mum illumination. Photograph 150
shows the simultaneous illumi.na-
tion of both primary and secondary
minerals in a position of intermedi-
ate rotation. Note that the acute and
sharp denticulation of the residues
is well matched by the complemen-
tary denticulation of the secondary
pl'Oducts.

138 ATlAS OF MICR.OMORPHOLOGY OF MINEAAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A B c D

151,152
CALC-ALKALlNE
GRANITE
Koua Bocca area,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Parallel banded and
organized residues
in an alteromorph
after biotite
Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL

- 0.2

01

- O.Omm

.' 'Ill has been par- contact". The characteristic natural ing the cleavage. The lack of traces
A
I'

tially replaced by chlorite. The
alternation of chlorite with residues
of biotite gives the alteromorph cl
regular parallel handed pattern. The
oricntations of both prim;1ry and
secondary minerals also are parallel.
which causes simultaneous extinc-
tion when the stage is rotated (not
shown). Compared with previous1~'
sho\'m photogr.1phs (128, 129), the
intcrlaycring of the secondary min-
eral within the primary mineral is
much more regu br. with straight
co!ors of both sheet silicates arc of radiating IIssul'cS or of late prod-
shown in PPL, whereas in XPL, the ucts of c.Tvstallization around the
abnormal IHIl-I)le-blue interference- alteromorph suggests that the par-
colors or the chlorite contrasts tial rCI)lacement of" the biotitc by
strongly with the secono-order chloritc has given rise to an iso-
interference-colors of the biotite_ alteromorph, and not to a meso-
Note that the thickest layers of alteromorph.
chlorite extend thnJugh the: whole
widt.h of' the crystal, whcn:'as the
thinner ones are ahsent in its central
I)Jrt. Replacement of the biotitl'
evidently started along the two
opposite ends of the grain, follo\\-

PART 2: PATTERNS OF WEATHERING

/39
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A C D

IS3,IS4
PYROXENITE
Tapira. MG, Brazil
Depth: 2 m
Par.lllel intergrowths of
replacement calcite
within exfoliated
phlogopite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
• 0.3

~ 0.2

=-- 0.1

t 0.0 mm

docu- identifiabk within a grounclmass of their original parallel orientation, as

T ment cllt' partial replacement of
a large broken o-ystal of phlogopite;
it is distopted into several layers,
het ween which regular bands of
microcrystalline calcite arc interca-
lated. The margin of the original
grain is obliterateo by line-grained
calcite. which has replaced most of
the rock. Onh remnants of mica are
calcite, whereas all other n1illerals,
such as the calcic clinopyroxcDc,
iB clearly seen in PPL, and also ill
XPL, where the separated layers
have completely disappeared. Once exhibit a nearly ic1entical position of
weathered, or upon morc ad"anced extinction.
replacement by calcite. such a bra-
morphic crystal of phlogopite wiU
become a phanto-altewmorph.
Note that, up to this stage, most lay-
ers or the mica have maint.'lined

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MlNERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

140
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

ISS,IS6
CALC-ALKALlNE
GRANITE
Blapleu. near Man.
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.8 m
Cross linear pattern
and organized residues
after plagioclase
Objective: x I0
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

'. I of plagiodase is divided
by a crossing net\\'ork of linear
~Issures. which lollo\\' the two inter-
secting dea\'ages of the mineral.
Secondary products are formed as
the linear partern is widened to a
bandc·d pattern. During early
weathering, the primary mineral is
replaced along its open cleavages by
color!ess or pale beige isotrolJic
material (black areas in XPL)
Formed by (liIferential leaching of
the ;)1 kalis and alkal.ine eal·ths, and
of a I);)rt of its silica content. The
highly hydrated material has a of the interference-colors owing to
chemical composition intermediate thinnjng of the residues where they
between that of the original feldspar are cut b} the third cleavage. It lit'S.
and that of kaolinite. The isotropic in this example, nearly parallel to
material is slightly stained by an iron the plane of the thin section. When
compound originating from the complete, it will be a gradual
neigh boring weathered minerals. polyphase altcromorph (see later).
With aging, the widest, and consC'-
quentJy oldest, banded iSOlTOpic
parts become lined by crystalJites of
kaolinite, whose coloration is due to
the iron stain. The grey parts
obs(Tvcd \ovithin the feldspar
residues in XPL reflect a lowering

PART 2: PATIERNS OF WEATHERING

14/
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

157
CALC-ALKALINE
GRANITE
Blapleu, near Man,
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.4 m
Irregular
cavernous residues
after plagioclase
Objective: x 10
XPL

0.2

=--- 0.1

0.0 mm

158
CALC-ALKALlNE
GRANITE
Blapleu, near Man,
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.4 m
Irregular
cavernous residues
after plagioclase
Objective: x 10
XPL

show mor-
phologic<ll details of cavernous
residues of pbgioclase, first embed-
ded within a secondary isotropic
phase before the later emJuuol1 of
this intermediate phase to micro-
crystalline gibbsite h,lS begun. In
alterite horizons subjected to
processes of FerraJlitic wE'athcring,
speCifically ill the lower parts of the
toposcquence, plagioclase is at least
partially replaced hy isotropic mate-
rial. GraduaLly, as it loses its silica
content, t.I1is isotr0l)ic phase \vill be-
replaced b)' gibbsite, whereas new
parts ulthe fcldsp,u- residucs \"ill be
weathered to morc of the isotropic
phas~. The process is gradual, it
de\'elop~ through an ephemeral
isotropiC pha,e, and it finally givcs
rise to a definitivc secondary mater-
ial, the m..icrocrystalline gibbsite. As
weathering is not complete, it is a
gradual polyphase alteroll1ol'ph.
Both photographs illustrate the
in-egular network of d1C iSOlTOpic
product (black areas in XPL),
whose patchy or banded textural
Pattern is related to the c1eavaaes
b
and lractures of the primar)' min-
eral. Note in the lower photograph
the presence of round ish isotropic
patches. They are not isolated tnclu-
sions of secondary material, but
rathe.r perpcodicular or obli<]ue sec-
tions, relative to the plane of the
thin section, of tlnger-like pt:>nctra-
tions into the resiclues.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

142
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A B c o
159
CALC-ALKALlNE
GRANITE
Blapleu near Man,
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.2 m
Randomly distributed
cavernous residues
after feldspar
Objective: x I0
XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

160
CALC-ALKALlNE
GRANITE
Blapleu near Man,
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Regularly distributed
minute residues
after plagioclase
Objective: x 10
XPL

were taken a Few elongate gr<lins that cross tbe effects of cleavages and t\\'in planes.
I
I' I

deciml?tcrs higher than the pre-
\'ious sanlpk in the qme weather,
ing profile. The photomicrographs
show the progrcssi\'e disappearance
of the feldspilr resielues and the
incipient crystallization of gibbsite;
tbe thin microparticle, are ran-
domly distributed wit.hin the
isotropic philse, at \I·hose expense
tJl('Y are growing. The first illustra-
tion shows several cavernous
J'esidues whose size is muchsmalkr
than in the prc\'ious example, but
\-\'hose shape is very similar, The
isotropic materi,ll ilre secondary
!<lmella(:' of J.lbik, \vhich an: not yet
weathered. The innumerable vcry
small specks that are rJ.ndomly but
homogeneously dist.rihukd within
the isotropic phase are the gibbiite
<.T),stallites. With aging, these will
progressively gruw to gi\'e rise to a
bon')'o-al terolnorph.
The second illustration shows a
vcry speCial case in wh.ich the pri-
marv mineral is reduced to man"
- .
minute re;;idues whose regular
alignment is due' to the combined
The largest unwcathercd graim an'
not residues 01' kJd.spar, but rather
iHc!usions of primary quart?. Once
the r{"sielues have completdy disap-
peilreel and the gibbsitc crystallitcs
have grown, the gradual polyphase
alteromorph will be conwrtcd to a
hotryo-alterornorph, just as in the
abo\l:: sample,

PART 2, PATTERNS OF WEATHERING

143
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

f>. c o
161
PYROXENE-BEA.RJNG
CHARNOCKITIC ROCK
Summit (I 000 m) of
Tonkoui Mountain,
western Cote d"voire
Depth: 0.6 m
Development of
cavernous residues
after plagioclase
Objectives: x 10
XPL

0.2

0.1

O.Omm

162
PYROXENE-8EARING
CHARNOCKITIC ROCK
Summit (I 000 m) of
Tonkoui Mountain.
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.6 m
Development of
cavernous residues
after plagioclase
Objectives: x 16
XPL

r'
i O.Omm

! 11. to conditions
of strong leaching prevailing
at the top of Tonkoui Mountain,
which receives more than 1000 mm
of rain annual I)', plagiocJasc weath-
ers directly to gibbsite without
passing through an intermediate
ison-opic phase. The upper illustra-
tion shows juxtaposed all the steps
of' weathering of a feldspa'- grain. In
the Ill'st step (at the left), the gibbs-
ite crystals deyelop on hoth sides of
t.he fissures or crystal defects, pro-
ducing typical septa of gihbs·j te. Very
few re.sidual pores are observed
betwecn the gibbsite and t.he
residues. Gradually, as the volume
of the residues decreases (in t.he
center), more and more empty
pores arc developed and, where the
weathering is complete (at the
right), a complex but very porous
glnmero-septo-alteromorph results
jll which no more n~siducs are
observed. As long as the residues tit
tightly bctween the septa, they
maintain their original orientation;
but as soon as the dissolution pores
are \\-idened, they can mo\"c freely,
and lose their original orientation"
The low"er iIlustntlon sho\-\'s the
detail of a cavernous residue, corn·
pletdy isolated in a large dissolu-
tion-induced vugh. The dissolved
aluminum remo\"cd from the.
residue must migrate over a short
distance to allow for con tinued
growth of the early-formed crysta.ls
of gihbsite"

ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEP.AL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

144
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A c D

163
CALC-ALKALlNE
GRANITE
Blapleu, near Man,
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.2 m
Denticulate residues
after orthoclase
Objective: x 10
XPL

- 0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

164
BAUXITIC PROFILE
DEVELOPED ON
GRANITE
Siagozohoin, Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 2.2 m
Quaru inclusions in a
gibbsite-bearing
alteromorph
after feldspar
Objective: x 10
XPL

III ,l" 'I. I ,
shows the unusual habit of
residues in a crvstal of Qrthoclase.
They are finely denticulate. The
common orientation of all tht'
residues indicates that they origi-
nate from a single grain, and that
they an' not free to move. They are
completely embedded In an
isotropic secondary product that
maintains them in their original ori·
entation and spatial distributiun.
The internlineral Fissures that Sllr·
rOW1d the alteromorph after ortho-
c1ase and the transverse fractures
that divide them have givcn rise to a
rim Jnd to ilTe~rubr septa or \\'e1l-
crystallized gibbsite. The isotropic
material is not yet replaced by
gibbsite crystals (or if so, to a very
limited extent); these win take on a
glomero-altcromorphic pattern in
each inter-sephun area. Note that
thE' quartz grains l CS) are not
weathered. Quartz also apl)cars
with sodic plagioclase in a
myrrnckitic intergrowth (A3). It has
preserved its characteristic shape
and dish-ibution, whereas the asso-
ciated sod.ic plagioclase has com-
pletely wE'athcred to the isotTopic
phase.
The lower photograph shows
inclusions of quartz (unweatherL'd)
within a gibbsite-bearing altero-
morph after feldspar. The intermin-
eral fissures around tbe inclusions
have served as pathways along
whjeh the weathering of the
feldspar began.

PART 2: PATTERNS OF WfArnERING

145
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS
'I I I l I . ~ sho\v J.
combination 01" an ilTegular IJat-
tern or incipient weathering, which
is rclatecl to irregular tr,U1smineral
fractures, and a regular pattern of
disnibutiun of the secondary gibbs-
ite, which 'is related eithc-:r to the
presence of polysynthctic twinning
in plagioclasc ( 165) or to tll(' poorly
dc\·e1oped c1eavJ.ges of orthoclase
(166). In both cJ.ses, the median
111ane 01" the septa is emphasized by
146
165
CHARNOCKITIC ROCK
Summit (I 000 m) of
Tonkoui Mountain,
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.6 m
Complex pattern : regular
and irregular distribution
of secondary minerals
in plagioclase
Objective: x 10
XPl
0.2
0.0 mm
166
CHARNOCKITIC ROCK
Summit (I 000 m) of
Tonkoui Mountain,
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.4 m
Complex pattern: regular
and irregular distribution
of secondary minerals
in orthoclase
Objective: x 10
XPL
bro"'n-colored iron ox yhyclrox ick right edge of bocl) photographs).
deposits, ma.inJy in the widest septa, Before disappearing, the feldspar
which are r('laten to irregular frac- residues take on an 'irregular cav-
tures. Note that the f(1rmation of ('rnoo.' habit; shapes are indepen-
septa, which are regularly distTib- cient nf cl)t' presence of twinning
uted within the larger residues, is and a network of cleavages.
soon replaced, in the completely
weathered parts, by the cleveiop-
ment of a more complicated texture
in which the early-formed scpto-
morphic pattern i" associated with a
glomcromorphic pattern (along the
ATIAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALITRATlON AND WEATHERING
 PRIMARY RESIDUES AND SECONDARY PRODUCTS

A B c D
167
CALC-ALKALlNE
GRANITE
Blapleu, near Man,
western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.2 m
Complex regular +
irregular patterns of
weathering
in plagioclase

Objective: X 10
XPL

- 0.2

- 0.1

- 0.0 mm

~hows orientatjon or concentration. On black patche.~. These holes and

T
ill IIf I ,. III It< , I, II1

the distribution and details 01
the shape of the residues acquired
after initial fen'alotie weathering of
plagiodase. Fracturc~ and IIssures
cross the primary mineral in (i) an
irregular pattern. giving rise: to
large irregular bands of isotropic
material, and (ii) a nenvork parallel
to the twin domains, as is clearly
seen to the right. Within the large
areas of isotropic material, micro-
crystals of gihbsite arc randomly
distributed. without any particular
the other hand. a.long the twin patches are probably not iSDlated
planes, the microcTystals of gibbsite features vdthin t.l1e host mineral,
exhibit a regular arrangement typi- but perpenrucular or oblique cuts of
cal of septo-alteroll1orphs, in which digitations and embayments. Traces
they are invariably oriented I)("rpen- of the twin planes are visible within
dicular to the trace of the f1ssure~, some residues.
'who~e orientation is sb-ongly inllu-
enced by the twin planes or the pre-
cursor. All residues of feldspar show
an irregula.r outline and a cavernous
shape, as is t}'pica.l in such weath-
ered material. Some rcsidues
exhibit holes or irregular internal

PART 2 : PAmRNS Of WEATHE.RING

147
 ·\\;1111 H\I • 11'" I ofoli,;ne has been ahel'cd. by a

A late magmatic process, to a hol().L~ll-alteromorph of

"icldingsitc". The altt;romorph is characterized by the ,lhun·

dance of the secondary product, which completely fills

(halo-) the \Olume al'ailable ,,;thout: forming intrarn.i.neral

pores. !\t the same time, the originJ..! shape and volume

(b0-) of the original grain of oli~nc are maintained. Mosl

cracks in th(' alteromurph arc traces of protodastic fractures

that are still coated with minute grains or magnetite. likely

()f earl)' posnmgmatic origin. The \'ariabilit\' of the red CDlor

in several sectors is due to imprcgoation of black Mn·oxide

along a tr.lOsmineral fracture. For flu·tbn explanations, see

pholomiO'ographs 265 and 266.

 CH:lf'TER
Defini tions
III \" .11 'introduced classiJkations (Stoops a
L1/. 1979, Bullock er al. 1985) arc satisfactOl"Y
for Ule description and classification of the
micromorphological patterns observed within
panl~. developed alteromorphs (classes of alteration I,
2 and 3), but these classillcations arc imprecise when it
comes to patterns that occur within completely altered
minerals (class of alteration +). In order tu fill this gap,
a new classification ha.s recently been proposed (Dehi-
gne 1994).
The terms pseudomorpho,-is and pseuJomorphism are
commonl~" used to describe the process by \\ hich a pri-
mary mineral. identified by its specific shape, is
replaced by a secondary mineral (or by an aggregate of
secondary minexals) with retention of the shape and
\'olurne of the primary one, whatever the mineralogi-
cal .1I1d chemical compositions of both primary and
secondary constituents. The result of the replacement,
as it appears in thin section, is a pseudomorph. Accord-
ing to tJle ct}'molog~: of the term (from the Greek
4J€UOllS wrong, false, that which is not what it seems
to be, and I-l~P<l>ll = shape), and according to the
above definitions, the terms pseuJomorphosis, pseuJomor-
phism and pseudomorph should be used only in the case
of the repJacement of an automorphic (From the Greek
aUTOS = own, particular, from itself) or eubedral
=
(from the Greek EU well and EOPO: = base, face) pri-
mary mineral, characterized b~ well-developed crys-
tallographically indexable faces, by secondary
minerals, with presen-ation of the shape anu character-
istk outline of the autolTlorphic (cuhedral) primary
mincral.
Most rock-forming minerals have poorlv de\.-.:;]-
aped faces, and their shapes are uneven and ~ot diag-
nostic; they are xenomorphic (anhedral) minerals
(from the Greek ~EVOS foreign and av =
without). [n
most cases, the use of the term pseudomorph is thus
improper to describe the secondary products a.nrl tex-
tw-es derived from xenomorphic primary minerals
which, by definition. do not exhibit a characteristic
shape or well-developed 1:1C(:s.
Although the term pseuJomorph is commonly used
by most mineralogists and petrographers to describe,
6
from a geometrical standpoint, the entities derived
from the replacement of a primary mineral by sec-
ondary miner.lls, with preservation of original outline
of the mineral considerecl, rcg;Jr(Jlcss 01: its shape, a
new term is prolJosC'd to designate such an entity:
T=
olter
he general term olteromorph (from the Latin
other, and from the Greek I-lOP<Pll =
shape) will be used in all cases of transformation
(alteration or weathering) of primary minerals to
secondary products, whatever the shapes of both
primary and secondary minerals and whatever
the extent of preservation of their original shapes
and volumes.
This c1dlnition does not concern bodies that result
from the intilJjng or pre-ex:isting or synchronou~I)'
developed pores, such as open transmineral* fractures,
vesicles in effusiH' rocks, and all pores of pedologieal
or biological origin. These ('ntities are situated oUl~ide
the alteromorphs, from which they arc genetically
independent. The alteromorph's structure corresponds
to the min-phanro-sepJc* fabric: a completely \veathered
prinlary mineral is present in the plasma as a distinct
entity (Bisdom \967b).
The term altcr(lmorph is of generaJ utility, and not
only applicable to the case of near-surface weathering
of minerals. It also applies (0 the case of replacement
of a mineral by hypogene metamorphic or hydrother-
mal processes. In theory, the. use of this term should be
resn-icted to the case of completely altered or weath-
ered minerals in which no primary relllnants ,1rc
observable. If the process of alteratiun or weathering i.'
not complete, the terms pemly Je"c1opcd aheromorph and
parrial aheromorph are more adequate, and the nomen-
clature disl1.Jssed in the previous chapters is applied.
TIle illustrations in th.is chapter include many I)ho-
tomicrographs of partly de\'eloped alteromorphs. They
arc mudl more interesting than completely developed
altcromorphs because- they give more information
about tht' paLhwa)'s by which these altcromorphs
acYeloped, and about the nature of the primal")' min-
eral from which they are inherited. The e.stncric, con-
trasted and didactic impact of these photomicrograph.s
is much en.hanced by the fact that they show primary
/52
and secondary minerals together. The reader can more
easily imagine both the initial s1:ate and final result of
the alteration or vveatherlng process, and the progres-
sive development of the alteromorphs.
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 CH.-IPTfl\ 7

Preservation of Shapes and Volumes

'·
11 Illlll\1lll1'll thal develops by the com- "'ere proposed (SLOOpS cr al. 1979). B~' using the same

A plete weathering of a primary mineral r10b

not always exactly preserve tbe shape, size
and \'olume of the mineral that it has
replacecl. Depending on the extent of preservation of
the original structures and volumes, the terms isomor-
etymological roots and by maintaining the content of
the previous definitiuns of these authors, three new
terms, based on a geometrical concept, have been pro·
posed (Delvigne 199+); these arc iso-, meS(l- and kara-
a!rcromorph (Figs. 1 1- 14).
phous, mesomorphous and katamorphous alterations

PRIMARY MINERAL

ALTERAnON OR WEATHERING.
FORMATION OF ALTEROMORPHS
WHOSE SHAPES ARE

• •
PRESERVED EXPANDED DESTROYED

ISO·ALTEROMORPH MESO·AL TEROMORPH KATA·ALTEROMORPH

+ + +

•
EUHEDRAL MINERAL PROTRUDING EPIGEHETlC PROCESS

f
•
PSEUDOMORPH ECHINO·ALTEROMORPH PHANTO·ALTEROMORPH

. I '
INTER·AL TEROMORPH BOUNDARIES NOT DISTINGUISHABLE

f
CRYPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

FIGURE 11. Dcllnition~ or alt"ronlOrphs on the hasis 01' gcom"l.

rical criteria, I.e:. , vxtent 01" prescf\';1rit)n of '"o!UnlCS, :-:hJpe:s
and boundaries.
 Uneclual modifications in one or two dimensions
Cl: M rRICAI CHJTFRI may introduce perceptible and measurahle deforma-
G ·R. L. ~ -s tion of the secondary texture. Thjs kind of alteromorph
also is common in isalterites, but it commonly corre-
I~ -alter m()rrh~ sponds to the weathering of ~peci1k groups of miner-
als, such as the phyllosilicatcs (sheet silicatL-s).

T he term iso-alteromorph (from the Greek

LCTO~ = similar) is used where the volume of sec-
ondary minerals is equal to that of the primary
mineral. and where its eXTernal outline and size
are preserved, whatever the volume of the inter-
nal residual pores that may eventually appear
(Fig. 12).
PAlMARY MINERAL lSO-ALTEROMORPH'
FIGUlIE 12. RelaL;on,bip cl.m i,n'J.lLeromorpb Lo
primar)' minnal.
It must be emphasized that repJact'mcnts involving
a modilkation of shape ann size imperceptible at the
scale of the optical microscope may be included in the
above definition. Iso-alteromOTphs are the main ~tTUC­
tural components of isaltcrites (ChateL11 \ 974) ann
saprolites (fTom the Greek CTC(,lTPO~ rotten, and
AL!30~ = stone).
.He'iC>-lJ It erornorphs
T he term meso-alteromorph (from the Greek
f..l.ECTO~ = middle) Is used where the general
The weathering of biotite to vermiculite or
kaolinite is accompanied by an important expan-
sion of the original volume perpendicular to the
layers of the mica, whereas the other dimensions
remain practically unmodified.
The development of meso-alteromorphs, eSI>e-
cially where tlley aTC abundant in a weathered rock,
,-apidly leads to the fracturing or dislocation of sur-
rounding or included minerals. Some meso-altero-
morphs may form onl)' if the primary mineral is
entirely 'isolated \~ithin a large pore, which allows its
full development. The weathering of crystal~ of vermi-
culite into mesomorphous (or in some cas('_s, katamor-
phous) kaolinitC' occurs only where the (lakes of
vermiculite an" subjected to strong leaching once the):
are isolatl"d within large interconnected pores or
chambers. The original rectangular shape of the \'crmi-
J grain 01" a culite (lakes becomes rounded. swollen and wldulat-
ing. with a final shape similar to popcorn
(pop-aheromorph?) (sec below, photo micrographs t 93 -
196).
l\.ata-alterom()lph
=
T he term kata-alteromorph (from the Greek
KCI'.TCI'. = downward) is used where important
modifications of the shape and volume have
occurred in the three dimensions. Outlines are no
longer clear or continuous, but the position of the
original mineral is still recognizable (Fig. 14).

shape of the original mineral is well preserved, but

with perceptible modifications of its size in one.
[Wo or three dimen.sions (Fig. 13).

PAlMARy MINERAL KATA·Al.TEROMORPH

r'IGUJlE 14. RclaLionsllip of a kot-a-alt~rumnrph tn a grain 01' a

primar)' mineral.

PRIMARY MINERAl MESa-AtTEAOMORPH Kata.alteromorphs are common in alloterites. and

their importance increases up the weathering profik.
FIGWlI' 13. Relationship of ,1 me,n-a!teromorph to a gr.tin .:,f a
The distortion of the altcromorphs during their
primary minero.l.

ATlAS m MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTeRATION AND WEATHERING

154
dcvelul)mcnt i_~ commonly inlluenced eithl"r hy
swelling and shrinkage in expanclable secondary miner-
als. by external processes such as fracturing. dislo0l-
tion, and dissemination of brittle or breakable
_~t'cOndar~i minerals, or by degradation and assimilation
or the secondary products (hu-ing later processes of
pedoplasmatiun* or pedoturbation*. All iso- and
meso-alterumorph.s can later be convcrted into kata-
alteromurphs either by chemical degradation and alter-
PART 3: ALTEROMORPHS
atioll of their argillipJasmas, or hy phYSical deformation
of their content of c1ea\'Cd and easily deformable clay
minerals. Whereas the c1e\-elopment of mOst mew-
alterol11oq)hs seems tu be responsible for the ckforma-
liull of the surruunding minerals, the development of a
kata-alternmorph. in contrast, is more commonly the
result of cLsrurbance or destruction due to ph~'sical or
chemical factors external to and independent of the
altcromnrph considered.
155
MINERAL PATTERNS

168
PHLOGOPITE-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, C6te d'lvoire
Depth: 2.6 m
Meso-alteromorph
after phlogopite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

169
PHLOGOPITE-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, C6te d"voire
Depth: 0.8 m
Meso-alteromorph
after phlogopite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

fragmenting and disaggregating the onc easily to visualizt' the (lirection

1
11 I

sho'v.s that expansion in a grow-
ing meso-alterornorph developed at
the expense of phlogopite can break
the sU!Tounding hrittle minerals,
hornblende or magnetite For exam-
ple. into isolated fragments. This
process can pia)' an important role
in the furtkr weathering of rnica-
bearing rocks by dislocating the
rock. by opening new pores, and by
rock-forming minerab.
The lower pholomjcrograph
illustrates lhe extent of deformation
resulting from the alteration of a
phlogopite crystal to a w:rmiculite
meso-altcromorph. Thl' increasc in
volume is only perceptible in a
direction perpendicular to the lay-
ering of the mineral. The basal sec-
tion of the apatite inclusion allow.s
and the extent of volume increase.
By measuring the actual diameter of
both inclusion and sUlTounding
pore. the percentage orthe volume
increase in this case can be esti-
mated to lu\'t' been 50%.

/56 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 150-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

170, 171
PHLOGOPITE-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 10 m
Meso-alteromorph
after phlogopite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

03

(
~

=- 0.2

0.1

- 0.0 mm

11 ri, I1 showcrl
the case of an apatite inclusion
lying parallel to t.he plane of the Jay-
Cl'S of the host \·crmiculite. Forma-
tion of a peripheral pore occurred
as a result of expansion in isolation
[i'om the matrix. The present Clse
shows what happens when a prism
of apatite is nearly pC'rpcnr1icular, or
slightly oblique, to t.hes\" IJ!.mes.
Owing to the expansiun of the host
minn,11 (now vermiculite) in a parallel to the' 3patitc inclllsion ancl
direction perpenwcular to il..s b.:- in a comlJarable situation, also are
el'S, th(~ inclusion, which cannot be broken up by several tranS\TrSe
cumpressC'd nor ("lIn-cd, is frag- fr,1ctures, along which the dinopy-
mented; numerous tranS\'erse I'rac- roxenc fragments ha\'e partially
tUrt~S divide it into a scries of weathered to saponite.
juxtaposed slices. Their relative dis-
placement allo\\-, one to visualize'
the orientation and extent of tht~
expansion. Note that prisms of
diopside (Cl, A4-, 85), wh.ich are

PART 3: Al.TEROMORPHS
157
Iso-. MESO-. KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

A B c
172, 171
BIOTITE-RICH
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 4.8 m
Meso-alteromorph
after· biotite
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

.- 0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

. ". huse layers
arc nearly perpendicular tu the
plan<:'or the thin section, is trans-
formed into a mesu-alteroll1orph
characterized by Ule occurrence of
mcmy lenticular intramineral rare,.
The weathering pruceeded in twc>
sters. After havi.ng lost most of its
illtcrla)'cr potassium, th~' layers of
octaJledra in the structure lost iron,
......hich prc·cipitated a, minute parti.
c1es of oxybydroxide ,,·ithin the
cleavage of the mica. The-se brown·
colored centers uf crystallization
I)rotectecl the Ia)'ers from further
\'xpansion, and considerably dimin-
ished the accessibility of the central
part tu the agent of weathering.
nlCSC iron·rich parts cannot ea'-iil)'
he c·xpanded without furrller
release of the cementing iron ox)'-
hydroxides. In the periplwral parts
of the crystal, where the exchanges
arc easier, the iron compounds were
lost, and the layer silicate was more
easily expa.nded and tramfarmcd to
colorless kaolinite. This transforma·
tion is made with considerable
increase in '·olume in a din:-ction
perpendicular to the layers. Conse-
quently, kaolinite wedges developed
along tbe margin of the meso·
alteroJl1orph promole the separa-
tion of the central part and the
opening of lenticular inb·amineral
pores. The meso·alteromorph
(according to geometrical criteria)
has become- a phylloporo·altero-
morph (according to intefllal
microlC:xtural criteria).

/58 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 Iso-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

A B c o
174, 175
BIOTITE-RICH
CLlNOPYROx.ENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 4.8 m

Meso-aJteromorph
after biotite

Objective: >< 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

:-- 0.\

- 0.0 mm

in the
T
'I'. . .
formation of knticular
intramineral pores as a result of thl?
transformation of biotite to a
bolinite meso-alteromorpb. The
strongly indurated central part of
the ox.iJizeJ mica cannot expand in
response to the stresses de\'elopeJ
in the kaolinite-rich domains at tht'
margin. Considering t.hat the layer-
ing 01' the primary mica is nearly
perpendicular to the plane of the
thin section, the expansion accom·
panyil1g the formation of the meso·
alteromorph can he estimated by
comparing the total thickness of the
alteromorph to the slim 01' the
thicknesses of each iron-oxide-
enriched layer (the mea.surements
arc restricted to the rectmgular
part of the alteromorph included in
BeD and from I to 4). Such mea-
surement., give an approx.imate
expansion-ratio of 2.50%. This
meso-altcromorph thus exhibits in
its central part a pore volume
la.rgely exceeding the volume of the
residual material. Its internal
microtcxture can be compared to a
laJder whose sidepieces are the
kaolinite-rich parts, and whose
rungs are the layers of resi<"1uaJ
hiotite ("la<"1t1er-shaped" meso-
altcromorph) .

3 : ALTEROMORPHS
PART
159
Iso-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

176, 177
KERSANTITE
Brittany, France
Sampled in a quarry
by E. Bernabe
Interlayered lenticular
deposits within a
meso-alteromorph
after biotite
Objective: x '0
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

I I pron:s~cs
transform a biotite crystal to
chlorite, th{· expansion pl"()\'oked by
the mesomorpb.ic character of the
o';:lIls[urmatjon can open lenticular
pores, which become infilleJ by
allochthonous materials transferred
from other parts 01' the rock hy
hydrothermal f1Ldds. In the GISe
shown here, lenticular pores .lIT
inlllled either by calcite or quartz.
The two sc:condary minerals are not
easily distinguis.hed in PPL, but the
difference in interference-colars, in
XPL. allows these minerals to bc
(,.15ily distinguished. Pale green
chlorite has dc\-eloped either on
both sides of the biotite crystal or
according lo irregular pathways
through its central part. The origi.
na] t.itanjum content of the bioritc,
which does not coteI' t.he structure
of the chloritc, is expressed a~
mjnute indh-idual cl).-stals of titan.ite
(dark brown graim randomly dis-
tributed within the chloritized
biotite, as at BI 'lnd D3).

160 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAl. ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 Iso-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

178,179
GRANITIC ROCK
Siago:z.ohoin. Lakota.
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 1.8 m
Meso-alteromorph
after biotite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

~ 0.2

=. 0.1
(

~ 0.0 mm

I I I I I to conditions alJochthonous gibbsitc. The appear- to form a gibbsite-rich crysta.lli-

of ferrallitic weathering,
crystals of biotitc arc generally
tra.nsformed to polyphase mesa-
alteromorphs of bolinite and iron
oxyhydroxides. Thick layers of
kaolinite are re6rularly distributed
and interstratified between lllore
iron-rich layers, which hold the iron
content of the primar)' mineral.
Lenticular intramineral potes also
may develop. The)' may be inJilled
eitber by kaolinitc of allochthonous
origin, or by cryslalliplasmas of
ance of gibbsitc generally is con-
comitant with the destruction of the
previously formed kaolinite and
witb its replacement by crystalli-
plasmas of gibbs.ite of autochtho-
nous origin. The photomicrographs
sho\v a meso-alteromorph after its
final stage of weathering. The red-
colored layers of iron oxyhydrox-
ides arc regularly associated with
lenticular or planar intJ'arnineral
areas, which represent the final
stag" of desilication of the kaolinite
plasma. The occurrence of
allochthonolls gibbsite is confirmed
by the tact that crystalliplasmas also
appear \\ithin the irregularly dis-
tributed round pores and \~ithin all
the extraminera.l pores, in some
cases assoLiated with inllllings of
dark brown ferruginous products.

PART 3 : AI.TEROMORPHS
161
150-, ME50-, KATA-ALTEROMORPH5
A c
photomicrograph
sho\vs a small crystal of biot.ite
that has been completely weathered
to a booklet of kaolinite. t..,1ost of
the original iron =ntent has been
leached out, but the surrounding
iron-cnrichl'd intermineral fissure
has pro\'oked this difkrential bcl1a\-'
ior in the margin relative to the
internal area. The iron-enriched
parts have not expanded to the sO:l1ne
extent as the central part, which
results in this unusual habit of the
meso-alteromorph.
162
D
180
GRANITIC VEIN IN
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 5.8 m
Meso-alteromorph
after biotite
Objective: x I 6
XPL
181
GRANITIC ROCK
Akuvikro, Dimbokro,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.6 m
Meso- (ka la) -a Iteromorph
after vermiculite
Objective: x 10
PPL
The lower photomicrograph morph is mort:: appropriate than the
illustl'ates the behavior or a coarse term kata-alteromorph, which per-
L'Tvstal of bolinite after \'ermiculite
j
tains to more complex and divided
in response tu stre.<ses within tht:- shal)es (compJ're, for example,
superficial soil horizons. The brittle the St· photographs with 197 Jnd
and m,lllcahle meso-altcromorph is 198, taken in the same profile).
strongly deformed, it get's a curwd
habit, ,md many or its segments arc
relati\'Clv displaced along intramin-
eral joint-planes. Although this
alterol11orph displays, in three
dimensions, a shape that dilTers sig'
nillcantJy from its original shape, it
seems that the term mcso-altero-
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERAllON AND WEATHERING
 150-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

181, 183
PHLOGOPITE-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 9.4 m
Meso-(kata)-alteromorph
after phlogopite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

- 0.2

f
-

=-
0.1

0.0 mm

i l l " ~. originally consisted of
T phlogopite-rich c1inopyroxen-
ite. Its phlogopite crystals "'''ere
altered to \'ermicuJite during In
early step of hypogenc alteration.
During a later step of weathering, in
the lower part of the deep pratlle,
the clinopyroxene grains were
weadlered to phylloporo-altero-
morphs of a smectite-group min-
eral, whereas the \"crmiculite djd
not undergo any later t:ransforma-
lion. Higher in the profile, under meso-alteromorphs of kaoJinite.
conditions of strong leaelling during
a pn'\ious episode of ferrallitic
The increase of \"olwne during this
second transformation is added to
weatllering, the Slllcctite compo, the earlier increase due to the
nent of the alterite was transformed transformation of phlogopite to
to many small CI)stals of kaowute \'ermiculite, and is expressed by the
irregularly associated ,,·itl1 dark red long. Gln'cd and faulted crystal of
concenO'ations of residual hemalite kaoJinite.
(black patches and lineaments in
PPL), whereas the \"Cl"miculite
meso-alteromurphs were weath-
ered to a second generation of

PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
163
Iso-. MESO-. KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

A B c D
184, 18S
GRANITIC ROCK
Sakassou, Dlmbokro,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.8 m
Meso-(kata)-alteromorph
after biotite
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

02

0.1

0.0 mm

01' restricted
drainage prevailing in the
lower part. of' a profile developed on
a biotite-bcaring granitc, the t1akc~
of biotite are weathered to a smec·
tite. The replacement generally
starts along the periphery of the
flakes, and extends irregularly
t.oward the center of the mmeral.
IrreGular
b
intercalations of ~ec-
ondary l)rocluets progressin.>ly sepa-
rate the primary biotitc into many
flakes of variable thicknes~. The sec-
ondary pronuct is a S\.vclling clay,
which results in the irregular
expansion of the primary mineral
and in the progressive destruction
of it~ original shape. The result is a
meso·altcrolllorph, which is turned
into a kata-alteromorph progJ'cs-
sively as weathering develops. The
large incl-case ill ,'olumc of the kata-
altcromorphs, compared to the
original volume of the primary
grains, promotes the opening of
many LTill1S- and intermineral frac-
tW'e~ in the neighboring Fcldspars
and a large increase in the likelihood
that they ",rill weather. Most of the
biotite in thc deformed basement
granite is regularly diso'jbuted and
interlayered with leucocratic layers
of quartz and fddspar minerals. The
Ineferential weatheri.ng and
swelling of these mica-rich layers
thus cause the opening of the regu-
lar foliation of the rock over a thick-
ness of several meters.

ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHffilNG

164
 Iso-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

186, 187
GRANITIC ROCK
Koua Bocca, C6te d'\voire
Depth: 2.8 m
Meso-(kara)-alteromorph
after biotite
Objective: x 6.]
PPL and XPL

0,3

~
: 0.2

- 0.1

- 0.0 mm

of weathering of
mica shown in these photomi-
crographs is rather similar to the
one previously illustrated. The
biootC' has weatherer! to a smectitic
clay but. in this case. the weathe,-ing
is complete, and no residual biotite
remains in the meso-kata-altero-
morphs. The buildup of pressure
due to the swelling of the clay pro-
moted the deformation of all the
partjalJ)' den~loped alteromorphs
after biotite into small elliptical
meso-alteromorIJhs, each of them
resulting from the individual
swelling and relative movement of
separated parts of the primary
grain. The deformation of the meso-
alteromorphs is expressed by irreg-
uJar alignments of elliptical
domains. which may ha\'c developed
from a single cryst~J of biotite. The
internal mo\'ements of sLiding and
faulting abo promote the breaking
away of very fine particles 01' smec-
tite, which are soon displaced and
concentrated as WIlling material
within the neighboring open fr~c-
tures and pores. The uniForm optical
orientation of the particles still
observable \\Cithin the meso-altero-
morphs is lost whcn the IJarticks
are individually displaced. This
infilling material is then associated
with small skeleton grains of less
weatherable minerals. such as
quartz and feldspar.

PART 3: ALTEROMORPH>
165
Iso-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS
I I I I I clino-
pyroxenite, in which the
biotite-rich zooes alternate with
pyroxene-rich areas, is partially
"-eathered. The hiotite has been
weathered to kaolinite after an
intermediate stage of a Iteration to
vcrmiculite_ Both processes are
responsible for the strong deforma-
tion of the sizes and shapes of tht'
mica, and ror the consequent devel-
opment of kata-alteromorphs. The
other rock-forming minerals arc
fractured, relati vely displaced, a\1(1
partially weathered to a smectitic
product. The opening of large trans-
and intcrmineral Fractures allows
cutans or suhautochthonous smec-
rite to be deposited. The volume
166
188
MICA-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 13.4 m
Kata-alteromorph
after biotite
Objective: x 4
PPL
- 0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0 mm
increase of many aligned adjacent the quanti ty of greyish black
alteromorphs induces the develop- microparticles interlayered within
ment of irregular, curved and dis- the booklets of kaolinite, These
torted bands of secondary kaolioitc, microparticles mainly consist of
whose 0I1entation is related to the titanium oxide. Titanium, derived
oriented texture of the original from the primary titanium-rich
mek, The' distorsion of the kata- biotite, does not enter the structure
alteromorl)hs occurs in the three of vermiculite, nor that of kaolinite.
dimensions, as can be deduced from It precipitates as insoluble particles
the fact that the kaolinite layers, distributed between the layers of
even in a gil'en alteromorph, are not the secondarv sheet silicate,
alwa),s perpendicular, but are often
progressively oblique and rhen par-
allel to the plane of the tnin section,
This can be deduced from their
interference-colors and by the pro-
gressive inclination of their optic
axes in XPL (not shown), and espe-
cially from the regular I'uiations in
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINE1\AL ALHRAnON AND WEATHEI\ING
 Iso-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

189, 190
ALTERITE DEVELOPED
ON CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I3.8 m
Kata-alteromorph
of "iddingsite"
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

- 0.0 mm

.
I)
I' I I of late mac'-
matic alteration, several grai~s
or oJj'ine were completely trans-
formed to "iddingsite" iso-<Jltero-
morphs, whereas the phlogopite
present in the rock was altered to
vermiculite meso-alteromorphs.
During a later step of supergene
we<Jthering, the "iddingsite" was
replaced by goethite. Magnesium
and silica were lost, but the original
orientation of the "icldingsite" was
maintained. The clinopyToxene was
first weathered to saponite and later
to kaolinite, where<Js the HTmi-
cuUte also was weathered to kaolin-
ite. The interna.l movements in d1e
a.ltercd and then weathered rock,
due to stTong expan.sion of the sec-
ondary product~ during their for-
mation, provoked the breakage of
the brittle grains or "iddingsite" and
the ~ubseqLlent deformation and
breakage of the iso-alteromorphs
into kata-alteromorphs. Under
XPL, the different colorations of the
"iddingsite" areas inclieate that their
optica.l oricntations haye been
clirectly inherited !i'om severa.l ran-
domly oriented grains of olivine.
The relative movement of the frag-
ments of the broken alteroll1orphs
led to the somewhat heterogeneous
coloration or each alteromOl-ph. The
small blaek areas (XPL), mainly vis-
ible within the Uiddingsite" areas,
correspond to interstitial pores
derived from the breakage of the
alteromorphs.

PART 3: ALTF.ROMORPHS
167
Iso-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS
.. I I I show
I
I
tht' recent weatheI'ing of a
building stone subjected to rain and
to atmospheric pol!ut.lnts. A thick
weathererl cortex progressively
became separated from the fresh
building stone by a progn:s~ivel'y
thicker and thicker irregular fissure
as the weathering extended toward
th l' center of the building stone.
Exfoliation or a biotite crystal
resulted in a typical kata-altem-
morph under the influence or many
minute crystals of gypsum grov.ing
168
191, 192
KERSANTITE
Weathered building
Brittany, France
Sampled by E. Bernabe
Kata-aJteromorph
after biotite
Objective: x 6,3
PPL and XPL
benveen the layers of the mica. The fissure formed between the weath-
gypsum clearly shows up in XPL as ering crust and the hard building
minute diamond-shaped crystals ~tone, Wlder the combined inOu-
\vith low interference-colors (First- cnces of rai.n anJ atmospheric pollu-
order grey). The minute black tants. The part of the hiotite crystal
spots, which are widespread along that is not exfoliated shows several
the margin of the aJteromorph, are in-egu lar inclusions of titanite.
minute residues of organic material
(fungi, lichens, erc'). These residues
are. associated widl small particles
of secondary calcite. The large
empty pore, whicb lies along the
lower edge of the photomicro-
graph, corresponds to the opened
ATlAS or MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 Iso-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

193, 194
SOIL DEVELOPED ON
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.8 m

Kata-alteromorph
after vermiculite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
0.3

,;..... 0.2

. 0.1

- 0.0 mm

of hyp0gcnc influence of' cc.>nditions or c'(n-erne the beginning stage of weathering,

O
I

alteration, the phlogopite jn
the rock has been altered to "ermi-
culite, "'hich resulted in the form<1-
tion of many meso-alteromorph,;
and promoted the disruptiun of the
primary rock. When subjL'cted to
superficial processes, under the
innucnce 01' pedOtlirbation, many
residual minerals have been mixed
into U1e reddish brown pedoplasma.
The vermiculitc residlll:'s arc
quickly transformed into kata-
altcromorphs of kaolinite under the
leaching that prC\'ail in the highly th~ vermiculite is irregularly weath-
fissured and fractured superllcial ered, and many thin and distorted
horizons. Where the ''L'rmiculite layer,; of unweatltcreJ vermiculite
grains fIt tightly within the snil are still distinguishable ,,,ithin the
material, liltk d<Jll1age occurs, but colorless kanlinjte component of
",here they protrude within the net- the kata-alteromorph.
work of l)Ore,; in the soil, they
expand irregularly and form kata-
alteromorphs composed of kaolin-
ite, "ho,;(' volume ami shapes difkr
sign iI'ican t1)i ("pop -altcromorph")
from the original ,-olullles and
shape., of U1C primar)' mineral. In

PART 3: ALTIROMORPHS
169
150-, MESO-, KATA-ALTEROMORPH5

195
SOIL DEVELOPED ON
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.4 m
Kata-alteromorph
after vermiculite
Objective: x 6,3
PPL

["

~
=- 0.2

-- -- 0.1

- 0.0 mm

196
SOIL DEVELOPED ON
CLlNOPYROXENlTE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.2 m
Kata-alteromorph
after vermiculite
Objective: x 4
PPL

- 0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

photomicrogTaph mesomorphic weathering of the trihution shown in the lower pho-

T l I l I

illustrates the case of a small

residue' of vermiculite. Part or it,
fitting tightly within the soil mater-
ial, is not yet weathered. The other
part, protruding \\'ithin a large
empty pore, is completely wC'J.th-
ered to colorlcss kaolinite. The
bolinite portion of the altera-
morph has aClluired a roumlish fan-
like shape under the inOul'nce of the
exp.:msion that prc\ailed during the
vcrrnicu lite.
Once completely released rram
tomicrograph. The pale yelkm'
coJor of tue pore areas is due to arti-
tlle surrounding matrix, all the flcial staining of we
impregnating
residues o!" verm.iculite weather to material during the making or the
TUundish bra-Cpop ~)-alteromorphs thin section. This allows we
color-
of colorless bolinite which, under less kaolinite-rich kata-altero-
the influence of furt'her pedoturba- morphs to be easily distinguished.
tion, can be again mixed within tllC
surrounding matrL'(, as arc We other
residual primar)' or secondary min-
en]s, gi\'ing rise to Wc- unusual dis-

170 ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MlNERAL ALTERATION AND WEATl-lEl1lNG

 150-, MESO·, KATA-ALTEROMORPHS

197
SoiL DEVELOPED ON
BIOTITE-RICH GRANITE
Akuvikro, Dimbokro.
central Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.6 m
Meso- and kata-
alteromorphs
after vermiculite

Objective: x 6.3
PPL

~
0.3

_ 0.2

c- 0.1

0.0 mm

198
SOIL DEVELOPED ON
BIOTITE-RICH GRANITE
Akuvikro, Dimbokro,
central Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 4.8 m

Meso- and kata-

alteromorphs
after vermiculite

Objective: x 10
PPL

- 0.2

- 0.1

- 0.0 mm

photomicrograph of eacD alteromorph, make them shapes and orientations allow tile
T i l l .)

shows an irregular assemblage

~

of many meso- and kata-altero-

~
morphs resulting from the weather-
ing of biotite crystals to kaolinite
after an intermediate step of vermi-
culite. All these chemical Iv/ resistant
alteromorphs are now mixed within
the soi I material, but their poor
mechanical resistance is responsible
for their deformation. The irregular
distribution of all these altero-
morphs, and the cLiJficult)' to recog-
nize the original shapes and outhnes
comparable to a cryptomorphic
assemblage of alteromorphs (sec
position and the nature of the pri-
mary mineral to be easily recog-
later). Alteromorphs are deformed n..ized. These micromorphological
o\\ing to the internal pressure gen- characteristics satisfy the deFinition
erated by soil movements; many of of a kata-alteromorph.
them are microfaulted and distorted
by internal faults and microglides.
The lower photomicrograph
shows, in its central IJan, a kata-
alteromorph after biotite ~ vermi-
cwite that has become fragmented
and distorted, in the tbree dimen-
sions, into many pieces whose

PART) : ALrrRoMoRPHS
171

GEOMETRI 'A CRITEIUA:
PARTICULAR ASE.-
Four more particular cases of alteromorphs are
common. Their patterns are closely related to the first
lel'c1 of classification, hasecl on the extent or
preserva-
tion uf the shapes and sizes during the weathering
process. These characteristic modifications are
included in the definitions of Ule four following terms.
p~ ·uJomMpb.
T he term pseudomorph (from the Greek
tjJEv6oi;; = error) refers to a particular case of an
alteromorph: it reslilts from the isomorphous
weathering of a ellhedral mineral, which maintains
its well-developed and characteristic faces
(Fig. 15). The term "pseudo-alreromorph" cannot
be used, because it conjures up a contrary
meaning.
EuhedraJ minerals are not I'cry widespread in
comrnon rocks. ConseCJlIent ly, pseuclomorphic aJu:ro-
morphs are not commonly observed in their alterites.
,'\mong the common euhcdral primary minerals arc
some accessor~' minerals such as zircun, apatite, titan-
ite, magnetite, pyrite, garnet, staurolitc and epidote.
The quartz of hydrothermal veins in some cases
fiGURE 15. Rdatiun,hip uf a pscudorllurph to j grain of a pri.
roan' miner;.}!.
exhibits a cuJ1Cdral outline. Many of these minerals are
not easiJy weathered, and the)' can persist for a long
time in the weathered layers and soils. EuJledr,,1 phI'"
nocrysts 01' olivine, allgite, plagioclasl' and leucite also
are obsefl'ed in effusive rocks, and cuhedral crystals of
pyroxene, amphibole, garnet ancl epidok are common
in intrusive or metamorphic rocks, These more
weatherablc minerals commonly produce pSl'lldo-
morphs, whate\'l'r the conditions under which they arc
weathered.
Natural crysTals are not always perfectly
developed. Thus the definition of pseudomorph can
be extended to alteromorphs derived from well-
developed crystals whose outlines exhibit some
defects, embayments. inclusions and irregularities.
such as are found in subhedr'al and skeleton*'
crystals.
172
The characteristic shape and crystal faces of the
primary mineral are pedectly mainta,ined regardless of
the crystallographic systems of the secondary minerals.
Exam~)les include: a euhedral bipyramidaJ prism of
oli\'ine (orthorhomhic symml'try) replaced hy an
aggregate of Oakes of a smectite-group mineral (phyl-
losiLcate with a monoclinic symmetry), a eubeclral
monoclinic crystal of augite replaced hy an aggregate
01' gueth,ite microcrystals (orthorhmnhic symmetrv), a
euhedral crystal uf plagioclase (triclinic) replacl'd hI' an
aggregate of small crystals of gibbsite (monoclinic
symmetry), a cubic crystal of pyrite replaced by an
aggregate of hematite crystals (hexagonal symmetry).
All these alteromorphs maintain the shape and \'(Jlume
01" the original minerals; the shape typical Cor the sym-
metry of the primary mineral is preserved regardless
of the symmetTy uf Ule secondary mineral. This preser-
vation of the characteristic shape justifies the term
pseuJomorph. The secondary mineral, or the aggregate
of secondary minerals, has inherited a characteristic
shape that is not its own.
Echino-a/t eromorphs
T he term echino-alteromorph (from the Greek
EXLVO~ = urchin) refers to a particular and
uncommon case of the mesomorphous pattern,
from which it is distinguished by the fact that a
part of the secondary material, mainly a smectitic
clay, protrudes beyond the outline of the original
mineral by infilling radiating intermineral* or
transmineral* fractures opened around the pri-
mary mineral by the internal pressure of the
expandable plasmas of the alteromorph (Fig. 16),
The general shape of the primary mineral is rela-
tively well I)rescrved, because only racliating"spines" of
alteroplasma arc added to tile slightly modified olltline.
The inlllling material of these open radiating fractures
is generally the same as that within the alteromorph.
lnfillings of nontron,itil~ or saponitic clay expelled
PRIMARY M\N~RAL ECHIt'fQ,ALTERQMORPH
FIGUHE 16. Relationshjp of an cchino-.'ltcmmorph to;) grajn (If
a pri,nary rninerJI.
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MIN.EJ\Al ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
beyond the border or an altcromOl-ph after o!il·ine or
p~~-o.xene are COIDlllon in rarbating intermineral I·rac-
tures opened among adjacent grains all around the
smectit,~-rich alteromorph.
In alteromorph~ that develop uncler the inOuence
01" hypogene processes, the s('condary products may
consist or tlm different mineral species. In this case,
the main constituent generally occupie~ most of the
altel"Olllorpb, inside the original boundaries, whereas
the minor (or the most mobile) constituent is concen-
tTated pel"ipherall~· and in tbe newly formed volumes
den"loped in tbe radiating fi-actures. For example, the
hydrotherma.l alteration of orthopyroxenc may give
rise to tale associated with minute particles of mag-
netite, which concentrate the iron that has not been
incorporated in the relati'-cly magncsian talc. Talc
forms most or the alteromorph inside the original
boundaries, \vhereas magnetite grains are preferen-
tially concentrated in a rim and as infillings of the radi-
ating fractures. The serpentinization or isolated grains
of olidne in an olivine-bearing pyroxenite pr,wieles
another example of' echinn-alteromorphs. Serpentine-
group mincrals occupy tJle innermost part of the
alteromorph, \\-hereas the associated magnetite is l)r('F-
crentially concentrated in a peripheral rim and as infill-
ings of radiating fracturc,S (sec belol\-, Fig. 371\).
Another example of an echinomorph is given by
the metamorphic or Iwdrothermal altcr:ltion 01" pyTOX-
('ne to aIllphibolf'. A monomineralic grain of p~Toxene
is replaced by a radiating aggreg<lte or amphibolc nee-
dles and prisms (cummingtonite, tTemolit(·, aclino-
Ute). These secondary minerals have a tendency to
show pronounceel automorphic eleveJopment; they
may continue to grow outside the original outline. and
they penetrate into the secondary products larmcd at
the expense of adjacent minerals. 11' the aeljacent mill-
erals <Irc also grains or pyroxene, tJleir transformation
results in similar patterns, and contiguous echi-
nomorphs arc formed whose radiating needles and
prisms arc strongly intercOlmeeteJ and intl'icate (sec
below, Fig. 37B). The original outline or the grain b in
some cases identiJlable owing to thin deposits or mag-
netite, regularly distributed along these outlines.
Where tJlese outlines an:: no lunger identillabll', the
a~gregate of ecbino-alteromorphs may belcome an
aggregate of "Xpw-(cchino)-alraomorphs (sce below).
Phanto-alt r morph-
T he term phanto-alteromorph (from the Greek
PART 3; ALTIROMORPHS
qHXVTG'.(TfJ.-Cl = phantom, ghost) refers to a partic-
ular case of a katamorphous pattern of weather-
ing in which minute residues or traces of
secondary products or textures, with irregular.
discontinuous or diffuse outlines, are observed
within a matrix with which they contrast by their
color, density, crystallinity, shape or internal tex-
ture (Fig. 17). Phanto-alteromorphs are com-
monly observed in partially replaced materials.
The original margins are no longer recognizable
hecausc the~' arc progressively ohliterated and assimi-
lated by tJJe surrounding mab-Lx. The position of the
primary mjneral is generally identifiable; it i~ seg-
PAIMAAY MINERAL PHANlQ-ALTEROMORPH
fl(;UHI' 17. Hc!Juon.sh.ip (>f a phanw-altcromorph to a grain of"
primar! millcral.
mented. and it., dd'ormed rragments gencrally exJubit
<111 ilTealUar aJld diffuse outline. The final volume of the
reCo~ltzeel
b
part of the phanto-alteromorph is ~oenerallv.
much smaller than the inferred original volume of the
primary mineral. An inlporrant fraction of' tJle mineral
has been replaced owing to an epigcnetic proccs~* hy a
s~'condary proeluct similar to 81(' Jllilterial or the sur-
rounding matrix. Phanto-altcromorph~ generally
invuh·c residual parts of more complete and more
voluminous alteromorphs. Strictly speakiJlg, they are
mew-aJreromorphs (see helow).
Thrcarl-shaped or lalialed relics after micas anel
.sellta structures after felelspar, completely embedded
in a hematite- or gibbsite-rich matrix, are Cummon in
olel iron crusts Jnd bauxite. These arc good examples or
phiU1lo-Jlterolllorphs in which the epigenetic process
ilJ\'oh·ing iron and alulllinuln has progressively modi-
lied the shape and internal texture of the prcyiously
larmed Jlterornorphs. The residues arc shapeless. and
their primarv origin is iclentilied only with difficult)'.
They seem slightly different from the surrounding
matrix only by a perceptible modification of their
color, or the degree of their crystaUinity, or h~' a
difference of optical orientation. Such phanto-altero-
morphs OCCLU- within calcretes and silcretes, and, is}
general, witJlin alllavers and horizons where an epige-
;'etic process invoh·j;lg elements such as Fe, AI, Ca, ~nd
173
netic process invol \ing elements such as Fe, Al, Ca, and
Si plays a dominant role.
Cl~\Pto-OIte romorphs
Crypro-alteromorPhs (from the Greek KpVTITHV
= to hide. to mask, to conceal) result from an
assemblage of adjacent alteromorphs. generally
iso-alteromorphs. whose individual original
boundaries. although maintained, are no longer
clearly identified under the microscope. All adja-
cent crypto-alteromorphs exhibit similar miner-
alogical and microtextural contents (Fig. 18).
Where se\'eral adjacent grains of a specific mineral
arc completely weathered to similar aggregates of sec-
ondary products, it is common for the products not to
exhibit any particular characteristic or specific orienta-
tion. Although the replacement ha.s uccurn.:d without
modification of size and shape (to give, for example, a
group of iso-alteromorphs), the boundary of each orig-
inal grain is no longer identifiable because all the
alteromorphs exhibit a similar composition and a
similar internal texture. Several different outlines can
be suspected, supposed or imagined For each of them.
This case is common in monomincralic and in
some glomcroporphyritic rocks. Most of their con-
stitul?J1t minerals arc weathered to similar secondary
minerals, which exhibit similar textures. It is also
observed ""here different associated primary minerals
arc all weathered to the same secondary products.
Both olivine and pyroxene, in a basic rock.
may be replaced by crypto-alteromorphs of iron
oxyhydroxides; orthoclase. plagioclase and
nepheline in alkaline rocks, and plagioclase and K-
feldspar in a granitic rock (Fig. 18A). may be
weathered to complex gibbsite-bearing sec-
ondary structures in which internal boundaries of
each primary mineral component have become
indistinct. Most examples of amphibollte, mainly
composed of randomly oriented needle-shaped
crystals of amphibole surrounding smaller vol-
umes of light minerals, commonly exhibit a tex-
ture consisting of areas of cryptomorphic
ferruginous material enclOSing small areas of
174
residual quartz and secondary gibbsite after pia.
gioclase. All ferruginous a.lteromorphs are imbri-
cated in a such a way that their original
boundaries are no longer identifiable.
The development of crypto-alteromorphs is possi-
hie only where the internal textures or patterns of ori-
entation of the alteromorphs arc all similar. An
assemblage of contiguous septo-alteromorphs (see
below), whose individual septa are al.l characteristically
oriented in preferential directions inherited from eadl
individual primary mineral, does not constitute an
assemblage of crypto-alteromorph.s because the origi-
nal boundary of each primary mineral can be inferred
from the different and particular orientation of each
group of se-pta or of each a.rea occupied by a seconda.ry
smectite-group mineral (Fig. 188). In contrast, assem-
blages of glomero-altcromorphs (sec helow) com-
monly give rise to crypto-alteromorphs because all
individual secondary minerals are randomly distrih-
uted and randomly oriented in all the alteromorphs.
The first case is common in completely weathered
pyroxene- or hornblende-rich rock.s, under conditions
of ferralhtic weathering, wherea, the second c.15c is
more common, under similar conditions of weather-
ing, in completely weathered feJdspar-ricll rocks such
as anorthosite.
Potential crypto-alteromorphs can be
observed in ultramafic rocks in which olivine and
orthopyroxene grains are intimately associated.
Both minerals may be weathered to very similar
smectite-group minerals. In fact, they can only be
easily distinguished from each other where the
orthopyroxene-rich part of the assemblage
exhibits the distinctive symplectitic* texture, in
which intergrowths with unwearhered magnetite
clearly show the original contacts between grains
of orrhopyroxene (With magnetite) and olivine
(Without magnetite) (Fig. 18C), Potential cry pto-
alteromorphs also may be found where altero-
morphs after olivine exhibit traces of curved
protoclastic fractures, whereas the alteromorphs
after orthopyroxene exhibit traces of linear
transverse fractures. If the optical orientation of
the secondary products is different in the two
alteromorphs, they are not classified as crypto-
alteromorphs. but rather as groups of iso-altero-
morphs.
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 4

fIGURF. 18. Mod,> of formalion of crypto-alteromorphs.

A. Three dilferent pt'imar), minerals, and only onc secondary minel'al is produced
0: irregular assemhlage of anhedral crystal., of orthocla.'e and plagiodasc wilh ,1 "uhhedral'T)'stal of hiotitc;
I: irregular p,'lIieular anti une"r incipient wNth,'ring of th,: main primary minerals tu gih!>site;
2: G1H'rnOUS residues ar,' isolated. with residual void" bctwe('n sepia of gibhsil". BionIc we.ld,crs 10 kaolinite;
l: minute residues uf j<-Idspar. mall.\' f('sidual voiels and incipient weaclll'ring uf the hiotit'· - ka,-,Iinil'~ to gibhsilc;
4: glomero-Sl'p"ric and linear le"tures Wilhout clearly recognized boumlarics: CI\YPTO-ALTEROMORPHS.

No"': The parallel linear te"ture and the interlJ~'crcd deposit, of iron o"~'h~'dro,,ides allow the altcromorph Jflcr biotite tl) he clearly dis-
tinguished. in the cryprulUorpnk assemblage, from the alteromorphs aft,'r the feldsrars. The ,'dei'pars start to wealher along frac-
tures, cleavage' amJ twin planes; intcrmincral houndarics rrogrcssivdY tend tu disarp'-'lr.

B. Two dilTerent primary min""als, and only one second.ary mineral produced, but io different orientations
0: an olivin" crystal wiu, its curvcd protoda.sric fract1Jres has gl'Own in cuntan with a c1ea\'cd crystal of orthopyn,x~ne;
I: ncady complete wcathcring uf me olivint: into lerrifewu" ,meetite and incipicnt weathering uf the orthoPFoxene;
2: unorienkd texrur.. of the smectil': after o!i"in<" and para 11,<1 band"d te"tur<.- d.. fineJ by oriented particles of ,mect;le after the
p)'roxenc;
3: sparse denrjculate r",iuu,'s "f orthopyro""ne I\'ithin regularly orienled sml"clile; (hin depo'its of Ft' o""h~'dro"ide, along fractures and
dt~(n"ges~
4-' both minerals arc cumpletd~' wcathcn:d to smeclil"; UIC)' arc CI\YPTO·ALTEROMOHI'HS.

Note: The hOLUldal')' het""en the alreromorphs is delimited Oltl)' b)' the difrerent or;t'ntatiul15 of the sme<,tite. In the casc of an oli\;n<:- and
orthopyroxene.rich rock. the weathered rock can ""hibit many ",;semhlages of cr)'plo-allernmorphs, whl)s~ origin is "ecognizable
only hy the orientation of the smcctitc and hy the ,unlu(k (If the original ti-,lCl'Ures.

C. Onc. partly polyphase alteromorph (with primary' mineral) and similar secondary products
0: a larg" 'Tvsul of nli"ine is partl)' rerlaccd I", a ,'On)!la (>1' a >y,nrlcctilic assemhlage ,,1- hyp('rslhene and lllagm·tilc;
1· in(ipi~nt weathering or the residual cur" uf uli\'ine to a smecLite along ir., rrotoclastk frKnlreS;
2: complete weathering of the olivin,' enre 10 ,mcetite, \\'Iwrea~ the svmpkctiric corona is still UIlwcalh"rcd;
]: par-d:' weathered h)'persthcnc to sn'1cctitc \,·ho.<i~ cornp1hilion is similar to that oJ' the "'1nl"'ctit<.: '.:d'rer oli\'inc;
4: hQlh ol;,-;nc dnd hypcrsthene an' '\(,<lcllered 10 unoriented srne<.titc: CRYI'TO·ALTEROMORPHS.

Note: Only tht· presence "I' the original intcrgrowth with magnetitc .11l"ws cl,e srnectik-hcaring alternmorph after orthl)pyroxent· to he
dearlv distinguished !'rom Ihe intcrgmwth.h·"c a!tcr<lInnrr'!> after oli''-;n". Thi' complc" assembl,lg" or
mineral.. lead.. tl) the devel·
IJp'tlent ,,1' pol~rhase, polygen(·tie "ry'ptu-altanmorphs,

P"'I\1 3: AlTEROMORPHS
175
EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS

199,200
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
OLlVINE
Kivu. Democratic
Republic of Congo
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

201,202
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
OLlVINE
Sonora. Mexico
Sampled by L. Paz
Moreno
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

six-sided shape Below, .1 skdetal (incomplete) color, caused by dispel'sinG of th...

or a euhedral crvstal or olhrine
in a basaltic rock. r\ thin rim oC dark
green sapon.it{" is irregularly dc\'cl·
oped around the cTJ'stal. The higher
interCerence-color or the rim is an
indication of a higher iron content.
euhcdral crystal or oli\i.l1e sur· optic axes because the crystal is cut
rounded b:-; a regular rim or reddish nearly perpendicular to an optic
brown "iddinosi [1".". Dom.ains of axis.
'"
basaltic groundn1a.ss are located
inside tht' skeletal phenocr:-'st.
Note the anomalolls intcrfncnce·

ATLAS Of M,CROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

176
 EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS

203,204
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
ORTHOPYROXENE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

20S,206
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
CUNOPYROXENE
Kivu, Democratic
Republic of Congo

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

of ortho-
T t I,,· ,
p)TOXene (bypersthene) is char-
acterized by its pleochroism, in
shades of pink. The cr)'stal normally
has a slTaight extinction. bUl the
c:ry~tal shown has been fractured
and slightly deformed by tectonic
forces, 'The two halves of the prism
intcrFerenc~-colors
are not exactly at l'xbnction at the
S<lme angle of rotation of the micro-
scope stage, Note the occurrence Ol
are very low.
Note the irreguJar inclusions of
basaltic groundmass and the chemi-
many lTanwersc fractw'es, cal 7.On.iog of the crystal, expressed
The euheural phcnoCTyst of b, slight variations in l:olo]' in both
dinop}Toxene (augitc) in a b.lsaltic PPL mu Xl)L photographs.
rock is cut nearly perpendicular to
an optic axis. Consequently. its

PART 3 : AiTERml0RPHS
177
EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS

A B

--~ 207,208
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
ClINOPYROXENE
Kivu, Democratic
Republic of Congo

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

- 0.4

- 02

0.0 mm

209,210
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
HORNBLENDE
Koua Bocca,
Cote d'lvoire

Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

0.0 mm

of a euhe-
dral phenocryst of c1inop)Tox.
enc (augitc) in a basaJtic rock shows
sector zoning, each sector display-
ing particularly wcll-dcvc.lopcd
oscillatory wning. During its
growth, the lxystal cogulfed many
small inclusions of basaltic material
and broken crystals of augitc.
Below, sc\'eral euhcdralcrystals
of hornblende and anhedral crystals
of clinopyroxcne are emhedded in a
poikiloblastic c~'stal of quartz. The
two crystals of h~)]"nb)cnde in con-
tact exhibit the charactelistic shapes
of amphibole-group minerals. The
grain is six-sided \.. . here it is cut per-
pendicular to the Z ax.is, and rectan-
gular when~ it is ClIt parallel to the
Z ax.is.

ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERA1. ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

178
 EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS

A c D

111,112
SUBHEORAL CRYSTALS:
PLAGIOCLASE
Visoke volcano,
Democratic Republic
of Congo
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

- 0.4

0.2

- 0.0 mm

213,214
EUHEORAL CRYSTAL:
PLAGIOCLASE
Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

i l l .\ I of porphyritic basalt
T shows a typical glomeropor-
phyritic texture. Lath-shaped sub-
hedral phcnocrysts of plagioclase
are clustered in aggregates of radiat-
ing crystals carled glomerocrysts.
They are enclosed by a fIDe-grained
ground mass composed of ouvine,
augite, plagiodasc and magnetite.
The\' exhibit the characteristic elon-
gate shape and albite polysynthetic
twinning (locally combinecl with
twinning according to the pericline
and Carlsbad laws). Set' also the
previous photographs t 10, II I, I J 6
and 117.
The central part of th.is rectan-
gular section of a zoned euhcdral
crystal of plagiodase is altered to an
oxidized sme-ctitic secondary prod-
uct along its cleavages and frartures,
whereas U1e external, more sodic
part of the zoned crystal b much
less affected by weathering.

PART 3 : ALTEROMORrHS
179
EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS

215,216
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
TlTANITE
Koua Bocca.
Cote d'lvoire
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

i
0.2

- 0.1

L 0,0 mm

217,218
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
EPIDOTE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0,1

- 0.0 mm

I is commonly observed
as an accessory mineral in many
igneous rocks. Crystab are gener-
ally diJmond-shaped, as shown
here. Its shape, its bra,","""!] color Jnd
its high relief mJke it casy to iden-
tify in th.in section, Its \'ery high
birefringence Jnd its dark color
cause it to show a similar color in
both PPL and XPL.
This well-developed crystal of
epidote i[lustrates the typical shape
of a euhedral crystal, Jchieved
vl'hcre it can freely LTystallizc bcfore
the surrounding minerals, Never-
theless, the o)'Stal is not perfeetl~'
euhedr.ll, as it contains many inclu-
sions of quartz and plagioclase,
trapped during the Ia.~t stage of
growth.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AlTERATION AND WEATHERING

180
 EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS

219,220
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
GARNET
Brittany, France
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

- 0,6

- 0.4

- 0,2

- 0.0 mm

221,222
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
STAUROLlTE
Port Cro, France
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

- 0,0 mm

T' i r 11 • t. I of garnet
exhihits nearly all the charac-
telistic features of members of this
group. Coloration in shades of pink,
a high relief. numerous inclusions.
and radial or crossing fractures are
clearly seen in PPL, whereas its
cuhic symmetry makes the grain
isotropic and completely at extlnc-
tion in. XPL, whatever its orienta-
tion.
chroic in shades or yellow, staurolite
is easily idcntificable in medium-
grade metamorphosed argillaceous
A euhedral six -sided prism of sedimentary/ rocks. The mineral is
staurolite is ClIt nearly pel'pendieu- "cry resistant to weathering.
lar to its Z axis. This orientation
dctenllines its first-order gn.'y'
interference-calor in XPlo Plco-

PART 3: ALTEROHORPHS
181
EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS

A B c
--" _--
.....
o
223,224
EUHEDRAL CRYSTAL:
PEROVSKITE
Tapira, MG, Brazil

Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

225,226
EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS:
APATITE AND PYRITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
and Brittany, France

Objective: x 6.3 and x 16

Both views In PPL

0,3
o.1
~ 0.2 _

=-
(

-
0.1

0.0 mm f 0.0 mm

perovski te
(orthorhombic, I)seudocubic
symmetry) exhibits in thin section
some similarities witb titanite,
namely a high relief and a dark
I)rown coin!". However. the presence
of multiple twinning observed in
XPL, a more roundish shape, and
t.he mineral J.ssociation of the host
rock make perovskite (CaTiO J ) eas- the case of apatite, and the opacity
ily dist.inguishable from titanite of the subhedral sections in the case
(CaTiSiO s)· of pyrite, make these minerals ea.s)'
Apatite (hexagonal symmetry) to identif)' in thin section.
and pyrite (cubic symmetry) are
common minerals of many igneous
and metamorphic rocks. A pris-
matic habit with a hexagonal cross-
section and a low bircfringence in

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEItAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

182
 EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS

A 8 c o
227,228
BASALTIC ROCK
Ocean floor
Costa Rica Rift
Leg 70, site S04b
Sampled by C. Laveme
Pseudomorph
after olivine
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

03

!
~ 02

':- 0.1

t 0.0 mm

of oli\'ine is to internal cracks orient.:d perpen- alIel to it. Such differences in orien-
A I

completely altered to a pseudo-

morph of' saponite. No internal
dicular to the long axis of the origi-
nal crystal of olivinc, \vhcreas the
tation are verv.' commonh observed
)

in alteromorphs, whatever their

pores are distinguishable at the .scale
of the optical microscope. It would
seem that the molar volLmiCs of the
P rimal-Y. and secondarv minerals arc
)
similar, such that the resulting
alteromorph is an iso-holo-pscudo-
morph. The orientation of the sec-
ondary particles 01" sapon.ite is not
uniform. Most particles are
arranged accord.ing to a parallel
bannen pattern. which corresponds
other clay· rich domains are ori- mineralogical origin and the nature
ented par;dlel to the plane or th:: of the secondary mineral. The two
thin section. The banded texture circular black spots and the gre~'
cxh.ibits bright interference-colors, elliptical patch arc artificial holes
whereas the other domains are at and an air bubble napped by the
extinction under XPL. The cow.r glass, respectively.
pleochroism of the saponite can be
seen in PPL; the clay mineral is pale
),ellow where oriented perpendicu-
lar to the plane of the section, and
brownish beige where oriented par-

PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
183
EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS
can also
be applied to ~kelet.ll IT)'stab,
which ha\'e not reached their full
development because of rapid
gro\\-th, as in the case of this six-
sided grain of oJi\'ine. The fat:l'~ ,Jre
\\'cll developed, but onc dome face
cxhihits large regular rc-cntl-ants.
whereJs t\Vo other faccs enclose
elongate inclusions of matrix mat,'-
riaJ. Thc groundmass of the basaltic
rock also show" man)' skeletal. Jath-
/84
229,230
BASALTIC ROCK
Ocean floor
Costa Rica Rift
Leg 70, site S04b
Sampled by C. Laverne
Pseudomorph
after olivine
Objective: x 16
PPL and XPL
[01
[ OOmm
shaped crystals of plagiocJase, along entire \,olume of the original pri-
with intersertal cryptocrystaline mary mineral. There is no modilka-
dinop:Toxcne grains. The olivinc tion of \·o]ume., and intramincral
crystal is tTaIlsforrneu to saponite. pore~ are absent. The alteromorph
Its diso-ibution and orientation are is J holo-r)seudonlOrph.
very simiJar to those in the two pre-
ceding photomicrographs. What-
e\'er the orientation of the
secondary minerals, the (lltero-
morph is not considered to be
polyphase, a:; the same species of'
secondary mineral occupies the
ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDOMORPHS

231,232
CAlC-AlKAUNE
granitic rock
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Pseudomorph
after allanite
Objective: x 16
PPL and XPL

[J
- 0.0 mm

1 I ,\ of allanite
(epidote group) ha~ been com-
IJletely weathered to poorly crystal-
lized saponite under the inHucnce of
two processes. Metamictization,
which strongly disrupts the crystal's
structure, is due to the allanite's
high content of' radioactive ele-
ments. Near-surface weathering led
to the preferential replacement of
this damaged crystal. In PPL, tJ1C
secondary product i~ regularly and present in small grains, and micas.
cOllcentricalJy distributed relative In this rock, only the allanite crys-
to the crystal laces whereas in XPL, tals are completel)1 weathered.
the cryptucrystalline natw'c of mnst Among the associated minerals,
of the pseudomorph is expressed by only the biotite is partially weath-
a nearly isotropic character. The ered, to saponite.
pseudolllorph is irregular-Iy sur-
rounded by all incom[JJere rim of
skeletal primary eridote. The sur-
rounding rock-forming minerals are
mainly guartz, plagioclase, apatit(',

PAf\T 3; ALTEROMORPH5
185
EUHEDRAL CRYSTALS AND PSEUDO MORPHS

211,214
BASALTIC ROCK
Ocean floor
Costa Rica Rift
Leg 70, site S04b
Sampled by C. Laveme
Polyphase pseudomorph
after olivine
Objective: x 16
PPL and XPL

r 0.0 mm

six-sided crys-
tal of olivine is altered to an
irregular sepro-altcromorph of fer-
riferous residual sccon<iar~' clays,
whereas the inner volume of each
cell is filled with radiating assem-
blages 01" flbrous LTystals of a zeo-
Lite-group mineral. Both secondary
minerals have formed dUling the
same late-magmatic stage, and they
are associated in the same altero-
morph. The result is a polyphase
pscudomorph. Both secondary
phases exhibit a specific orientation;
the clay mineral seems preferen-
tially oriented perpendicular to the
septa and to the extemal margin of
the primary crystal, whereas the
fihrous crystals of zeolite are prefer-
entially or-iented in a radiating pat-
tern.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEAn<ERING

186
 ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

23S, 236
METAGABBRO
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Echino-alteromorph
after hypersthene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

- 0.0 mm

is composed
T
I .Jl,l"· 1«"
01' PIagioc Iase, c IinopyToxene
and orthopyroxene, and minute
grain.s of magnetite. Subjected to
high-grade metamorphism owing to
the emplacement of younger gran-
ites nearby, most rock- forming
minerals of the original gabbro have
been completely replaced by sec-
ondary minerals. The plagioclase is
replaced by c1inozoisite (colorless
areas 82, 84), associated with a
chlorite-group mineral (pale green
areas, CS) where the border zone of
the grains abuts grains of dinop)'-
roxene. The clinopyroxene grains
are replaced by actinolite, whereas
the orthopyroxene is replaced by
bundles of acicuJar crystals of
tremolite associated with minute
inclusions of magnetite (C3). Small
grains of titanite (A2) and a few
Oakes of biotite (132) have been
formed during the metamorphic
transformation of the rock. The
original margins of tbe primary
minerals have been partially
obscured by the crystallization of
the secondary products, but the
position of each of them can be eas-
ily recognized. The cenn-al area
(C3) shows an alteromorph after a
prismatic crystal of hypersthene;
ule acicular crystals of tremo]itc
that replace it are oriented parallel
to the main axis of the original min-
eral, and many of them protrude
beyond the limits of the primary
mineral, ghing rise to a good exam-
ple of an echiDo-aIteromorph.

PAR'T 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
187
ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

237
MICA-RICH
PYROXENITE
Koua BOCGl, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I m
Echino-alteromorph
after hypersthene
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

~
0.3

=- 0.2

- 0,1

:0- 0.0 mm

area wi th thc' sur-
rounding )'ow1gcr granites, the
pyroxenite of the ultramallc igneous
suite has been strongly recrystal-
lized, and most of the original ('on-
stjtuenL~ have been replaced by
secondary minerals. The a~gregate
of minerals shown in thc' central
part or the photomicrograph is an
altc..romorph after orthopyroxene,
composed of an irregular bundle of
prismatic crystals of tremolirc. The'
aggTl~gate exhibits a more-or-less
radjating or divergent pattern, and
some crystals of tremolite have their
terminations Jargel)' protruding
beyond the original boundary of the
primary mineral, emphasized by an
irregular rim or minute grains of
magnetite, During their growth,
two prisms of treinolite' have
pushed aside pan of the magnetite
lim (El). The tremolite penetrat(>..$
the surrounding vermiculite, which
is formed at the expense of large
grajns of phlogopite. The result is a
typical echino-alteromorph. The
other altered grains just visible in
the upper left and in the lower right
corners are also orthopyroxene
LTystals, entirely replaced by bun-
dles of tremolitc associated with
1l.unute crystals of magnetite. The
magnetite contains the .iron of the
original hypersthcnc that has not
been consumed in the formation of
the tremolitc. Consequently, these
alteromorphs and the central echi-
nomorph are polyphase altcro-
morphs.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

188
 ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

c
238,239
ORTHOPYROXENE-
AND
BIOTITE-RICH
PYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
An illustration of
the further development
of echino-alteromorphs
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

- 0,6

- 0.4

- 02

0,0 mm

T . I1 I' I "" has been saln-

pled iu the lowest part of the
landscape, where the drainage is
restricted and where, as i\ result, the
rates 01- weatbering are rerluced,
TIle rock, which is rich in orthopy-
roxcne enclosed in large poikilitic
crystaJs of biohte, has been altered
by a hypogene process to iso-altero-
morphs of talc after orthopyroxene
and to meso-alteromorphs of ver-
miculite after biotite, The iso-
alteromorphs are surrOlUlded by a
regular rim of secondary magnetite,
corresponding to the iron or the
ortllopyroxene tbat does not enter
the structure of the talc. These iso,
alteromorphs after orthopyroxene
are polyphase (talc + magnetite)
altcromorphs, The volume increase
01' the surrounding vermiculite
explains tbe opening of many inter-
layer voids, In XPL, the talc areas
show a micro-aggregated texture
and the expected second- and third-
order interfercnce-colnrs of talc,
whereas the unidirectional arrange-
ment of the vermiculite is obvious,
The sizes and shapes of the altcro-
morphs or talc seem to be similar to
those of tbe original grains of
orthopyroxene, Consequentl.y, they
can be classified as iso-altero-
mOl'phs, As is c:ommon in most
alteromorphs of hypogene origin,
no resirlual voids are obscn'cd. The
iso-alteromorph is also a 11010-
altel"Offiorph, Note that the rim of
magnetite clearly outlines each
alteromorph of talc (sce next pho'
tomicrographs, 24-0, 241),

PART 3 : ALTffiOMORPHS
189
ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

240,24.
ORTHOPYROXENE
AND BIOTlTE-RICH
PYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I m
Complex and imbricated
echlno-alteromorphs
after orthopyroxene
and biotite
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

.- 0.2

0.0 mm

1I , I is similar to needle-shaped crystals, regularly ture replaces the radiating texture

Ulat shown in the former pho-
tographs. Although the rock is
strongly metamorphosed, UJc origi-
nal texture is clearly recognizable. A
rim of magnetite surrounds the
alteromorphs after pyroxene; these
rims are thuUler than UJose shown
in the previous iUustrations, but UJe
size, shape and distribution of Ule
alteromorphs are similar. The higher
I:,rrade of the hypogene process has
resulted in UJc replacement of both
primary orthopyroxene and biotite
by UJe same secondary mineral: aJl
oriented through the area shown,
consist of a monoclinic al.11phibole
of the tremolite - ferro-actinolite
series. Its nearly colorless appear-
ance, in PPL, indicates t.hat its com-
position is near UJat of t::remoljte.
Most of the iron content of the
orthopyroxcne had preViously been
im:orporated in the magnetite rims.
Consequently, 110 more iron enters
Ule composition of fie arnph.ibole-
group mineral. Compared with
photomicrographs 238 and 239, talc
has disappeared, and a parallel tex-
of the tremolite needles, but the
preserved rims of magnetite allow
the tex"ture and Ule mineralogy of
the original rock to be easily recog-
nized. The tremohte needles pro-
tru(k~ out of the alteromorpbs after
pyroxene, and continue into the
neighboring alteromorphs after
biotitc; this justifies a classification
of UJe alteromorphs as (reciprocal)
echino-alteroroorphs.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALT"ERATION AND WEATHERING

190
 ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

242,243
GABBRO
ltapeva. SP. Brazil
Sampled at outcrop
Echino-alteromorph
after olivine and
plagioclase
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

- 0.2

f 0.1

~ 0.0 mm

of' olivine long as it is included vdthin the temporaJ1cous with the weathering
T
I, I,

and plagiodase have been par·
tjallv, weathered tu -yclkl\vish
saponite and to colorless isotropic
material, respectively. The result of
this comhined weathl2riJ1g can be
described ,1S an cchino·aJteromorph
because the domains of saponite
protTude from the original volume
of the olivine, aJ1d penetrate the
f'cldspar grain along lhe median
planes of the digitate network of fis-
sures filled with isotropic material.
The saponitc is regularly oriented as
original volume of Ule oli\'inc, but it
is de\'oiJ of rc.oular orientation
'='
within the ncighboring grain of
feldspaJ', as can be clearly seen in the
picture wken in XPL. A le\\' clentic-
ulate' remnants of 0Ii\'iJ1C persist in
part or the alteromorpb (A3),
whereas sC\'cral remnants ba\'e bt'en
later Wl\lthcred to hydrated oxiclcs
or iron. /\ccording to the distribu-
tion of all these secondar~· products,
it is highl), probable that this last
,tep of weathering of olivinc is con-
or the feldspar grain to isotropic
material. In contrast, the digitations
of saponitc occurred in the early
weathering step of the fellbpar, at a
stage when many radiating fjssw-e_~,
which are artributeJ to the increase
in volume of the altcromorph af"tcr
olivinc, broke the then unweathcred
grain of feldspar.

PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
191
ECHINO-. CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS
A c
arc to
be compared to the two pre-
ceding ones. In the medi= part of
the thick oxidized cortex that sur-
rounds the relatively wlweathered
core of the weathered boulrler from
which the preceding photographs
were taken, the sapuni.te domains
are oxidized, and replaced by red-
dish brown secondary products
whose optical characteristics arc
very similar to those of the cam·
monly observed "iddingsitc". The
origin of this secondary I)roclllct is
192
o
made c!c<Jr by the fact that all inter-
mediate steps of coloration can be
observed, the alteromorph after
olivine being yellow in the core of
the boulder and red in its corlex.
This comparison allows the pene-
tration of the sal)onite formed at the
expense or olivine into the feldspar
to be better \cisualized, although in
this case, agra..i.n ofpyroxene (C3) is
parrly located between the ouvine
and the Feldspar grains. Dark brown
areas of iron oxvhvdroxidcs
), are ran-
doml)' uistTibuted around the
ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AlTERATION AND WEATHERING
244,245
GABBRO
ltapeva. SP, Brazil
Sampled at outcrop
Echino-alteromorph
after olivine and
plagioclase
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL
0.3
0.2
0.0 mm
alterolT1orph after olivinc and
within the partially weathered rock.
Note that the volume of the
isotropic secondary product after
feldspar has not increased compared
to its volume in the earlier pho.
tomicrographs. It will be necessary
to examine a thin section 01' the
external part of the cortex to evalu-
ate the further replacement of the
isolTopic material by gibbsite. These
four photographs illustrate guitc
well the fact that ol.i.vine is the most
weatherable mineraJ of the rock.
 ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

146,147
BASALTIC ROCK
Morocco
Sampled by A. Dekayir
Crypto-alteromorphs
after olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

I of olh'ine indistinguishable from onc another. any particular orientation. In eer-

AI
i ' \ I •

crystals has been weathered to

bro'wnish green secondary products
of nontronitic composition. The
intermincnl boundaries of the orig-
inal grains of olivine and the irregu-
lar interrnineral and transmineral
fissures bave been the pathways
along \\-hicll dark brown deposits of
iron oxyh~'droxides ha\'t~ formed.
The complicated network resulting
from aJl these fissure, and deposits
makes the different alteromorphs
E\'cn under XPL, it is 110t possible
to clearly distinguish the boundaries
taiD cases, some areas exhihit two
different (rane/om and parallel) pat-
uf all the original grains. Such a terns of internal orio:ntation. Crys-
complex aggregate corresponds to tals of the mucb less weather,lble
an assemblage of erypto-altero- pla!orioclase are only partl~' affected
morphs. No residual pores are seen along the intramincral cracks ami
within the alt<::rnmorphs: they arc along their twin planes.
conscCjuently crypto- holo-altero-
morphs. Note that same areas of
sccoDlhry products after oli"ine
either exhibit a constant orientation
of their particles or do not e.:,hibit

PART 3 : AlTEROMORPHS 193

ECHINO-. CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

148,149
DIABASE
Touba.
western C6te d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Cortex on a boulder
Crypto-alteromorphs
after c1inopyroxene
and plagioclase
Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.00101

has been
transformed, LUlder conditions
01' f'en-allitic weathering, tu a typical
cr)'ptomorphic assemblage of
alteromol'phs after pbgiuclase (col-
orless lath.shaped altcromorphs in
PPL) irregularly associated \\'ith
alteromorphs after lerromagncsian
minerals (brown-colorcd altem-
morl)!ls in PPL). The lower pho-
tomicrograph, take_n in XPL, clearly
shuws the mineralogical and micnJ-
textural differences ~xhjbited hy the
two kinds of alteromorphs. The
feldspar crysta.ls have been \ycath-
cred tu glomero-altcromorphs of
gibbsitc (first-order white), and the
irregular grains of clinopyroxene
have been replaced by septo-altero-
morphs of redd.ish brown oxyhy-
droxidcs of il"On. The boundaries
between rJ1C two kinds of altero·
morphs are dearly seen because
gibbsite crystals arc absent within
the septo-altcromorphs after pyrox-
enes, whereas fe.rrugu10uB material
is absent (or nearly so) within the
glomero-alteromorphs after felcbvar.
But the exaet boundaries between
ncighboring alteromorphs of similar
mirreralugicaJ origin ca.nnot be
clearly seen, even with detailed
obsenations by optical microscopy.
This is especially tJ1C case where
septo-alteromorphs are concerned.
Se\'eral possihle boundaries ca.n be
considered for each of them.
although the original boundaries are
certainly maintained around them,
Thi_~ curresponds lo the aho\'e defi-
nition, and both groups of altel'O-
morphs are CI')'pto-alteromorphs.

ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAl ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

194
 ECHINO-, CRYPTO-. PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

250, 25 I
AMPHIBOLlTE
(metadiabase)
Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
Sampled by M. Bergman
at rock outcrop
Case I:
unweathered rock
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

06

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

and those of a cryptomorpruc assem- green to pale yellowish green. Each

T 11', 11. '. I

the next four are taken from

onc large sample that contains a
\, I

blage in which the origiml minerals

large core of uJlweathered rock sur-
rounded by a very thick cortex of
completely weathered rock. The
photomicrographs of the unwC'ath-
ered rock are shown here to better
\izualize ho\\" quickly a rock with
typical and easily identifiable miner-
als and texture has become, under
conditions of ferrallitic weathering.
a completely weathered cortex; in
it. both minerals and textures are
are no longer easily distiliguishable.
The lU1\\'eathered rock is composed
of bundles of green amphibole,
irregular interstitial colorless
islands or quartz md alkali feldspar,
and opaque minerals. The amphi-
bole consists or an assemblage of
bundles of subparallel elongate
CTystals. Each bundle of amphibole
CT;-:stals is diversely colored, in PPL,
owing to the pleocllrobm of the
mineral, which varies from dark
amphibole bundle appears with its
own general coloration because all
its component crystals are oriented
more al' less parallel to each other,
whereas their average orientation
appears different relative to that in
neighboring bundles. The bound-
JI-jes of each amprubole crystal or
a5semblage can be dead>, identified
when carefully observed with
medium to high magruficJtion.

3 : ALTEROMOR.PHS
PART
195
ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

252,253
AMPHIBOllTE
(metadiabase)
Guarulhos. SP, Brazil
Sarnpled by M. Bergman
at rock outcrop
Case 2:
partly weathered rock
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

-- 0,6

0.4

- 0.2

0.0 mm

ill L1S-
trate the thin U"J.l1siLiol1al fringe
(some mm thick) that wparates the
unweathered rock (250, 251) from
its completely weathered curtex
(254,255). Most of the feldspa..r is
replaced by irregular glomero-
alteromorl)hs of gihbsitc (A4, El).
\\·hereas each crystal of the slightly
less wealberahk amphihole has
wldergone its own pellicular weath-
ering to bruwn-colored oxyhydrox·
ides of iron. V/here more
complctel)' weathered, after the dis-
appearance of the residual relll-
nants, the bundks of all these par-
tially developed alteromorphs will
bl' turned into irregular assem-
blages of alveoporo-altcromorphs
whose original margins, although
maintained. \\ill become i.ndistin-
gUishable from onc another; tlley
will have' hecome as.~cmblages of
crypto-alteromorphs. The orienta-
tion of the particle!' of iron oxyhy-
drox.ides formed from each odginal
crystal is not clearly seen hecause
the original crystals of amphibo/e of
each bundle are thin and oriented in
subparallc.1 fashion. ancl not strictly
parallel to each other. Ne\'erthele~s,
the common optical orientation of
many J.mphibole remnants is clearly
recognized in observations of each
amphibole blUldle separately. Many
remnants exhibit the typical dentic-
ulate margins of partially weathered
amphibole-group minerals. The
opaque minerals (A4) arc not yet
weathel·cd.

196 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 ECHINO~I CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c o
254,255
AMPHIBOLlTE
(metadiabase)
Guarulhos. SP, Brazil
Sampled by M. Bergman
at rock outcrop
Case 3:
completely weathered
rock
Crypto-alteromorphs
after amphibole
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

- 0.4

- 0.2

- 0.0 mm

two photomicro-
graphs focu~ on the completely
we~thered cortex that surrounds
the unweatl1ercd COlT and the inter-
mediate fringe, iJlustnted above.
No amphibole or feldspar remnants
persist in this part of the weathered
rock. Only residual quartz and
opaque mineral grains are pre-
served. The w(·athercd rock is com-
posed of large brown-colored arl?as,
derived from the original bundles of
amphibole, now com'crted to iron-
rich sccondar~' products, and of
irregular colurless areas composed
of residual quart7 Jnd feldspar, the
latter now con""Ttecl to assemblages
of crypto-glomcro-altcromorphs 01'
gibbsite. Both colored and colorlcss
area~ ha\'c given rise to irregular
CT),lJtomorphic assemblages or 5CC-
oncl~r)' miner:lls: hydrated oxides of
iron, which origin:lt(· from the
\\'cathering of the amph.ibolc-grnup
mineral, and gibbsilC, which origi-
nates from the v.. . eathcring or the
feldspar grain:;, Note that halos or
colored material ha\T im'adeo the
gibbsitc·rich areas by irregular Jis-
semination of iron-rich compounds,
whereas no gibhsitc crystals are
clearly distinguished in the iron-rich
areas formed at the. eXIJense of
amphibole (the small birefringent
crystals in these dark areas are vcr~'
small grains of quartz). The weath-
ered rock, whose original miner-
alogical and textural p:ltterm have
beeollle ohcured, is now converted
to a complex assemblage of two dis-
tinct oomains of crypto-altero-
morr hs .

PART 3: ALTEROMORPHS
197
ECHINO-, CRYPTO-. PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

256
IRON CRUST
DEVELOPED
ON MICA SCHIST
Embu-Guar;u, SP, Brazil
Sampled by
S.R.. Soares Silva Vieira
Depth: 1.2 m
Phanto-alteromorph
after a mica
Objective: x I6
PPL

[01

[ 0.0 mm

257
IRON CRUST
DEVELOPED
ON CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Phanto-alteromorph
after vermiculite
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

0.3
--
0.2

_ 0.1

0.0 mm

ite. The shapes and colon of the ation of a crystal of phJogopite to

shows a micaceous mineral, the
original species not. identifiable,
cumpletely weathered to a kata-
alteromorph of kaolinite that has
been partiaJj).. replaced by iron
oxides during a later step of iron
accumulat.ion. This later process is
responsible for the dis<lplJearance of
most of the alteromorph, now
reduced to traces of a fan-like
assemblage of residual and
deformed layers of iron-free kaolin-
residual minerals contrast with
those of the more homogeneous
iron-rich matrix; a typical phanto-
alteromorph results.
The lower photomicrograph
shows a phanto-alteromOl-ph in
which some tnin irregular relics are
harch dsiblc in the iron-enriched
matrix of a tropical iron crus\.
Observatjon<; in the lower part of
the pro!!le show t.hat it results from
an early step of mesomorphic alter-
vermiculite which, during a later
step of weathering, has been partJ~'
weathered to a second meso-altero-
morph of kaolinite. The latter still
contains liany ioterlayered rem-
nants of vermicuJite, now replaced
by iron-rich material, recognizable
by its contrasting dark bro\\-TI colol".
TI1e interlavered kaolinite has com-
pletely disappeared where replaced
by the less ferruginous, pale brown
matrix.

198 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHffilNG

 ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

258
ANORTHOSITE
Near Porto Allegre,
Rio Grande do SuI.
Brazil
Depth: 1.5 m

Phanto-alteromorphs
after plagiocJase

Objective: x 4
XPL

0.6

0.4

- 02

O.Omm

is a this accumulation invades parental their original shapes ,md boundaries

T
f'
monomineralic rock composed
of coarse-graine<1 crystals of plagio-
c1ase (labradorite). The weathering
of this ca1ciWll-rich rock results in
the release of very important quan-
tities of C<J1cium ions, which are
IeJChed a\\'a~' from the weathering
profiles, being transferred within
the soils and ,,-ear.hering profiles of
the lower parts of the landscape.
There. they accumulate as cakrete
or as nodules of microcrystalline
calcite (microspa.rire) several cen-
timetcrs or decimeten long. vVhere
or partially weathered fragments of arc no longer discernible because
rock, U1C plagioclase grains are t.he epigenetic process progr~ssl:'S
irregula.rly replaced by the not nnly along the intramineral frac-
microsparite. The grains are gradu- tures, but also along the intennin-
all~' reduced to smaller and smaller eral suture planes. The extensive
residual fragments. Most fragments Fragmentation or most grains and
maintain their oriainal
b crystallo-
_ the disappearance of most original
l:-rraphic orientation, but some of margins make U1C resulting altero-
them may also be slightly rotated. morph a typical phanto-alrl"ro-
which is expressed b~' the different morph.
interference-colors exhibited,
wlder XPL, by neighboring frag-
ments. Regardless of the degree ot'
preservation of t.he original grains,

PA~T 3 : Al1iJ\OMO~PH~
199
ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c o
159,160
PVROXENITE
Tapira. MG. Brazil
Depth: 1.6 m

Phanro-alteromorph
after diopside
partially replaced
by calcite
Objective: X 6.3
PPL and XPL

OJ

!
~ 0.2

~ 0.1

=-- 0.0 mm

whose main con-
stituents are diopsidc and phlo-
gopite, is partially replaced by
microcrystalJ ine calcite (micro-
sparite), which develops at the
expense of nearl~' all minerals of the
ruck, especially the calcium-rich
minerals such as diopside. PhJugo-
I)ite, which is calcium-free, is essen-
bally LUlalTcctcd hy this process; it
remains de'Hly recognizable as
undisturhed domain" isolated
within a largdy replaced ground-
mass. Such portions of wlaltcrcd
phlngopite are visible in the ldi
upper and lower corners of tJw pho-
tomicrograrhs. The largest alT<l of
the photograph exhibits a grain of
cliopside that is partiaUy replaced by
aggregate~ of unorientcd micro-
crystals of calcite. which appear
grey in PPL and bruwllish beige in
XPL The colorless remnants of
unaltered cUopside exhibit t1H,ir sec-
ond-order interference·eolors in
XPL. Nute that all remnants of
c1ino[))'Toxenc exhibit a denticulate
shape and an undisturbed common
orientation. Some cracb (as near
the eenter of the cr~'stal) are filled
vvith coarse crystalline calcite
(sparitc). Where more advanced
and where several contiguous grains
of c1inopyroxene are obscrn:d,
their own original limits will be rec-
ognized only with diffjcult~. , because
the orientation of the secondary cal-
cite is uneven and not influenced by
the crystall(lgraphic o"iel1tation of
the replaced mineral.

ATLAS Of MIC~OMO~PHOLOGYOf MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

200
 ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

161
IRON CRUST
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Phanro-alteromorph after
a Fe-Mg silicate mineral
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

~
0.3

02

0.1

0.0 mm

, ~. (: primary min-
eral has been completely
weathered to ox yhydroxides of
iron. The original boundary' of the
alteromorph has been largely
obscured by the later replacement
of the iron compounds during the
formation of the iron crust. The
internal mOI-phology has also been
destroyed by successive episodes of
recr)'stallization of the secondary
crystalliplasmas and by the opening
of n('wly formed internal pores.
Traces of' several rransmineral frac-
tures are easily recognizable within
the alterol11orph: a large Fracture
(Cl) has its two walls coated by iron view of its ~iz(' and shape, the
oxides, whereas a large empty pore phanto-<1.lteromorph must have
is maintained in the median plane of originated from the weathering of a
the fracture; several. more transmjn- coarse-grained prismatic crystal of a
eral fractures are deadv seen near ferromagnesian mineral. The mater-
the right Jower edge of the altero- ial that surrounds the pbanto-
morph, but their walL<; are joined alteromorph does llot contain any
together without lea\-ing any' central traceor the original texturesor the
pore. Traces of septa (B2) are more parent .-ock.
or leeSs distinguishable within the
areas between the fractures, but
their pattern is not sufficiently pre-
served for unambiguous identifica-
tion or the primary rruneral. It may
have been either dinopyroxene,
orthopyroxene, or amprubole. In

PART 3 : ALUROMORPHS
201
ECHINO-. CRYPTO-. PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS
of pri-
mary silicate minerals has been
completely weathered to a cluster
of \'ery porous altcromorphs,
mainly composed of dark brown
iron-rich products. The \\cathcred
rnck i, now a tbick iron crust (more
than two meters thick), oe\'c loped
in the ul)l)er part of the prollle; the
orioinal
b
textures of the rock ha\"('
completely disapP(·ared. These
alteromorphs, most of whose origi-
nal margins Jre no longer easily dis-
tinguishable, give rise to an
ilsscmblage ()f crypto-alteromorphs.
The\' Jre embeddeo within a sec-
ondary iron-rich plasma that does
not seem to be formed Jt the
expense of in )'iCll primar~' mincrab,
but rather corre_ponds to
illIocht.honous inllllings of a large
cavir: produced b~' the weathering
or a \'('in of hydrothermal origin.
The ohsen'ation of more thin Sl?C-
202
tions of t.he profile, and mainly of
the' slightly weath('red rock From a
depth of s('\'eral meters, indicates
that the original rock is crossed by
numerous \·e.inlets of quartz, chlo-
rite and epidote. These obsen'iltions
allow the nature of the primary
mineral re be recognized, because
neither the shape nor the composi-
tion of the :dteromorph.s, such as
thev/ are obsened within the iron
crust, are fully characteristic. A
comparison \vith the unwcathered
"einlets indicates that the chJorite-
group mineral h<1.'; been completely
weathered, and that its soft sec-
ondary products \\'ere cl.islJerseJ and
eroded, whereas the harder iron-
rich alteromorphs have resisted to
internal erosion. The epidote is an
iron-poor primary mineral. This is
the reason why illteromorphs
formed at the ('xpense of epidote
grains ilre highJ;' porous; the irregu-
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
262
IRON CRUST
DEVELOPED
on Blrrlmian schists
Toumodi. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.8 m
Phanto-alteromorph
after epidote
Objective: x 4
PPL
0.6
- 0.4
- 0.2
0.0 mm
lar rerru~rinous septa correspond to
th",. ratlial Fractures and to the twin
planes of the original grains. Several
alteromorphs ha\'e lost tJleir origi-
nal shilpe, ilnd were partly
destroyed by erosion; se\'eral resid-
ual intramineraJ pores have been
invaded by aUochthonous secondary
products. Under these' conditions,
an identification of th", altero-
morphs as phanto-alteromorphs
seems to better correspooJ to the
partly destrnved residual textures.
Some residual gnins of quartz (0 I )
are still maintained witJun the pilJC
brown secondary plasma.
 ECHINO-, CRYPTO-, PHANTO-ALTEROMORPHS

r· c o
163,164
GABBRO
Ribeirao Preto,
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Depth: 0.4 m

Complex meta-cumulo-
phanto-alteromorph
after plagioclase

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

=-- 0.2

f
- 0.1

0.0 mm

T ' .. 11 \' Ica\'ing more and more empty the illuviJI kaolinitc. In XPL. color-
observed in the upper part of spaces for illuviation by kaolinite. less rims of relativel\', coarse crvstals
/

the profile, results from the Sllcces-
sive intluences of alternating weatb-
(-ring and accumulation under
conditions of I"errallitic weathering.
A comparative study \\'ith sample~
lower in t1w prullle allow~ the
chronology 01 the successive e\'tents
to be established. The plagioclase is
first weathered to a gibbsite.rich
gl omero -se p to -iso- a Itero mo r ph.
Higher in the profiJe, the residual
voids are inlHled \\-ith allochthonous
kaolinite. As the voids are grJduaUy
in61led, the gibbsite is dissoh-ed,
The tT-1CeS of the original twin
planes and i.lltramineral cracks of
the feldspar are progressi\'ely
clU"iched in dark brown iron ox)'h~. -
droxicles. During a later step, in the
upper levcl of the profile, the
allochthonoLls kaolinite is weath-
ered, and rcplaced by J new gener-
ation of "autocht1l0nous" gihhsitc.,
giving to tbe complex alteromorph
a new a Ivcuroro-glomero-al tero-
morphic texture. The brown col-
oration of tIle gibh~ir.:-rich areas, in
PPL, is duc to the iron content uf
of gibbsile, in an iron-depleted rim
arOlmd t1le residual empt~· pores,
contrast strongh' \\ith the micro·
crystals in tJ1e glomero-altcromor-
phic texture. The recti linear
ferruginous septa are the. only tex-
tural feature of the previously
formed septo-alteromorph tu be
prcsencd in this more recently
degraded phanto-alteromorph.

PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
203
 CH,HTER 8
The Content of Alteromorphs

III"'.)( 1l1'11' 1'.1111111 regular or irregular, tJlC primar~' nLinerals (fractures, clea\'ages and twins).

A homogeneous or heterogeneous internal

te:"tures that are independent or tJ1e de?Te.e
oJ preservation 01' the shape and size 01 the
original minerals, These textw'es are closely related
either to dissolution l)rocesses, which deternLine the
volullles of the secondary products and of the comple-
mentary secondary "oids, or to tht: internal pattern or
Such features inlluence the progress of weathering
reactions affecting tJ1e primary mineral and, ,15 a I-esult,
the distribution, orientation and micromorphology of
the secondary products (Fig. 19), Whate,'er thL' degree
of preservation of the originaJ shapes and volumes, the
completely (b-e!oped alteromorphs Illay be classified
Hrst]) according to tJ1e total \'olumc of the secondary

PRIMARY MII\IERAL

•
WEATHERING

•
NO RESIDUAL PORES
= FULL ALTEROMORPH
SECONDARY PRODUCTS AND PORES
= POROUS ALTEROMORPH
•
NO SECONDARY PRODUCTS
= EMPTY ALTEROMORPH

t I

HOLO·ALTEROMORPH "PORO"-ALTEROMORPH KOILO-ALTEROMORPH

FIGURE 19. Ddll\iti(lIl~ or Jltcrolflorl'hs on u'e hJ.'i' r)r micro-

[",'1.Ural crileria, I,"., the compl,'mentat! rJi'l.rihlltio" of I..he
seconder) product., and "I' Uil' resid lIal pore' w i ill.in ,-he
alternmorphs. For further criteria or dassil1carion, S(:L' Fil:!-
w'es 23 and 27, '
voids, regardJess of their disn'ibution and organization,
and secondly, <Jccurding to their inherited or neo·
formecl intC'rnal textures, which control the comple-
mental")' distribution of the solid ncofOl'med product~
and the residual voids,
TIlL PROPOJH10N 01· OUD
.'\ U POI{I VOLU lE-
AItcromorphs are first classified according to the
r:ltio of the volume of their secondary products to that
of their residual voids. Most residual voids arc formed
\\ithin the alteromorphs, and peripheral residual voicls
surroun<Lng the secondary products are rarely
observcd. Where they are, they probably result from
the opening of a prc\,jously existing intermi.neral*
void.
1-101(1-(1 If cmmOl."hs
H OAO~ =
olo-alteromorphs (from the Greek
whole. full. complete) correspond to fully devel-
oped alteromorphs in which the volume of the
secondary minerals is apparently equal to the
original volume of the primary mineral. The vol-
ume of the possible micropores is not perceptible
at the scale of the optical microscope. and it is
not taken into account.
The se.condary phase exhibits a dense and homo-
geneous aspect, with or without particular iJ1ternal
textw-cs due to variations i.n grain si.ze or orientation or
the sccondar~' minerals. Holo-alteromorphs are gener-
ally produced by peripheral centripetal weathering of
poorly clea\-ed alld unrractureJ minerals under condi-
tions or leaching that do not promote rhe extensin'
removal of th", original soluble constituents. 111 tl1i~
case, the VOlWl1C of the voids is minimal (fig. 20).
PRIMARY MINERAL HQLG-ALTEROMOAPH
FIGURE 20. Relabol1.shJp or a holo-alrcromorph to a grain or a
primaf")' mi.nera.!.
206
Where the primary mineral is not cleaved or frac·
tured) the resulting holo-alteromorph is homoge-
neous, not only in its chemical and mineralogical
composition. but also in it~ internal texture. This is the
case, fOl' example, of the weathering of a pyrite grain
to iron oxide. In conn"ast, where the prim<Jry mineraJ
is fractured or cleaved, the resulting alteromOl"ph may
exhibit some microtextural heterogeneitics. The
occurrence of fractures and cleavages in the primary
mineral promotes ule development, along these
planes, of bener crystallinity or of a preferred orienta-
tion or a greater compactiol.\ of the secondary
micropartlcles.
Nontronite-rich holo-alteromorphs after
fractured olivine commonly exhibit such micro-
textural differentiations. The hypogene alteration
of forsterite (olivine-group mineral) into talc may
give good examples of hoto-alteromorphs in
which the secondary talc may exhibit perceptible
differentiations of the size and orientation of its
elementary particles. Some holo-alteromorphs of
"iddingsite" after olivine may exhibit an intemal
t"sticulate banded network of more compact or
more strongly colored "Iddingsite". In this case.
the network. whose distinct formation is due to
the occurrence of protoclastic fractures, may
become enhanced by minute deposits of early-
formed magnetite.
The holomorphic cbaracter of an alteromorph i~
independent of its mineral content. Aggregates of
secondary products ma)' consist of onc or two (or
more) distinct mineral species. The criterion of cliller-
entiation of the holo-alteromorphs is based only on the
abscnce of perceptible residual voids.
Kni h)-ultt: romorph.
KOi!o.alteromorphs (from the Greek KOlAO~
= empty, hollow) correspond to empty altero-
morphs. wIthout any secondary mineral. devel-
oped by weathering of a soluble mineral (Fig. 21).
The outline or a koilo-alteromorph is ephemeral.
and corresponds to a part of the outline of adja-
cent mineral grains. The definition of a koilo-
alteromorph may be extended to an alteromorph
whose content of residual material does not
e.xceed 2.5%.
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL Al.TEl\ATION AND WEATHERING

PAIIJ.ARY MINf:FtAl ....OILQ..Al TER,OMORPH
fiGURE 21. R~la{ionship of a koilo-all('''Orl\orph
prim,,,';' lTJineral,
Alteromorphs that contain Cl small quantity (less
than 2.5%) of residual material or newly formed sec-
ondary minerals may also be included in this group,
The small proportion of residual material consisls of
either unweathcred primary inclusions originally prc:.'-
sent in the' parent mincral 01' of insoluble impurities
originally present in the host mineral that has been dis-
solved.
Calcite and dolomite (with a low content of
the ankerite and rhodochrosite components) may
produce. upon complete weathering. practically
empty kollo-alteromorphs containing only small
quantities of residual insoluble iron or manganese
hydroxides, These hydroxides renect the low level
of Fe or Mn substituting for part of the Ca or Mg
in the primary mineral-Apatite crystals commonly
give rise to koilo-alteromorphs surrounded by a
thin rim of brown depOSits owing (Q the precipi-
tation of allogenic iron oxyhydr-oxides in the
phosphate-rich contact area.
Koilo.alteromorphs may persist 1'01' a long time if
the soluble minerals from which they de\'eloped are
relatively few Jnd isolated in the parent rock,The pres-
ence of slightly weatherable 01' =\veathcrable sur-
rounding minerals, with persistent outlines and
resistant HJlumes, allows the empty volumes of the
koi!o-a!trromorphs to persist until these surrounding
minerals also arc \veathered and have crumbled. [n
contrast, if the soluble minerals are th", main con-
stituent~ of the rock, as in calcareous rocks (such as
limestones. marbles and carhonatites), the deri\'lo:d
koilo-alteromorphs are ephcmer·a\. because they ha\'e
no mechanical resistance. KOilo-alteromorph-rich
alteritt'S arc soon subjected to s,~ttling and compae-tion,
and the inhclited structures and textures consequently
disappear.
VVithin horizons of absolute accumulation, or dUl'-
ing a later stage 01' weathering, koiJo-alteromorphs may
become infilled owing to the later cryst<tllization or
deposition of material transl)ortcd in solution or in
suspension by \'ertical or lateral tl-anskr. These
allochthonous infiJhngs may occur either during or
after the weathering of the mineral. If the inJll1ing is
3 : AlT£ROMORPHS
PART
synchronous \\ith \ycathering, the potentiaJ koilo-
alteromorph does n0t develop, and the identification (lf
its origin is easy if examples of ephemeral coexistence
of primary mineral residue,~ and IIrst-fOl-med in fillings
an' ohserved. E\'en where ephemeral two-phase
alterolTIorphs arc not obscned in the thin section, the
nanlre of their infilling material \vill be similar to the
In a grain of 'a infilling material of fracturcs and pores of the sur-
rounding alteriLc. Therefore, the allochthonous origin
of the inJllling material is suggested, and the presence
of potential koilo-alteromorplv; is con.flrmed, The
narllre of the inFilling material may be in geochemical
discordance with the composition of clle observable
residues or the primar~' mincl·al. Where such gen-
chemicalJy discordant alteromorphs arc obscn'ed, the
occurrence of potentiaJ kOilo-alteromorphs at the
expense uf completely' soluble minerals may be sus-
pected, and the allochthonous origin of the inlllling is
confIrmed.
Those altemmorphs cllat contain onl)' infilling
materiaIs of allochthonolls 0rigin are wmulo-( koilo)-
alu:romorphs (see below). Their origi.n \\-iJl be identified
only with JifTjculty withollt residues of the primarv
min('ral in the. alteromorph concerned or in similar
neighboring alteromorphs.
The most common example of such a koilo-
alteromorph later infilled by allochthonou5 mate-
rial is probably given by the dissolution of quarcz
grains in an old bauxitic or iron crust, As a quartz
grain is gradually dissolved and as its outlines are
corroded, the newly formed pores and embay-
ments are immediately filled up with gibbsite-rich
or ferruginous allochthonous material, which
comes from the surrounding matrix or is trans-
ported through neigh boring fractures. It must be
emphasized that in such a case. the infilling mate-
rial has a chemical composition that differs
strongly from the composition of the replaced
mineral: quartz does not contain aluminum or
iron, and the infilling material does not contain sil-
ica. The infilling of a kOilo-alteromorph after
quartz by calcite cryscallaria' exhibitS a similar
geochemical discordance,
The cumulative infillings may also occur much
lat('r. In such a case, the empty koilo-aJteromorph is
completel)' devdoped long before the first allochtho-
nou,; deposiLs occur. As a result, empty koiJo-altero-
morphs and Clunulo-kOilo-alteromorphs are normally'
not ohserved in the same thin section, but they may be
found within two different le\cels of the same profile.
The)' may also never have developed. Empt)' holes
obsCl'ved in old ferruginous crusts and within ferrugi-
nous cortices arowld nodules and concretions may
207
have developed D)' ITIe later complete dissolution of samples, in which the quartz is only partly dissolved,
quartz. grains, whose remnants do not persist and commonly permits conflrmation of the rleriyation of
whose residual empty volumes are never infilled by these kOilo-alteromorphs.
al1ochthonous material; comparison with neighboring

ATlAS OF MICRO~10RPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTIlV\nON AND WEATHERING

208
 HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c D
265,266
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 14.6 m
Holo-alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

;·1 process has been perfectly prcscr\'(·d during the that 01 the more externa] parts of
A I.. I'd I

altered an olivine crystal into

reddish brown "iddingsite", and a
typical holo-alteromorph results:
no rcsidual pores arc observed at
the scale of the optical microscope.
The small specks, colorless in PPL
(Be2) and extinct in XPL, are sec·
tions of thin pl'ismatic crystills of
apatite..'\nother crystal of apatite,
lying in the plane of the thin section
(C4), is barch- visible through the
transparent "idcl.ingsite". The origi-
nal network of protoc!astic frac-
tun's of the primary o]j"ine has
tnI1sformation of the mineral; it
appears as criss-crossmg dark linea-
ments that divide the grain and
delimit several adjacenr domains of
secondary products. More recently
developed transmineral fractures
gi\'e rise to opaqul" deposits of
allochthonous manganese oxides.
Note that several domains of
"idd.ingsite" adjacent to these !i'a,-
tures have also been stained by a
coating of iron compounds, ",bLch
gives them a dark red color. The
original calor 01 the "iddjDgsit~" is
the alteromorph. In spLtc 01' this late
modification, the optical orienta-
tion of the whole alteromorph is
homogeneous, and its extinction
between crossed polars (not shown)
is simultaneous in all iL~ domain.~.
"Vhere they pcrsisl, hoth the rem-
nants of olhine and the secondary
~iddingsitc" usually extinguish
together (straight extinction). The
grains of clinopyroxene are slightly
\\'('athered to saponite, 'which sur-
rounds denticularc residues (04).

PART) : ALTEROMORPHS
209
HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS

267,268
OllVINE-BEARING
ClINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I 1.2 m
Holo-alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

- 0,4

0.2

- 0.0 mm

of oli\int>
has been complete-I)' altered,
under the influence of hypogl"ne
processes, to an assuciation of talc
and magnetite. The associatiun of
these two minerals i:-; commonly
encounter~d, and the resulting
altcromorph after olivine is a
pol>phase alteromorph, a~ both
minerals, talc and secondary m:lg-
netite, ha ye. formed together during
the same hydrotherm,11 step. The
minute graim of magnetite are
mainly developed within the rim of
the alteromorph, and the~' are
related to the original iron content
uf the. o]i\-inc, which has not aJI
entered the structure of the talc
Minute grains of magnetite are aJso
distributed according to a linear
pattern that corresponds tlJ the net·
work of protoclastic fractures of the
primary crystal of olivine. No
intraminC'ral pores are observed, at
the scale observable with an optical
micros ope; it is a holo-altcro-
morph. In XPL, the minute parti-
cles of talc arc ranclomlv oriented
through most of the ~11tC'romorph,
whereas relativel)' coarse crystals of'
taJc are regularly oriented. This ori-
entation is probably related to the
crystallographic orientation of the
original olivine. However, since no
olivinc relics arc observable within
the aJreromorph, this hypotJwsis
cannot be proven. Such an altero·
morph clearly shows a typical com-
posite pattern 0[' orientations and
distribution of the secondary
products.

ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MIN8\Al ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

210
 HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS

A B c D
169,170
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 10.2 m
Holo-alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
0.3

0.2

_ 0./

f O.Omm

I of oli\·;ne isolated of the layers and their uniform ori- entl\' not \V<?Jt.hered. The sw-round-
T
11

within this c1inoJJ)'l'oxene-rich
rock are completely weathered to
holo-alteromorphs of saponite,
whose layers are regularly JrraJlged
in a parallel set of thick lamellae.
The volume and number of the
residual pores, visible at the scale of
the optical microscope, are very
small, and are probably due to
imperfect impregnation of this
sample, in which most minerals arc
not weathered. The saponite layers
exhibit their usual yellow colors in
PPL. In X PL, the parJllel stacking
entation are ('},:pressed b)' the uni-
form second- Jnci third-order
interference-colon over tl1e entire
holo.alteromorph which, for the.>t'
illustrations, has been rotated to the
angle of maximum illumination.
The original o'ystal of olivine was
broken by several proroclastic frac-
tures, regularly coated by a thin
deposit of magnetite, which is now
weathered to irregular bro\\'n
patches. Coarse opaC]ue grains of
magnetite, inside (D2) or olltside
(D5) the oJivine crystal, arc appar-
ing grains of clinopyroxene (A3,
E3) show incipien I wcathC:'ring
(denticuhtions and emphaSized
c1ea\'agcs), whueas part of the
biotitc has been replaced bv reddish
brown secondary products (D5).
O\\"ing to the mesumorphic alter-
ation of the mica it contains, the
rock is fractured by transmineral
and intermineral cracks (A I,
1\4-, E2).

PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS 211

HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS
of' permskitc
(CaTi0 3 ), commonly associ-
,Heel with magnetite or lIme-nite or
both, ha~ been completely weath-
ered to secondarv, mic:rolTvstalli.ne
, the irregular cells delimited by
anatase (Ti0 2), whereas the c<llcium
content of the original mineral has
been leached away. The associated
magneljte (E5) is not, or barely.
weathered. The grain size of t.he
anatase is different according tn
location in rc-htio)) with the
212
271,272
PEROVSKITE-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Tapira. MG. Brazil
Depth: 2.5 m
Holo-alteromorph
after perovskite
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
- 0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0 mm
intramineral microfissures. As can brown color in PPL and the bright
better be seen in XPL. the size or vellow color in XPL arc characteris-
the crystals is much greater along tic or anatase; dwy are radler similar
the intcrnallk~urcs whereas. within to the colors exhibited by some
other titanilcrous minerab, such as
these ['issurcs, Lhe anatase is chief1y rutile.
cryptocrystalline. The intTa-altem·
morpluc pores are due to the disso-
lution of' apatite or carbonate
inclusions, and not to the Formation
of' the alteromorph at the ex.pcns('
of the original puo,·skitc. The
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF M.Nl-RAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS

A C
171,174 --~"''''''II-

OLIVINE-BEARING
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I 1.2 m
Holo-alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
0.3

~ 0.2

- 01

~ 0,0 mm

, composed of PPL, the orientation is marc or less a Iteromorphs formed at the

two joined crvstab whose
respective orientations differ, is
completely altered to saponile,
wbose regular optical orien.tation is
~trongly dependent upon the origi-
nal ol'ientation of the primar)' cry~­
tals of olivine. The orientation of the
secundarvI mineral in the 10\H'l' left
part or the altcromorph. which is
bright ),ello\\ in PPL, is nCilrly par-
allel to the plane of the thi.n section,
whereas in the upper right. part or
the Jlteromorph., heige-calmed i.n
perpendicular to this plane. Both expense of aU primary minerals.
orientations are conllrmed by the Since no intramineraJ residual pores
interference-colors, in XPL: very are observed \\'ith.in these joined
low colors, nearly at extinction, For alteromorphs. the alteration
tlle first part or the al teromorph, process has given risc to holo-
and second -order colors I(JI' the sec- alteromorphs.
ond one. These photomicrographs
illusn'ate the: fact that the Cf\'stallo-
graphic orientation or the secondar;
products can be strongly dependent
on the o'ystallographic orientation
of the primary minerals, although
this must not be gener<llized to al.1

3'
PART ALTEI\OMORPHS
213
HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS
of oJivine
has been replaced by a holo,
alteromorph of saponite under the
infl uenee of a late- magmatic process.
111f' original network of protoclastic
fractures of th~' primary crystal,
with their content of minute grains
of magnetite, is sull c1earl~' distin-
guishable as randoml)' miented
bJack-colored alignments. Thesc
strOllu]y
l=-.J
contrast with the ,vel lowish
or,lIlge color of the secondary clay
minNal. Ooly onc secundary min-
eral has becn formed during the
2/4
275,276
OUVINE GABBRO
lcapeva. SP, Brazil
Sampled at outcrop
Holo-alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
0.1
0.0 mm
alteration process. 5illCC no Along the protoclastic fracrures,
intnmincral residual pores are dis- irregular banded pattern~ have been
cernible, the resulting alteromorph formed in which the optical orien-
is consequently Dot a polyphase tation of the s~condary products is
alteromorph, but ,-ather a normal qujte different from that of the main
(monophase) holo-alteromorph. volume of the alteromorph.
The small roundish colorless crvs-
tals included within the altero-
mOl'ph are primar)' crystals of
apatite. Note the conspicuous pat-
tern of internal distribution of opti-
cal orientations of the saponite. This
lmusual pattern, which appears only
in X PL, is rarely encountered.
ATlAS Of MICROr~OI'.PHOLOG'Y OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHEI'\ING

277
IRON CRUST ON
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil suriace
KOilo-alteromorph
after quartz grains
Objective: x 4
PPL
- 0.6
- 0.4
0.2
0.0 mm
of
'luart7. may become trapped in
old ferrallitic irun crusts formed on
tlle deep weathered profiles del'el-
oped on ultl-,unafic rocks. Under
conditions of ferraUitic weathering,
these iron-rich rocks may develop a
I'ery thick weathcrcd mantle, whose
upper part is subjected to intense
leaching of silica, with concomitant
relative accumulation of the insolu-
ble components such as iron, alu-
minum and titanium. The alurninllm
content of the primary rock (4°10
AI20~1) is tOO low to alk)l\' tlle for-
mation of impoTta.llt alurninum-rich
residual materials, whereas their
higb iron content promotes the for-
mation of thick. hardened cOI'ers of
iron-rich crusts in ,,-hieh th,~
unweatherable residual mineral,
may become trapped. The quartz
originates from the numerous veins
PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS
c o
of quartz and microgranite that lout grain is broken into several Frag-
the ultramallc intrusion, The resid- ments, each residual fragment is
ual quart? grains are completely Free to move in the cavity, anrl the
encased ill. the crust in such a ,,-a)- isolated fi-agments lose their com-
that their boundaries are pLTfenly mon optical orientation_ 111e pho-
nlOlded by the surrounding iron- tomicrograph or a completely
rich matrix. \;Vith later reactioll dissoh'ed grain of guartz, leaving an
uncler new geochemical conditions. empty kOilo-altcromorph, would
these guartl grains arc slowly dis- haw' been 01' lesser interest. because
solved. without formation uf any nothing could be left lO IJrovc wat
residue, Once they are completely the cavit), had really been formed by
rlestroyed, the~' form true koilo- the dissolution of a quartz grain.
alteromorphs whose 1'()IUlllE' and
shape closely correspond to the
original volume Jlld shape or the
grains that dbaIJ[1eared. The pho-
tomicrograph shows, in its central
part. a partially dissoh'ed grain or
guartz_ Ca\-ernous residues arc scat-
tered within a large residual pore
whose volume and sh::Jpe corre-
spond to those of the ol'iginal grain
before it was dissolved_ If a quartz
215
HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS
aggregate of
quart? is partly weathered by
congruent di.~,olution along irregu-
lar cracks and patches: empty open
dissolution-induced pores are
f'ormed, either withln the quartz
grains or along the intergranuJar
boundaries. The occurrence of sev-
eral distinct component quartz
grains is attested to hy the fact that
U1CV do not exhiblt the same inter-
I
fercIJce-colors in XPL. The dissolu-
tion-induced pores are efficiently
fillet.! hy rdati"ely coarse crystals of
gibbsite of alluchthonous origin;
these do not occupy <Ill tJw al'ail<lbk
volume of the residual pores. The
alignment of the gibbsite crystals in
the fractures and cracks does not
216
278
GRANITIC ROCK
Locality: unknown
Sampled in Brazil
by A. Melfi
Cumulo-koilo-
alreromorph after
quartz grains
Objective: x 2.5
XPL
10
0.0 mm
IClrm true continuous septa; the ings by allochthonous gibbsite, the
crystals exhibit a random optical dissolution of the polycrystalline
orientatiun. Where gibbsit.e LT)'stals quartz assemblage would have pro-
form infillings or more extended moted the formation of a koilo-
areas I as in 13-C 3, they exhibi t a alteromorph. The occurrence of
glomeromorphic texture of joined these inflllings will make this altero-
but randum..!;' oriented crystals. The mOl'ph a cumulo-(koilo)-altero-
cl iffe rence Get "'een pr imar)' morrh once ajj domains of residual
autochthonous and secondary qU<lrl7 have disappeured.
allochtJlOnous minerals is crth3J1Ccd,
in the photomicrograph, I>y the fact
thJt the thin section is slightly
thicker than usual, which leads to
higher interference-colors for the
gibbsite crystals. They appear as yel-
10\\ ish domai.m, whereas the origi-
nal quartz cores have maintained.
their first-order grey intcrference-
colors in XPL. Without these in1'l1l-
ATLAI Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINE.flAL ALTERATION AND WEATl-IE.RING
 HOLQ-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS

279,280
BAUXITIC PROFILE
developed on granite
Siago:Lohoin, Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.4 m
Sampled by B. Bou/ange

Cumulo-koilo-
alteromorph
after quartz

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

OJ

0.2

0.1

~ 0.0 mm

I I' 11 ~ is strong Iv
T
! ,
affected bvl conditions of fcn'al-
litic and baux.itic weathering: tJle
plagioclasc and orthocJase are con-
verted into gibbsite-bearing glom-
ero-septo-altcromorphs, and the
quartz grains are partly dissolved,
lea\ing residual empty pores. The
weathered horizon is then subjected
to illuviation of allochthonous
materials coming from tlw upper
part of tile profue. The quartz grains
are fractured and partly dissolved;
empty CTacks and dissolution pores
surround smoothl), shaped G1V-
ernous residues. The photomiCTo-
graph.s show how a partly dissolved
grain or quart!- is filled up progn:,-
sivel) JS it is dissolved; a peripheral
rim is formed, and crystals 01" gibbs-
ite are aligned around the intemli-
neral boundaries and along the
First-formed fractures. After this
First step of in.fiLling by gibbsite, tile
progressive dissolution or the
quartz leaves more and more empt}'
peripheral dissolution -induced
pore.". The rore sl)Jce betVi'Ccn thc
quartz residues and the first-formed
gibbsite rims then is inlllled by iron-
rich aJlochthonous material. Inn 11-
ings can alternate or can be incom-
plete or C'xternJl1;' distributed, A
second generation of gibbsite
deposits is observed ill some rnOI'e
recently formed residual pores. The
shapes of the concentric rims of
gibbsite seem to be related to the
successive shapes of the dissolved
q uart7. grain.

PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
217
HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS
~. B c
ill us-
trate another example of a
quartz grain that has heen partly
dissolved, and whose residual
eml)t} I)ores have becn progres-
si\(:ly inl'i1leJ by allochthol1ous
material as the volume of the resid-
ual cores rlccrcased. Thin rims and
alignments of small crystals of
oibbsitc disc> are observed around
b
the altcromorph, as in the pre\-iolls
218
o
281,282
BAUXITIC PROFILE
developed on granite
Siagozohoin. Lakota.
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.8 m
Sampled by B. Boulange
Cumulo-koilo-
alteromorph
after quartz
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL
~
0.3
~ 0.2
- 0.1
0.00101
f)hotomicrographs, but in this case., rial, and the distribution or more
thc inhlling material is mainly com- recently formed Pcril)heral pores,
posed of iron-rich secondary mater- immediately adjacent to the quartz
i,ll. The round ish cavernous re,jelues residues; these pores are not yC't
of quartz are lughly fracrured, and inlllled by the itJlochthonous
the irregular network of internal material.
cracks is also intilled by the brown-
coJored secondary allochthonous
materi'll. nIl' photograph taken in
XPL shows the compactness and the
asepic* fabric (If the iron-rich mate-
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAl ALTERAnON AND WEATHERING
 HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS

283,284
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.4 m
KOilo-alteromorph
after apatite
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

- 0.2

0.1

:.... 0.0 mm

,JII , I
A formjng mjnerals, apatite and
calcite are certainl\' the best exam-
ples to illustrate the beha\'iar of
\'en- soluble minerals and the for-
matjon or residual koi\o-altero-
morphs. But the presence of
ephemeral residues in the area pho-
tographed is necessary for a better
understanding of the weathering
process and the mineralogical evo-
lution ol" the alreromorph. The pho-
tomicrographs sbow relatin:ly small
crystals of apatite that are panjally
weathered. rrregu lar residual frag-
ments are temporarily maintained a rim external to the original sur-
within large pores, whose outlines
ol)\iousl~' correspond to the uut-
face of the apatite crystals. Once
completely weathered, u,e final
lines of the original crystal. lllin alteromorph will be a true koi]o-
cJefJosits of iron-rich compounds alteromorph whose mineralogical
form a thin rim arouncJ the koiJo- origin carmot be decJuced from any-
alteromorph. The iron does not thing but their size, shape and cJistTi-
originate From the apatite, which is bution, in contrast to less wcatherecl
iron-free, but from the intennineral samples.
ac/ueaus solutions \\'hich, in contact
with the phosphate- and c.1lcium-
rich en\'irorunent or the \\'earheTing
apatite, precipitate part of their iron
COntent. The rim has an aJJogenetic
origin; it is probably mostly fL.\:ecl as

PMT 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
219
HOLO-, KOILO-ALTEROMORPHS
rrll I I ,
PPl, shows the cnd-product of
,in
weathering of an apatite-rich car-
bonatite. Grains of ankerite have
been dissolved. gi,·ing rist::· to large
kOilo-alteromorphs, but their 10\\·
content of iron has led to the for-
mation of a dark bn1\\n rim around
most of tne koi lo-alteromorphs. The
high concentration of apatite of the
original rock has allowed the ol-igi-
nal texture to be maintained in the
completely weathered rock, and has
promoted the later crystallization of
a second generatiun of apatite
220
185,186
APATITE-RICH
CARBONATITE
Juquia. SP, Brazil
Sampled in a quarry
by R. Flicoteaux
Cumulo-koilo-
alteromorph
after ankerite
Objective: X 4
PPL and XPL
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0 mm
,vit.hin the koilo-altC'romorphs. The
lower photomicrograph, in .KPL,
enee of' these tlrst and second gen-
erations of apatite crystab has
shows the residual, less weathered allowed the isalteritic character of
crystals 01' partly recrystallized the completely weathered rock to
apatite (A 1, E3), whose glomcro- be maintained. The second genera-
alteromorphs exhibit sizes and tion of apatite crystals has an extra-
shapes comlJarable to those of the alteromorphic origin; the koilo-
koilo-alteromorphs after ankerite aJteromorphs that host them are
(13-C3). The se,·onclary alJatite cumulo-koilo-alterolnorphs.
forms needle-shaped crystals,
mostly arranged according to a
radial texture; these arc fixed on the
residual ferruginous rims, whose
slenderness and brittleness arc con-
siderably incrcast,d. Only the l)rc5-
ATlAS Of MICRO~10RPHOLOGYOf MINERAL AU1:RATION AND WEATHERING
loporo ,. -Q I tcrom rp h .'i
"P oro"-alteromorphs (from the Greek
TIOPOL = pores) form a group of alteromorphs
transitional between the twO extreme cases
described above. in which the ratio of discernible
voids is importam compared ro the volume of
newly formed minerals with which these voids
are genetically associated (Fig. 22). In practice. this
general term is not ro be used as a single term.
but it is proposed only for the introduction of the
next items. "Poro"-alteromorphs are porous or
pore-bearing alteromorphs: they are not emities
that result from the infilling of a pre-existing
external pore. nor entities that exhibit the shape
and size of a pore.
PRIMARY MINERAL ·POAO"·Al,TEROMQA,PH
FIGUIU 22. Relarionsllip of a "poro"-"Jrerolllorph 10
primary mint'rJ!.
The voids observed within the alteromorph must
be gt'nctically cOlU1ected with the secondary matl'r;al
of the alteromorph, TIlerefore. this newly coined term
calmot be used to describe entities that result from the
infilling of a pre-existing void (\'esicle in a basaltic
rock, miarolitic cal'ity) or of a mor(' recently formed
pore (e.g., pedotubule, channel, of pedological or bio-
logical origin). In order to a\'oid any confusion, the
term poro-oheronlOrph is never used; the term "poro"-
altewmorph. with the prefix "parol> in quotation marks
.md without additional prefix, can be usecl to convey a
more general meaning.
"Poro"-alteromorphs constitute the main group
among the aJteromorpbs because most primary miner-
als, whatever the process of weathering, c1evelop inti-
mate associations of secondary product., and re$idual
voids . .i\t constant volume, the alteroplasmas and resid-
lIal \'oid~ are complementariJy proportioned and dis-
tTibuted.
Depending on the complementary proportions of
tbe solid phase and. included voids. "poro"-aJtero-
morphs can be described (and new terms can be intr... -
3 : ALTEROMORPHS
PART
due-cd) either according to (a) the pattern of voids. if
these are few or small, ;md if they exhibit a character-
istic pattern of cUstribution within all important con-
tinuous solid phase, or (b) the pattern of the solid
phase. if its \'olume is smaller than that of the \'oic!s,
and if the solid phase is the one that exhibits the char-
acteristic pattern.
Pc I ,VOLUM.E,
CRITERIOJ I
111(' term "pol'O"'alteromorph pertains to a group
of porous alteromorphs. It cannot be used as a single
term. and it must necessarily be preceded by a prefIx
that describes the main featw'cs of the pores, their
number, their shapes, their distribution and their sl)a·
tial relationships with the solid phase (Fig:. 23). Several
specific "poro"-aJteromorphs can be distinguished.
A/\ eoporo-alteromorph
Atveoporo-alteromorPhs (from the latin alveolus
= cell, small caVity) are characterized by the
occurrence of irregular pores that are distinctly
discernible at the scale of the microscope. and
a grain of J whose rotal volume is considerably smaller than
that of the a/teroplasma.The pores correspond to
inner volumes. and they are invariably surrounded
by the alreroplasma (Fig. 24).
The volume of the discernible pores is smaller
than that of the solid phase; commonly, the alveolar
pores are randomly distributed, and they exhibit
uneven shape~ (e'8" lenticular, elliptical, denticulate,
amoeboid). They are located within an abundant and
continuous alteroplasm3 whose texrure and crys-
tallinity may be homogeneous or not. ArolUlcl the alve-
olar pores, a rim of CT)'stalliplasma* cOlllmonly is
formed. B:\' the size and, in some cases, the orient.ltion
of its constiruents, the rim cont"rasts sharply \\;th the
more uniform habit of the micro- or cr),'PtocrystaIJine
part~ of the altcromorph (Fig. 24).
AJ\'t~aporo-alteromorph" generally result from the
weathering, under conditions of moderate leaching, of
unc1eaved and unl'racrured minerals. The importance
of the total volume uf the pores is proportional to the
quantity of dissoh-ed and leached elements, which thus
are not incoq)oratcd into the crystal structure of the
secondar~' minerals. In general, these po((>s represent
221
 ·PORO"-ALTEROMORPH

PLANAR PARALLEL IRREGULAR ALVEOLAR THREE·DIMENSIONAL NETWORK

ORIENTED RANDOM RETICULATE

t t t

PHYLLOPORO-ALTEROMORPH ALVEOPORO-ALTEROMORPH RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPH

I
+
I
ALVEOLAR CENTRAL

CENTROPORO-AlTEROMORPH

FIGURe 23. Ddinitiull" ,)( alkrolllfwpbs on lfw. hasis uf m.iao-

t,-,tural criteria: the classification ()( the nporon_alrcroDlorphs
aL-cording to the disnibution l)r voids.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEliAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

222

PAIMAFlY MINERAL AI- VEOPORQ-Al TE AOMOAPH
FIGlIllt: 2+. RdJriollsl-up or an a!l-coporo-alt,'roll1orph
or il pl-jm"rv miner.l.
the final stage of ("volution of perinuclcar* and int<:r-
plasma - mineral* pores developed in panly weath-
ered minerals_ The\' arc located at the sites from which
the last remnants llf the residue have disappeared.
Where not disturbed b~- external processes, this
internal pore-space is generallv not connected to
external pores. /\s a result, it is rarely inllll~d by later
deposits of allochthonOllS origin.
Follo\\-ing the numher of distinct internal pores,
the alveoporo-alteromorphs can be divided into mono-
ail'co-, aliBo-alreo- and po~y-ah-eoporo-(Jlrcrom(lfph.,
(respectively, from the Greek I-l-ovo!;; one, alone. =
o/\vyov =few, and 00/\ Vs =
many, several)_
This intramineral porosity may also result I'T om
later alteration of a (non-porous) holo-altcromOl-ph,
whose alteroplasma itself is modilled by irregulal'
degndation and incomplete dissolution of its mineral
constituents. In this case, the a~pect (calor, micro-
porosity, crystaL! ini ty and orientation) of the sUITotUld-
ing part uf the altcroplasma, around the alveolar pore"
may differ greatly Crom the llriginal a~peLt of the fJr~t·
formed alteroplasma. They arc mera-all'coporo-alrcro-
morphs (from the Greek I-l-ETO'. =
after, laner), if J
genetic concept is added to the murphological de_m-ip-
tion (sce belo\y).
r\lvcoporo-altcromorphs may be genetical I)' very
different, even \yhere the~' exhibit very similar pat-
terns, and where the clear distinction between them is
not a.lways ob\ious. If the aheolar pores are directly
formed during the weathering of the primary mineral.
and if all the secondary products belong to this ilrst
generation, the alteromorph is an orLho-alrcoporo-altero-
morph_ If the alveolar pores are deriw:d from the late
partial Jegradation or dissolution of the Ilrst-formed
secondary I)wducts, the alteromorph is termerl a para·
alreoporo-alteromorph. It is obvious that this case can
occur only where the t1rst-lormed sec()ndar~' producb
are themsel\'(,s weatherable (smectitic secondary prod-
ucts. for example). The inner fringes of the new]y
formed alveolar pores commonly are rimmed by iron-
rich secondary products or by other highly contrasting
materials of a second generation.
PART 3 : ALTER-OMORPHI
Centroporo-a/rt?l"Omorp!ls
CenuoporO-Olteromorphs (from the Latin cen-
trum = center. middle) are characteriz.ed by the
occurrence of a single large pore. located in the
tu a grain central part of the alteromorph. completely sur-
rounded by a continuous rim of alteroplasma.
which is generally formed by peripheral cen-
tripetal weathering of a homogeneous primary
mineral. Its location within the alteromorph and
its shape are generally determined by the position
and shape of the last residual core before its com-
plete disappearance, whereas its size is generally
determined by the relative proportions of soluble
and insoluble elements contained in the parent
mineral.
This is the t\lJical caS{' of a mono-ahcoporo-
alteromorph. This particular ryp'" of internal porosity
is common in alteromorph_~ rleveloped by weathering
uf small, unclea\"(~d and unfracturcd gra.i.ns or primary
minerals. TI1('" residual wlume of the primary mineral
progressively decreases b~' periph~ral centripetal
weathering. Simultaneously. the thickness of the rim or
alteroplasma and that of the perinuclear void both
increase. The chemical elements that do not enter the
mineralogical makeup of the altemlJ!asma are leached
out, and their removal is responsible for the main part
or the residual POfT_ The chemical elements that make
up the Illincrals of the altt'roplasma must be trans-
ferred rrom the surface of the rcnmant to the sur-
rounding rim through the inter-plasma - mineral void.
Where the leaching and re:mo\-al of the chemical con-
stituents are \'er~' important, the \'olume of the resid-
ual products ma~' be vcry small. ;\ continuous thin HIm
of secondarv products is de\'elllpccl along the internal
sw-face of the alteromorl)h_ That particular pattern of
distribution makes the alteromorph vcry similar to a
koilu-a.l terommph_
The external outline of the rim on the altero-
rJ!asrna generally follows intennincral boundaries. Its
pattern is Simple, more or less polyhedral, and linear_
In conlTast, its internal outline may be either smooth
ami regular, which gives a rim of constant thickness, or
irregular and denticulate, which gh'es, at least in detail.
a rim of' irregular thickness.
Small grains of pyroxene and amphibole.
where completely weathered. commonly exhibit
such a pactern. with a denticulate central pore.
223
 Indeed, at the beginning of weathering, when the
alteroplasma is still in contact with the primary
mineral from which it developed, the direction
along which weathering preferentially develops, as
well as the alignment and orientation of the sec-
ondary minerals, are strongly influenced by some
crystallographic directions of the primary min-
eral. The central primary I'esidue exhibits a finely
denticulate outline in one direction, against which
the first-formed secondary particles were tightly
molded. The empty perinuclear void, which devel-
ops later and which is progressively widened,
maintains the particular pattern of denticulation
until the remnant of residue has disappeared. It is
possible to recognize the original optical orienta-
tion of the primary mineral by observing the ori-
enu1tion of the inherited denticulation and, in
addition, the common crystallographic orienta-
tion of all the secondary particles that compose
the alteroplasma.
Centroporn-altcromorph, an: particularly com-
mon in mcdiwn- amI Fine-grained rocks that are
we2lthered under conditions of eFficient leaching.
Where the weathe-rable minerals are abundant i.n the
rock and \-"here they contain small quantities of insol-
uhle elements (such a.., in torsterite, diopside, enstatite,
trcmolite), the central pore may be volwninous rela-
tive to the thickness of the peripheral rim or secondary
mjnerals. Their alterites are H>ry porous. and may ha\'e
a low densit), (::0; glcm 1).
Coarse C1-ystals (e.g., phenocrysts, porphyroblasts)
weather more slowly than smaller oncs; as a result,
their residues C-;ln persist for a longer time in the
wcathered profile. During the hrst stage of weather-
ing, at the lowest level of the profile, where conditions
of restricted drainage prevail, these crystals may he
parcly replaced by a tllin rim and internal ribbuns of
smectitic clay along their iI1l1er Fractures and dea\·ages.
Without any modification of the drainage conditions,
the coarse residue'S would weather to a homogeneous
holo-alteromorph or to a phyllo-poro-alteromorph,
whose secondar)' product would consist of a homoge-
neous smectite-group mineral.
In contrast, ,It the higher levels of the profile, the
c()nJition~ of weathering are different, and the
prQcesses of leaching a.re more extreme, The residues,
until then preserved, are no longer ",'cathered to a
smectitic clay, but directly to iron oxyhydroxides or
even to a residual empty pore. In the first case, the
iron-rich compoW1ds cf\'stallizc as an internal rim
against the First,formed rim of smectite, leaVing a
residual central pore. In ule second casc, an alveolar
ernl)t)· pore is formed directly, w'ithout a new gene-ra-
tion uf secondary products. In both cases, a centro-
224
poro-alteromorph is formed. The first is a two-phase
(smectite-brroup mineraJ + iron oxyhydtoxides) ceo-
troporo-alteromorph, whereas the second onc is a nor-
mal single-phase (smectite-group mineral only)
centroporo-a.lteromOl-ph (sec below for the definition
of the Single-phase and tv'l'o-phase alteromorphs). Since
the iron oxyhydroxides are formed by weathering or
the primary residucs and not hy later degradation of
the nrst-formed secondary products, these altl'ro-
nwrphs art' onho-ccm roporo-alLeromorphs.
More commonly, the l'oarsc-grained pl'iIll3),)'
cryst<Jls are crossed by tTans\'crse fissures that deter-
mine the isolation of se\'eral remnants and, conse-
quently, of several ah"eolar pores (oIi8o-alveoporo- or
P0 0'- a/l'euporo-alceromorphs) , Each of these alveolar
pores may be later rimmed by iron oxyhyclrox.ide. pro-
duced either by the weaulering of the last primary
remnants (onho-alc:eroJDvrphs) or by concomitant degra-
daUon of the nrst-formed secondary products (pora-
alceromorphs) .
The central pore, well protected by a continuous
rim of alteropla.S1J1J, is generally closed and wi.thout
con.nection to the external macrol)ore-space as long as
it is not disturbed by e."temal physical or chemical
processes.
P/~rlJop ro-ulteromo"ph'
Phyl/OPOro-alteromorPhs (from the Greek
cj>VAAOV = sheet) are characterized by a regular
distribution of elongate. planar or thinly lenticular
and parallel pores whose volume is somewhat
smaller than that of the solid phase. The pores
may be continuous or discontinuous, a.nd are par-
allel to one of the axes of the alteromorph. Their
direction is generally inherited from the primary
mineral where it is a mica, whose perfect cleavage
is the determining factor, or from crystallographic
orientation where the primary mineral is a ferro-
magnesian phase; in this case. its structure deter-
mines the orientation of the porous aggregate of
secondary phyllosilicates (Fig. 25).
This particular typ" of layered microtexture is
common in alteromorphs that develop by weathering
of micaceous primary minerals, which djrectly deter-
mine the distribution and orientation of the secondar\'
products. The microtexturc also may arise by weather-
ing of oilier pri.mary minerals, such as pyroxenes and
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

Pf!lMMW MINeRAL F'li"YLLOPOAO·ALTEROMORFH
FIGURE 25. Relationship or a pnyllol)oro-altcrnrnnrph to a grain
of a prlrnary mineral.
amphibolcs, to alteronlOrphs in which '>vell-oriented
l1akes of a smeetitic clay are the main constituenb.
Either the primary mineral or the secondary mineral
can be resl)onsiblc for the orientation of the phyllo-
pores.
An example of the first case is provided by
the weathering of biotite or phlogopite to smec-
tite- or kaolinite-rich alteromorphs.The sheets of
the secondary silicate are well oriented parallel to
the sheets of the primary mineral, even where
weathering has promoted a mesomorphous or a
katamorphous transformation. The pore-space
thus opened commonly is developed by the sepa-
ration of thick layers of primary or secondary
sheets under the influence of internal stresses
during the formation of an expanded altero-
morph, or under the influence of a later swelling
of the secondary clay by hydration.
An example of the second case is provided
by the weathering of a pyroxene. Under condi-
tions of restricted drainage, an alteromorph com-
posed of a smectite-group mineral will consist of
particles strongly oriented parallel to the Z axis of
the primary mineraL The resulting phylloporo-
alteromorph is regularly textured, and the inter-
layered pore-space, which is much thinner than in
the previous example, is strongly Niented, con-
tinuous and parallel.
In both examples, the porosity along interlayers
may be connected with the nearby intermineral pore-
space and with fissures and fractures commonly devel-
oped a.round the meso- and kata-alteromorphs. The
intnmineral [)Ofosity can easily be tilled by products of
later crysta.llization or b)' deposits 01" allochthonous
origin. Crystallization of bands of gibbsite, kaolinite.
calcite or guartz is common in the phyl1oporo-altero-
morphs derived from the alteration or weathering of
micaceous minerals.
The distinction between generations of
kaolinite, for example, commonly is easy The
sheets of kaolinite formed by weathering of pri-
mary biotite are parallel to its foliation. whereas
the sheets of the infilling kaolinite have a tendency
to crystallize perpendicular to the sheets of the
PART] : ALTEROMORPHS
mica. This is also the case for the crystals of
quaru. or even of gibbslte. of allochthonous
origin_
The_~e compound alteromorphs are wmulo-phyIIo-
pOJo-aIceromorphs (see below).
Infillings of lenticular pores by quartz, calcite
or even titanite have also been recorded in phyl-
loporo-alteromorphs derived from the hypogene
alteration of micaceous minerals.They also can be
classified as cumulo-phylloporo-alteromorphs_
Where observed in a plane parallel to the layer-
ing of the mica, these lenticular infillings of quaJLz
or calcite may appear as circular or elliptical bod-
ies, whose constituent crystals in some cases
exhibit a radial distribution.
Deposits of autochthonous ongm can also occur
within t.he phyllo-pores. These secondary products are
dcri\'ed from the primary mineral itseU", but consist of
chemical elements that ha\-e not entered the structure
of the main secondary product. Needles of sagcnitic
rutile or micropartic\es of iron oxyhydruxide com-
monly occur as thin deposits regularly distrihuted
within the phyllo-pores or \'ermiculite or kaolinite
alteromorphs after a Fe- and Ti-bearing mineral like
biotite.
This kind of porosit}· can also result from the ani-
tJcial shrinkage of a foliated secondary phase during the
preparation of the thin section. Obviously, this artifi-
cially created 110re-space is in\'ariably empty ami, nor-
mally, it does not contain allochthonous material. Note
that artificial deposits of abrasive material may he
present.
ReLipol"u-aJreromorph!>
RetiPoro-alteromorPhs (from the Latin reticulum
= network) are alteromorphs in which voids are
distributed according to a three-dimensional net-
work of planar open fractures that cross in sub-
orthogonal directions. These fractures exhibit a
constant or hierarchical thickness, and divide the
solid phase into isolated polyhedral volumes of
comparable shapes and sizes (Fig. 26).
This particular texture is not common, hut it can
occur under specific conditions of weathering. It seems
to be the result of the natural dehydration, shrinkage
and subdivision of an originally continuous and homo-
geneous h)'dratcd solid phase_ The more strongly
225

PRIMARY MINf:RAl RmpORe-At TrnOMORPH
FIGURE 26. Rcbtiomhip or J rctipurn-Jlteromorph 10 J
a primary mineraL
dehydrated tbe solid phase, the more numerous and
the smaller the polyhedral volumes. New gcneraLiolls
of open fractures cut the pre-c-xistillg volumes,
whereas the Grst-formed empty fractures are progres-
sively widened. This phenomenon of successive subdi-
\'isiol1 leads to a hierarchizatioll of the thickness of the
fractures, and aCCOlults for the regulal-it)' in their dis-
tribution. COl1$eguentJy, the density of the netyvork of
fractures, and thus the size of the solid volumes, may
exhibit more or less concentric variations. The outer
IJart of the alteromorph is more dehydrated and, as a
result, morc strongly miCTodi\idecl than iLs ce.ntTaI part.
This case is common in polyphase altero-
morphs (see below) formed at the expense of
plagioclase and nepheline. These minerals may be
replaced. during the first stage of their weather-
ing. by a homogeneous. continuous. highly
hydrated. isotropic. amorphous phase. It later
becomes divided into isolated polyhedral volumes
by the formation and development of a reticular
polygonal network of shrinkage-induced fissures.
During a later stage of weathering. the solid phase
is progressively replaced either by kaolinite or by
gibbsite microcrystals. or even by alveolar pores.
whereas the reticular network of pores may be
left empty or may be infilled by allochthonous
deposits.
The retiporo-alterollJorph thus is an ephemeral
kind of alteromorph (qraduaJ po0"phase alceromorph). It
is later replaced by a more common type of altero-
morph, such as a glomero-alteromorph or a septo-
aJteromorph (see below, Figs. +1, 42).
Tbese reticular structw'cs arc easily filled by
allochthol1ous material derived from the neighboring
vveatbered minerals or from a higher horizon. These
226
inJilling materials may thus be the same as the
autochthonous secondary minerals. The i.dentification
and description of the resulting complex textures and
of the chronology in their development are not always
easy.
THE COMPLEX PATTERN OF WEATHERING
OF NEPHElINE
grain uf
In the case of the weathering of nepheline.
for example. the empty reticular network that
develops in the isotropic. amorphous. secondary
material is progressively infilled by regular align-
ments of allochthonous microcrysrals of gibbsite.
Each volume of the isotropic solid phase may per-
sist for a long time before also being replaced by
autochthonous microcrystals of gibbsite. which
develop peripherally at the expense of each
volume of the isotropic phase. At the end of the
weathering stage, the first-formed retiporo-
alteromorph Is replaced by a gibbsite-rich poly-
genetiC g/omero-septo-a/!eromorph. The septa
consist of the first generation of allochthonous
gibbsite, whereas all the inner polyhedral volumes
are replaced by a second generation of aggre-
gated autochthonous crystals of gibbslte, formed
by peripheral evolution of the isotropic phase.
which regularly surrounds a central alveolar resid-
ual pore. The complex alteromorph results from
the superposition of three successive processes:
(I) a retiporo-alteromorph is formed. which (2)
later is filled by allochthonous material (it is con-
verted to a cumulo-retiporo-alteromorph); the
geochemical evolution of the isotropic material
(3) finally gives rise to a very complex cumulo-
a/veo-retiporo- alteromorph.
Similar "retiporous" textures can be pro-
duced by the late evolution of vesicles and glass in
a basaltic rock. A somewhat similar texture also
can be observed in the nucleus of ferruginous or
bauxitic nodules (see below). which can become
divided according to radially oriented and con-
centrically distributed patterns of shrinkage-
induced fissures.
Note that the reticulate texture can also develop
by artificial shri.nkage ofhyJrated material as a result or
exaggerated desiccation of the weathered sample
during tile preparation of' the thin section.
An.A5 OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATrlERING

A c
287
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 6.4 m
Alveoporo-
alteromorph
after c1inopyroxene
Objective; x 6.3
XPL
0.3
1
0.2
~ 0.1
0.0 mm
.
I of the profile,
I
I
uDder conditions of restricted
drainage, several randomly oriented
crystals of c1inopyroxene have been
completely weathered, peripherally
and centripetally, to well-oriented
packets of clay. Each aJteromorph
exhibits its own orientation accord-
ing to that of the Z axis of the pre-
cursor grain, During most 01' the
weathering process, the p:Toxene
has been directly weathered to
saponite without the fOl'mation of
residual pores between the sec-
ondary product and the residual
cores of pyToxene. The n.:trrow
interlayer pores are typical of phyl-
loporo-alteromorphs, as v'vill be
shown in photomicrographs 292
and 293. At the enJ of the weather-
ing process, under conditions of less
restricted drainage, the residues of
p)TOXene have beeD dissolved, with-
out producing anything but irregu-
PART 3 ; ALTEROMORPHS
ALVEOPORO-, PHYLLOPORO-, RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPHS
lar residual pores, which gives COOl,
plex alveo-phylloporo-altero-
morphs. Although all residual cores
have completely disappeared during
this last step of weathering, the ori-
entation of the secondary products
allows the original boundaries of
tlle primary mineral to be easily
recognized, and the optical orienta-
tion of the grains to be easily
deduced. In contrast, without
knowing the natW'e of the original
rock from studies of neighboring
thin sections, it is not possible to
determine the nature of the original
p)'Toxene. Both orthopyroxene and
clinopyroxenc give "vay, once
weathered, ro alteromorphs whose
secondary products are oriented
parallel to me Z axis of tlle primar,"
mineral. The orthopyroxene iD
these rocks is generally prismatic
and coarse-grained. Consequently,
alteromorphs aFter ortJlopyroxene
o
clearly show the traces or the frac,
turi.ng of the mineral and of the
early-formed banded textures that
have resulted. Note tllat the alveolar
pores are situated in the cenh'al part
of the alterornorphs, and that tlley
have an irregular shape and sh.e.
Their \o\"alls are denticuJate, in a sim-
ilar way as were the denticulate
remnants before their djsappear-
mct'. Iron oxide or hydroxiJe has
not been formed during the last
step of the weathering of the
resielues; they wouJd be expected
where the residucs are subjected to
more oxidil.ing conditions (sec next
pbotomicrographs) .
227
ALVEOPORO-, PHYLLOPORO-. RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPHS
I I I .. illus-
trate a case of clinopjToxene
weathering that i~ very similar' to
the previous onc. The first step of
weathering corresponds to the for·
mation of a partly developeu ph)'lIo.
alteromorph, whosl" secondary
pruducts are well molded against
the residues of p~Tuxene, "vithout
perinuclear pores. The secondary
prouucts are well oriented parallel
to the I axis of the primary mineral
With increasing intensity of weath-
ering, rJle r)~TOXCne residuC's are
then dissolved, without the forma-
228
188,289
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.8 m
Alveoporo-
alteromorph
after c1inopyroxene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
0.1
0.0 mm
tion of a smeetitic secondary pro(l- later-formed iron oxyhydroxjdes}
liet, as in the predotls case. The call Gc considered as a polyphase
more oxidizing condit.ions found in altcromorph (sec later). Note the
the upper horizons lead to the pre· irregularities of the pores, the dis·
cipitation of iron ox yhydroxides, appearance of most of their dentic-
md to the development of quasi- ulate border, and the graJual
coatings* of colorcd material d.ue to coloration of the smcetite from the
influx 0(' iron and stajning on the walls of the- pores inward.
inner parts of the secondary prud-
ucts, whose coloration increases
progressively as the residues are ills·
solved. The resulting alveoporo-
alteromorph, which is composed of
two cliA-ercnt secondary products
(tlle c-al'ly-I'r.lrmeJ smec:tite and me
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOlOGY OF MINERAl ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 ALVEOPORO-, PHYLLOPORO-, RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPHS

290,291
CLlNOPYROXfNITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.8 m
Alveoporo-
alteromorph
after c1inopyroxene
Objective: X I 0
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

T. is I'cry similar to
the previous on~, but the
alteromorph is cur perpcnclicubr to
the Z axis or
thc clinopyroxene, not
parallel to it. Both sets or perpen-
dicuLlr deal'ages arc normally
obserl'able in such a section. Since it
is only developed acconfutg to a
direction parallel to the Z axis aoci
not along the clcal'age planes or the
primar~; mineral, t.he dentiC1.lJation
of the res.idual core:, of dinopyrox-
lOne and of its seconcJary products is
largely obscured in such a section.
Traces or these cleavages can be dis-
tinguishcd within the secondary
products. Alveolar pores arc numer-
ous and randomly distributed. The)'
correspond to numerous and very
small residues that hal'e disappearcc!
by dissolution after the Form'ltion of
the smectitic m:lterial and during
the cJel'elopment of' the aureolar
coloration or the pores h~' perme-
ation of the iron compounds. Nute
that e\'cn in a such section. the
sllleetitic secondary products
appear JS well-oriented particles
throughollt the aJteromorph. In a
dun sectiun that would be C\.lt
accord.ing to a NE-SW di.rection, in
this alterolTIorph, the orientation of
the lavcrs (If smeL·titL' and its maxi-
mum interference-colors would be
clearly observed, whereas in a cu t
parallel tn the layering (NW -SE),
the layered texture of t.he secondary
11roduet lIould disappear, its inter-
ference-coJors, in XPL, would be
v<?.ry lo\\', and the alteromorph
would appear as nearly at extinction.

PART 3: ALTEllOMORPHS
229
ALVEOPORO-, PHYUOPORO-, RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPHS
" I I I I"of clinop)Toxene
I.
ha\'e been completely weathered
to a smectitic clay mineral of
saponitic composition. No primary
residues are present in the altero-
morph, whose intel-nal texture cor-
responds to that of a regular
phylloporo-alterornorph. The thin
regular pore-space is only distin-
gUishable at high magnification. The
regularity of the pores is mainly due
to the fact that all secondary parti-
cles are well oriented parallel to the
Z axis of the primary mineral. As a
230
result, each alteromorph exhibits its
own orientation of the secondary
products and of the interlayered
secondary pores. Some defects and
alveolar pores are observed i.n some
altcromorphs; they are due to the
late disappearance of the residual
remnants of primary fJ)Toxene and
to early-formed transverse frac-
tUl-es. This kind of phylloporo-
alterol11orph after clinopyroxene is
g enerallv observable only where the
J ,
primary crystals are not too coarse;
otherwise, the residual remnants of
ATLAS OF M,CROMOI\P!-IOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
292,293
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 8 m
Phylloporo-
alteromorphs
after c1inopyroxene
Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL
clinopyroxene are maintained high
up in the weathered profile, and
they are cHrectly weathered to iron-
rich secondary products, giving rise
to polyphase or polygenc:tic altero-
morphs. Here, the primary intersti-
tial phlogopite has been replaced by
ydlo\vish vermicu11te, wherea.< the
magnetite inclusions are not yet
weathered.
 ALVEOPORO-, PHYLLOPORO-, RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPHS

294
GRANITIC ROCK
BR 163. Brazil
Sampled by F. Soubies
Depth: unknown
Phylloporo-alteromorph
(meso-aJteromorph)
after mica
Objective: x I 0
PPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

295
BIOTITE-RICH
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 4.8 m
Phylloporo-alteromorph
(meso-alteromorph)
after mica

Objective: X
PPL
'0

The lower photomicl'ograph (to be si on of the iron-poor and weaker

T
ill 11 '111.1111', I)

(to be compared t.o photomi-
crographs 172, J73) shows the
typical pat.tern of a phyUoporo-
meso-alteromorph. Many pores sti'll
exhibit a biconvex lenticular shape,
whereas with more advanced leach-
ing of the iron-bearing compounds
in t.he internal part of the altero·
morph, the residual thick layers are.
microdivided. Thin dark brown
iron-rich layers are regularly inter-
layered with thin beige-colored lay-
ers of kaolinite_
compared vvith 174, 175) shows a
compa.rable but. inverse microtex-
tural pattern, vvhich is promoted by
a similar process. In this case, t.he
areas that have been the most iron-
enriched are the walls of' the previ-
ously formed transmineral fracture,
which crossed t.he biotite crvstal in a
)
direction perpendicular to the
sheets. ExpanSion is then restricted
to a handed surface U1<lt crosses per-
pendicularly ule sheets of the mjca.
This results in a moderate expan-
internal parts, whereas t.he iron-
rich and more resistant transverse
band is fractured. The remlting con-
Figuration is somewhat inverse to
that sho\\-Tl in the previous illustra-
tions: the residual expanded parts of
t.he mineral are elliptie<ll, whereas
t.he pores an; delimiled by a bicon-
cave outline.

PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
231
ALVEOPORO-, PHYLLOPORO-, RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPHS
A B
is completely
weathered to a n:llo\vish
isotropic material. This secondary
material is divided into se\'eral
pieces by an irregular network of
open intramineral fractures. These
fractures exhibit a somewhat llierar-
chical pattern, and their walls are
mainly accordant surfaces. Each
part of the divided secondary phase
is in turn irregularly lTossed by a
nur-ober of thin Fractures of se-conel
and thirel order. This successive Frac-
turing is due to a process 01' pro-
gressive dehydration of the isotropic
232
c
296,297
COARSE-GRAINED
AMPHI80LlTE
Southwestern
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.6 m
Retiporo-alteromorph
after feldspar
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
0.1
::.... 0.0 mm
material. Tbe reticulal" network of Some patches of crystallized mater-
pores generates a typical retiporo- ial appear within the retiporo-
altcromorpb. The yello~'ish color of altcromorph; they arc small
the secoodar~' product, in PPL, is crystallal'ia of gibbsite, which nor-
caused by pcrmeation of an iron- mally develop later at the expense
bearing solution from the neighbor- of the ephemeral and transitory
ing grillls of krromagnesian isotropic material. The sample was
minerals, mainly green hornblcnde, taken at the base of a profile show-
whose weathering is incipielJt, with ing ferrallitic weathering.
oxyhydroAides of iron pC'llctrating
into the nCt'-\'ork of intersecting
cleavages. The isotropic ch:lrJcter of
the secondary product after feldspar
is proven by observing the second
photomicrograph, taken ill XPL.
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 ALVEOPORO-, PHYLLOPORO-, RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPHS

298,299
COARSE-GRAINED
AMPHIBOLlTE
Southwestern Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 4.2 m

Retiporo-alteromorph
after plagioclase

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
0.3

;- 0.2

0,1

- 0,0",,,,

Ill. I "of feldspar has
been completely weathered to
an intermediate isotropic secondary
prodUCT in the lower horizon of a
ferrallitic profile. The rock is COIn·
posed of coarse-grained plagiodasc
and hornblende. Owing to the illf'·
ference of weatherability of the two
primary minerals, the plagiocla,e
call be complete I)' weathered.
whereas the hornblende still seems
practically unweathered. The occur·
rence of nwnerolls grains of com·
pletely weathered plagioclase gi\'cs
to th~, paruaJJy weathered rock a
crumbly texture, which is empha- na'! mio-otexture of these deposits
sized bv.. the network~ of closeJ". shows that most crystallites have
spaced fissures within their altem· grown pcrpenilicularly to the walls
morphs. As in the earlier photomi- of the fractures. Their deposition is
crographs, the isotropic material is a consequence of crystallization in
largely JTagm~nred by a hierarchical siw !Tom an ionic solmion. Very few
network of fissures and fractures, patches of gibbsite are obsen'ed
wh.ich gin's to the alteromorph a \vithin the isotropic material.
typical retiporo-alteromorphic pat-
tern. Some open transmineral !Tac-
tlU'~S are in,Rlled by mio-oLTystalLnc
material of allochthonous origjn
(deep yellow materiaJ in PPL). It
consists of a smectitic clay mineral.
A d~ta..iled obscn'ation of the inter-

PART 3 : A.LTEROMORPKS
233
ALVEOPORO~, PHYLLOPORO-, RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPHS

300,30.
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
Pedra Balao,
POt;OS de Caldas.
MG, Brazil
Depth: 0.6 m
Retiporo-alteromorph
after nepheline

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

_ 0,3

0.1

0.0 mm

T" f (luja\rrite) con·
tains prismatic or neeclle-
shaped crystals of aegil-jne,
equidimensional or euhedraJ coarse
crystals of nepheline, and large
areas of eudialyte as main con-
stituents associated with variable
amounts of arf\'edsonitic amphibole
and tabular or lath-shaped crystals
of orthoclase. As accessory miner-
als, rinkite ("mosandrite"J). astro-
phyllite, lamprophyllite and
complex. titanium and zirconium
silicate minerals are commonly
observed. The photom icrographs
show a completely weathered crys·
tal of nepheline that has been
replaced by an intermediate
isotropic material whose microte.x-
tural pattern is very similar to the
pre~iotlsly shown retiporo-altero-
morphs after feldspar. The altero-
morph is surrounded by large
crystals of eudialyte (AS, ES), by a
grain of orthadase (E I), and by
numerous external Luclusions of
needle-shaped aegLrine. Within the
alteromo'-ph, many sma.II unweath·
ered inclusions of pale bro\,,.·n
rinkite can be seen. The reticular
network of h.ierarchical Fractures
and fissures is particularly well
developed in this retiporo-altero-
morph. Note the occurrence of
smaU iITegular patches of' micro-
crystalLnc gibbsite along the con-
tact area \~th the orthoclase crystal
and within the alteromorph after
nepheline.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

234
 ALVEOPORO-, PHYLLOPORO-, RETlPORO-AlTEROMORPHS

302
NEPHELINE SYENITE
Pedra Balao.
Por;os de Caldas.
MG. Brazil
Depth: 0.5 m
Retiporo-alteromorph
after nepheline
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

''I illus- way, the alteromorph material is isotropic material will be, in turn,
T
.11 I" \ I

tJ"ates another particularly well-
developed example of a retiporo-
alteromorph formed at the expense
of a nephdine crystal that has been
completely weatllered to an inter-
mediate and ephemeral isotropic
secondary product. The pW'pose of
this photomicrograph is to show the
regularly distributed and randomly
oriented fractures and fissures in a
typical I)' welJ-hierarchized net-
work. The larger are the open frac-
tures, the ·older they are. In such a
successively divided in fraetaJ fash-
ion into smaller and smaller frag-
ments, which increases the bulk
porosity of tile weathered rock and
decreases its apparent denSity. Once
the weathered minerals ""ill come
into contact at the accumulation
front with tile aluminum-bearing
solutions derived from the upper
part of the proftle, the net-work of
pores of the retiporo-alteromorph
will be infilled by allochthonous
deposits of gibbsite, vvhereas the
dissolved in order to generate more
gibbsite in the ne;..:1: lower part of
the profile. This leaves a cellular
septo-alteromorph, wh.ich "''ill be
the negative picture of the previ-
ously formed retiporo-alteromorph
(see later, 430 and 431, for the
complete weathering of nepheline
to gibbsite).

PART 3; ALTER0l'10RPHS
235
ALVEOPORO-, PHYLLOPORO-, RETlPORO-ALTEROMORPHS
B c
) . .,. , illus-
I .)trate the special case of the
weathering of poorly crystalline and
amorphous materials. The first
example corresponds to the weath-
ering of cryptocrystalline basaltic
glass that is intt:'rstitial among pla-
gioclase phenocT)'srs, whereas the
second one illustrates tht:' weather-
ing of vesicular glass to brovvn-col-
ored palagonite. The basaltic glass
that surrounds the vesicles is not
very weathered; it exhibits an inter-
236
o
303
DIABASE
Ribeirao Preto,
SP, Brazil
Sampled at rock outcrop
Retiporo-alteromorph
after volcanic glass
Objective: x 4
PPL
06
0.4
0.2
- 0.0 mm
304
DIABASE
Ribeirao Preto,
SP, Brazil
Sampled at rock outcrop
Retiporo-alteromorph
after vesicular glass
Objective: x 6.3
PPL
r~
- O.Omm
nal textw-e composed of many fans place as more tbin fissures are
of very small di\'erging needles of formed. The pattern of the reticular
plagioclase set in a vitreous ground- network is better developed and
mass. These photomicrographs more regular in the case of vesicular
clearly show bow an isotropic basaltic glass, which is perfectly
hypocrystalline or amorphous isotropic and which does not con-
material is divided into many angu- tain any cryptocrystalline material.
lar volumes by the forrn,ltion of a
reticular network of llssures, which
progressively are widened as "veath-
ering progresses. Most open fissures
are hierarchized, the widening of
the first-formed fissures taking
ATLAS OF MICR-OMOR-PHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 which the. primary minerals were weathered and, on
G the other, the internal structural c1iscontinlLities of
these plimary minerals, along which the first-formed
secondary products may have been distributed. Some
The diso'iburion of the second.ary minerals in the
micromorphological features are thus directly inher-
alteroplasmas and in the crystalLiplasmas commonly
ited from speCific IC<ltures of the primary minerals.
exhibits a particular microtextw·c (Fig. 27). This tex-
nU'e reJlects, 011 the one hand, thc conditions under

"PORO"-ALTEROMORPH

ISOLATED CRYSTALS BANDED TEXTURE AGGLOMERATED CRYSTALS

INTERSTITIAL VOIDS IRREGULAR BOXWORKS CONNECTED VUGHS

l l l

BOTRYO-ALTEROMORPH IRREGULAR SEPTO·ALTEROMORPH GLOMERO-ALTEROMORPH

I I
+ +
I
ISOLATED UNITS BANDED TEXTURE
I
INTERSTliAL VOIDS REGULAR BOXWORKS

Irregular seplo-alleromorphs
mainly after fractured minerals
suchs as feldspars.

RegUlar septo-alleromorphs
mainly after cleaved minerals
such as pyroxenes
and amphiboles.
BOTRYO·ALTEROMORPH REGULAR SEPTO-ALTEROMORPH

FIGUH£ 27. Defmition' of aJterom(>rph, on the basis of rnicro-

textural criteria: the cla'Sifkatioli of the "poro".alterornorphs
according to the distribution of the solid pbas

PAR1 ) : ALHROMOP.PHS
237
 These microtextures are also porous; however, the
organization and distribution of the voids are not diag-
nostic, but they clearly appear only if they are consid-
ered as complementary features of the solid textures.
Only the solid volumes are to be discussed here. Con-
sequently, the prefrx "puro" is no longer necessarily
included in the newly coined terms used to describe
such alteromorphs.
Botryo-aJruomr. rrll.-
Botryo-a'teromOrpl1s (from the Greek (3ctTpv1;
grape. cluster) are characterized by an internal
structure consisting of homogeneously distrib-
uted and sized (sub)automorphic crystallites (or
clusters of crystallites) of secondary minerals.
which are stacked side by side. leaving among
them small interstitial interconnected voids mor·
phologically similar to packing voids* (Fig. 28).
PAIMARV MJ'~ERAi. BOTRYQ.ALrEROMORPH
FIGURE 28. Relationship of a botr),o.alteromorph to a grain or"
prima.!")' mineral.
The volwne of the interstitial voids may still be
important, because most crystallites tJlat compose the
alteromorph are isolated from each other by interstitial
interconnected voids. The crystal lites arc generally
comparable in size throughout the entire alteromorph,
although in the plane of the thin section (and as a rule
for all stacking structures in which each crystal is not
necessarily cut along its equatorial plane), some crys-
taUites may seem smaller and surrounded by wider
voids.
This microtexture commonly develops dur-
ing the weathering of small grains of iron-bearing
minerals such as olivine. pyroxene or garnet.
which form alteromorphs partly infilled with small
spherules of radiating needles of goethite. These
small spherules are generally closely spaced and in
mutual contact, and they delimit small triangular
interstitial voids (tetrahedral In three dimen-
sions), with curved sides. This texture can also
238
develop within the empty pores of septo-altero-
mor-phs. It also develops by weathering of grains
of feldspa" which. by evolution of an intermediate
phase of homogeneous amorphous material, gives
rise to isolated subhedral microcrystals of kaolin-
ite or glbbsite.These booklets of kaolinite and sin-
gle crystals of gibbsite are regularly distributed in
the alteromorph.They are clustered in such a way
as to have between them small polyhedral inter-
stitial "packing" voids.
The botryomorphic texture is highly porous, and
its internal pore-space i.5 interconnected. Near the
periphny 01' the alteromorph. the internal pore-space
is commonly directly connected with the fissure-
=
related pore-spaces of the alterite. It thus easily
becomes filled with materials of allochthonous origin.
During a later stage of infiUing by processes of absolute
accumulation, the characteristic internal structures of
the botTyo-alteromorphs may either become obscured
and even disappear. This wiJl happen where the
imported material has the sanle mineralogical compo-
sition as that of the receiving texture. 00 the other
hand, it may remain clearly distinguished if the mater-
ial transferred has a different mineralogical composi-
tion, or if it exhibits a sufficiently distinct color or
microtextille. In this last case, the botryomorphic ele-
ments of the alteromorph may appear as a mosaic-like
assemblage of isolated crystals completely embedded
within the cumulomorphic part of the alteromorph.
Botryo-alteromorphs of gibbsite or kaolinite after
feldspar may possess a striking contrast if the voids are
filled w·;th a hematite-rich deposit.
Glom 'rv-cllteromorpl1'
GlomerO-alteromorphS (from the Latin glomerare
= to agglomerate). are alteromorphs in which
individual crystals of supergene origin show a ten-
dency to agglomerate into small. compact and
irregular areas separated by large interconnected
vughs*. Within the solid volumes. the individual
crystals are assembled into a pore-free (at the
scale of the microscope) microgranular texture
(Fig. 29).
The textille of the glomero-alteromorph is very
similar to that or the botryo-alteromorph, but the dis-
tribution and, ultimately, the proportions of the inter-
stitial voids differ. In the botryo-alteromorph, the
ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

PRIMARY MINERAL GLDMERo-ALTUlOMORPH
F1GURE 29. Rdalionship or a glomcro-allcromorrh to a grain or
a primar)' mineral.
pores are numerous, small, isolated and interstitial,
whereas in the glomero-alteromorph, the pores appear
as a few large, interconnected \"Ughs. The ver), small
interstitial voids in the agglomerated areas, not \'isible
at the scale of the optical microscope, are not taken
into accoWlt. In the first texture, most crvstallites are
isolated, or they are in contact at a few point.~, whereas
in the second case, most crystal lites are agglomerated
and in contact along the major portion of their out-
lines.
What\~\'er
the distribution and organization of the
voids, their volWl1e is appreciable. In most cases, the
pore-space is guantitatively more important than is tbe
volume of the solid phase. These aJteromorphs are as a
result more common in the weathering of minerals
subjected to conditions of strong leaching, which pro-
motes the remoy-al of the major portion of the chemi-
cal constitltents originally present.
Discontinuous traces of the original fractw-es or
incomplete septa commonly are recorded within the
glomero-alteromorphs; these give rise to complex a/om-
cro-sepro-alteromorphs.
For example, the weathering of feldspar
grains under ferrallitic conditions usually gives
rise to complex alteromorphs. On the one hand.
well-oriented crystals of gibbsite are regularly
juxtaposed to form septa whose organization
corresponds to the network of original fractures.
On the other hand, unoriented crystals of gibbsite
are clustered, leaVing empty vughs among them.
The formation of the gibbslte-bearing septa along
the original fractures always precedes the forma-
tion of the clusters of gibbsite formed at the
expense of the residuaJ remnants. Conse<juently. a
partly developed septo-alteromorph forms
before the agglomerated part. According to the
order of formation of the structur-al elements in
the finaJ alteromorph. for cases where all residues
are weathered, the order of the prefixes must be
written as glomero-septo-alteromorph, and not
as septo-glomero-alteromorph (see below, the
case of complex poro-alteromorphs).
PART 3 : ALTIROMOR.PHS
cpto-a I tcmmol'phs
SeptO--OlteromorPhs (from the Latin sepwm. pI.
septa = partition. compartment) are characterized
by an internaJ fabric in which all the secondary
minerals are distributed in banded textures
(septa). among which empty, isolated polyhedral
voids are enclosed. Most septo-alteromorphs are
illustrations of the so-called "boxwork" texture
(Fig. 30).
PRIMARY MINERAL SEPTO-ALTEROMORPH
fiGURE 30. R~lationship of d septo-alteTOll1orph [0 a grain of a
rlimar\, mi.n~ral.
Scpto-alteromorphs are cerrainly the most charac-
teristic and the 1Il0st commonly encoWltcr~d altero-
morphs, ('specially in lateritic isalterit~s. The layout of
the banded textures is influenced by the regular (cleav-
age and twin planes) and irregular discontinuitjes (fis-
sures and cracks) that controlled lJ1e initial stage of
weathering of the primary minerals. -
Tht' elementary septum is a partition, a small and
thin wall, formed by the regular distribution of sec-
ondary crystals that are jlL,taposed into a ribbon (if
observed in thin section) consisting of one or more
parallel layers of crystals and arranged on both sid~s LIt'
a median plane (the so-called "centraJ parting"), which
corresponds to the trace of a nssw-e or cleavage. A11
indi\idual crystals in a septum are generally oriented
parallel to each other and commonly perpendicular to
the median plane of the banded texture. The linear
development of a Septllm, as observed in thin section,
does not correspond to a digjtate linear development
of the secondary products, but rather to an artificial
cut through a planar arrangement of secondary crys-
tals. If seen in the three dimensions, the septa are not
one-dimensional and linear, but rather t\-\'0-din1en-
sionaJ and planar.
The details of these elementary textures are not
identical in all septo-alteromorphs. Three main cases
are recognized_
239
 • The orientation of the elementary Illonocrystals
that compose a septum may bt> Wleven. In this C<lse, this
lack of preferred optical orientation is observed in all
septa and throughout the whole septo-a1tcromorph.
Simultaneous extinction, under o-ossed nicals, of all
single crystals making up a given aJteromorph is never
observed.
• The orientation of the single crystals may be
perpendicular to the median plane of the scptum what-
eH'r its orientation; in this case, the orientation of the
crystals follows all the vvindings and irregularities of
the septum. jf the septa of a given alteromorph are
irregularly curved, only the crystals that are parallel to
the optical planes of the microscope wiJ I go to extinc-
tion under crossed nicols, and the extinction of the
septa will be unduJatory. Single crystals do not go to
extinction simultaneously along the whole septum. The
partial extinction of the septo-altC'romorph exhibits a
dark cross that persists when the stage of the micro-
scope is rotated, a.ll individual single crystals heing suc-
cessively suitably oriented parallel to the optical planes
of the microscope.
• The orientation of the single crystals also may be
controlled by the orientation of crystals of the primary
mineral itself. In this case, all tile second.ary crystals of
a given septo-alterolTlorph exhibit the same general
orientation in all pans of the se-ptum, and in aU septa
of the alteromorph, whatever the orientation of the
septa. As a result, the extinction of the septo-altero-
morph is complete and simulta.neous in all it.s parts
\\' hen the optical directions of the single crystals are
.,·uitably orient.ed with regard to the optical planes of
the microscope. At 45° to these planes, the birefrin-
gence of the whole septo-alteromorph is maximum;
this is the most suitable position for photomicrography.
The first two cases, especially the second
one, are commonly observed in septo-altero-
morphs of gibbsire after feldspars. The internal
microstructure of each septum consists of rwo
parallel layers of subparallel crysrals on borh sides
of the median plane (Which represents the trace
of a pre-existing fissure). These crystals are
arranged more or less perpendicular' co this
plane. Thicker septa in some cases consisr of rwo
or more successive layers of gibbsire crystals. The
regular orientation of the gibbsite crysrals is
nevertheless slightly obscured, in thin section. by
the faer that gibbsite has a monoclinic symmetry,
and thus an oblique extinction. Furthermore.
most crystals are rwinned. This case of regular
orientation of the secondary minerals is also very
common in the septo-alteromorphs of goethite
developed at the expense of iron-rich garnet.
240
The third case is more commonly observed
in septo-alteromorphs developed at the expense
of iron-rich minerals. such as those of the pyrox-
ene and amphibole groups. As soon as the weath-
ering of these miner-als begins. the secondary
crystallites of iron oxyhydroxide are strongly ori-
ented parallel co the Z axis of the primary min-
eral. whatever the orientation of the fractures or
cleavages along which weathering began. There-
after. once the septa are thickened by material
transfer. the regularity of orientation of the crys-
tallites tends co decrease slowly with increasing
distance berween the residual remnants on one
hand, whose volume rapidly decreases, and the
newly formed septa. whose thickness slowly
increases. Be that as it may, the uniform orienta-
tion of most secondary crystallites promotes a
perceptible extinction of the whole septo-altero-
morph upon rotation. under crossed nicols. co a
position parallel co the Z axis of the primary
mineral.
The pores that a.re delimited by the septa are gen-
erally polyhedral volumes with planar 01' curved faces;
they are theoretically closed \·olumes ancl largely inac-
cessible to transmineral transfers_ Some septa may be
discontinuous; they may be interrupted, and several
adjacent polyhedral pores may be interconnected.
The volume of the voids may be much greater than
that of the secondary phase. The thickness of the septa
depends, on onf' hand, on the conditions of weather-
ing, which determine the vo.lume of the exported ele-
ments and, as a result, the volume of the residual
pores. On the other, thickness depends on the chemi-
cal composition of the primary mineral, which deter-
mines the proportion of the immobile elements. The
richer in immobile elements the primary mineral, the
thicker \-\iJl be the septa of its alteromorph, and the
smaller will be the proportion of internal residual
voids. In this way, the alteromorphs formed at the
expense of different kinds of primary p),Toxenes in a
weathered pyroxene-rich rock can easily be distin-
guished (Delvigne 1965).
All these septo-alterol1lorphs possess the so-called
"box work" te),.'ture_ Septo-alteromorphs that consist of
iron or aluminum hydroxides are chemically and
mechanically resistant, because they an.' supported by a
strong three-dimensional network of stable secondary
minerals. Consequently, they can persist for a long
time, not only within the isalteritic horizons of the lat-
eritic profiJes, in which the septo-alteromorphs are
particularly abundant, but also within al10teritic hori-
zons, and even within weathered Jitl-toreJics
(alieroreltcs), which occur in soil horizons, in coUuvium
and in ferruginous and bauxitic Juricrusts. At these
ATlAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
different levels of weathering. the interseptum pore-
space may be filled by later products of crystallization
or deposition of dissol ved constituents or material
transported over long cLstances (from higher horizons
or from upper parts of the landscape).
Depending upon the Ol-iginal network of fissures,
cracks, cleavages and other structurally imposed direc-
tions in the primary minerals, and in accordance \\ith
the previous c1assilkation of partly weathered minerals
(Stoops et al. 1979), boxwork textures can be
described as irregular or as regular septo-altero-
morphs. It is ob\·ious that even within the so-called
regular scpto-alteromorphs, the observed textures are
not always perfectly developed; many small accidents
may 10caJl)' interrupt their regularity. For example,
small interrupted septa may occur as branches on main
continuous septa or as isolated fragments (bridged in
the third dimension) within the polyhedral voids.
The combination of a regular cleavage and irregular
fTactures may promote the formation of complex
septo-alteromorphs (see below). The septa corre-
sponding to fractures generally develop before those
developed along a cleavage.
IrreguJor septc>-o/teromorphs correspond to an
uneven arrangement of the septa, without any
particular distribution or orientation. controlled
by the pattems of fissures and cracks developed
in the uncleaved primary mineral.
The discontinuities that control the distribution of
the septa correspond mainly to transmineraJ and
intramineral fissures and to traosverse* fractures.
Intermincral fissures play a similar role. and the altero-
morph commonl)' is completely sUlTounded by a
polygonal and peripher;tl rim of secondary products,
whose internal texture is somewhat different than that
of the internal septa. -nle peripheral "septu.m" does not
contain a median plane against which the two layers of
crystallites are symmetrically organized, as is the case
for the common internal septa. Instead, it consists of
only one layer of secondary products; as a result. its
thicknes~ is generally less than the thickness of the
internal septa.
Where adjacent scpto-alteromorphs ha~e the
same mineralogical corn position because they are
dewloped from the same primary mineral, the con-
joined peripheral rims can simulate the usual organiza-
tion of a septum by the simultaneous development of
PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
identical secondary products on both sides of the- inter-
mineral fissure. Wnere these peripheral rims and inter-
nal septa are incomplete or irregular, the original
boundaries between alteromorphs arc no longer clear,
and an area of several crxpw-sepw-alreromorphs is devel-
oped. These remarks apl)ly to all J..inds of sepro-altero-
morphs.
This kind of irregular septo-alteroDlorph is com-
monly developed at the expense of olivine and garnet
and, in general, otller uncleaved or poorly cleaved but
fractured primal: minerals, such as the feldspars.
A regular sepw-a{teromorph is developed where
the septa are clearly oriented parallel to the
cleavages of the primary mineral. Depending on
the mineralogical composition of the primary
mineral and its optical orientation with respect to
the plane of the thin section. the sapto-altero-
morph may exhibit either a single network of
parallel septa or a double network of crossing
septa.
Pyroxene- and amphibole-group minerals and
some types of feldspar commonly show a regular net-
work of cleavages. This network is followed during the
incipient stage of weathering, and is the starting point
for the development of the later internaJ pattern of
septo-alteromorphs. The network determines the den-
sity, distribution and orientation of tlle septa. Depend-
ing on the nature of the primary mineral and the
orientation of its cleavages, regular septo-altero-
morphs may be further subdivided into orrhogonally (or
nearly so) crossing networks (in the case of pyroxene-
group minerals and albh feldspar) and obliquely crossina
networks (in the case of amphibole-group minerals).
Pyroxene- and amphibole-group minerals gener-
ally give rise to iron-rich septo-alteromorphs. If the
original content of aluminum in the primary mineral is
minor, the resulting a1teromorph may be composed of
alluninian goethite, in some cases associated witll iso-
lated small crystals of gibbsite. If isolated crystals of
gibbsite appear, polyphase alteromorphs result. Iron-
rich PFoxenes and ampbibolcs (hypersthene, augite.
aegirine. hornblende, actino]jte) give alteromorphs
with thick septa and relatiyely small residual pore.s,
whereas the more calcimn- or magnesium-rich miner-
als (enstatite, diopside, tremolite. anthophyllite) usu-
ally give aJteromorphs with thin septa and relatively
larger residual pores (Deh-igne 1965).
241
 The acamho-septo-a1t~romorphis J partiC'UIJr case of
an alteromorph developed at the expense of twinned
crystals. Grains of alkali feldspar and, more rarely, pb-
gioclasC' develop septo-alteromorphs composed of
gibbsite whose (possibly coarse) crystals are regularly
organized along the cleavages. Coarsely twinned crys-
tals of orthodase can develop septo-alterolllorphs
characterized b>' two sets of septa, separated by the
twin plane; each of these sel~ follows the c1e~l\'age
planes particular to each individual original crystal. If
each or them shows only one network of parallel cleav-
ages, oblique v,'ith respect to the twin plane and with
an orientation necessariJy spnmen-ical with respect to
it, a special bnd of septo-alteromorph is deVeloped
v,ith an internal "nsh-bone" pattern (acantholllorphic
=
pattern, from the Greek cxKcxv8cx flsh bone). Gr.lins
of pJagioclase more commonly produce inegular
septn-alteromorphs by the combination of the net-
works of' FractmC's \\'ith the numerous (poly~)'nthetic)
twin 1)lanes. Nevertheless, the "fIsh-bone" pattern can
al.so be obsen'ed ill the single-twinned (Carlsbad law)
thin tabular crystals of plagioclase, common in ophitic
and diabasie textures. Similar structures composed of
iron oxyhydrox.ides may occur in acantho-septo-altero-
morph.s derived from tile weathering of nvinned crys-
tals of pyroxene or amph.ibolc.
IF the feldspar is sun-aunded by a variety of m.i..ner-
als, thl:" regular or irregular septo-alteromorph that
dcvelol)s can easily he identified in thin section. In con-
mst, if feldspar crystals are abundant in the paTent
rock, the resulting septo-alteromorph.~ may well be
contiguous, with their incl.i\ridual outlines no longer
clear or identifiable; they arc then crJpw-sepro-alcero-
morphs or CTypta-a!al1lero-scpw-altrromarphs_
AlJ adjacent grains in a given area may consist of a
pyroxene or an amph:ibole.These may give rise to iron-
rich aJtcromorphs wbose secondary crystallites are all
weU olientcd parallel to the Z axh of each grain of pri-
mary mineral. The boundaries between alteromorphs
are expected to remain ident::ifiable because wlder
crossed pol.ars, complete extinction or transmission of
the different alteromorphs is not obtained simultane-
ously upon rotation of tile microscope stage. The
cryptomorphic pattern of the contiguous septo-altero-
morphs appears clearly only under plane-polaI-ized
light, but it disappea.rs if the polarizers are nossed.
RPIIS
It is ol,,'ious that the textures observed within
altcromorphs are rarely simple and perfectly devel-
oped. Numerous combi.nations of elementary textures
242
can occur togetheT within the alteromorphs. This com-
plexity can arise in a serendil)itous way, in which case
it occurs only locally in tlle thin section. In this
ins-tance, the complex texture is accidental, and its
description can be omitted. Complexity can also occur
either commonly, under sim.ilar conditions of weather-
ing independent of the nature of the primary m.iner.lls,
or uniformly, in al temmorphs developed From the
same parent mineral. In these cases, the complex pat-
terns observed in the alteromorphs are characteristic,
and a detailed description must be made. The most
common cases of complex alteromorphs (Fig. 31) are
described below.
Within a gi\'cn alteromorph, the networks of
cleavages and fractures together can inJluence the
development and orientation of tile septa. Within some
septo-alteromorphs, large areas of regtJarly organized
structure can be separated by one (or more) irregular
septum. If the irregular septum is formed at the
expense of a wide open fracture, it commonly appears
as a complex curved or Linear septum composed of two
distinct parallel and relatively thick layers of crystal-
lites separated by a planar and empty median pore. This
pore corresponds to the opening of the fracture such as
it appeared during the first stage of weathering. The
more regular parts of the aJteromorph correspond to
the traces of tbe cleavages developed within the unfrac-
tured parts of the primary mineral. The resulting
altcromorph is an irrcBu]ar-re8u]ar-sepw-a!cerornorph.
This seems to be the simplest case of a complex altero-
morph.
In altcromorphs developed From feldspars under
conditions of ferraIJitic weatllering, the First-Formed
crystals of gibbsite regularly follow the nen-vorb of
cleavages auel fractures. They are arranged in banded
tcxtures of relatively constant thickness, which sur-
rOWld cavernous Feldspathic residues. During a Further
stage of weathering, the progressive disappearance of
these residues does not result in tbe thickening of the
first-formed septa, but in the development of irregular
aggregates of gibbsite crystals. The peri.nuclear pores,
until now regular and of constant thickness, are COD-
verted into large irregular vughs. In the final stage of
weathering, the alteTomorph shows an intimate combi-
nation of two distillct microtextural patterns: thin
septa, containing a double layer of vvell-oriented single
crystals, constitute the elements of an embryonic sep-
tomorphic texture whose development was inter-
rupted in fuvor of volumes i.u which a glomcromorphic
textme is progressively developed. This last textme,
located between the se.pta of the first generation, is
composed of aggregates of randomly oriented C1ystals
of gibbsite associated \\ith large irregular pores, both
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEJ\.Al. ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 PRIMARY MINERAL

BOTRYO-ALTEROMORPH SEPTO-ALTEROMORPH GLOMERO-ALTEROMORPH

COMBINED PATTERNS COMBINED PATTERNS

BOTRYO-SEPTO-ALTEROMORPH GLOMERO·SEPT0-ALTEROMORPH

FIGURE 31. D~fUlifions of alteromorphs on the basis of mic'To-

textural criteria: the classification of complex alreromorphs.
First example: the \\"ealhcring of a feldspar-group miner"J le.>
gibbsite. Weathering occurs aCf:orJ.i.ng 1'0 three basic patterns.

PART 3 : AlTEROMORPHS
243
formed during the final stage of weathering. The com-
plex altcrODJ0rph that shows the association and the
intercolUJcction of these t\\'o types of elementary tex-
tures is a s/omero-sepro-uherolllorph.
The later evolution of some retipoTL1-altero-
morphs. which arc composed of a weatherable
isotropic material, divided b} a continuously retjcular
nenvork of pores, can k3d to the development of
glomero-alteromorphs and septo-alteromorphs of a
[)articular pattern. Indeed, each elementary polyhedral
'-olumc isolated by the reticular nen~ork of IISSUl-CS can
later be \"eathered to gibbsitc. These crystals of gibbs-
ire either define a concentric banded textw-e, owing to
the peripheral and centripetal weathering of these vol-
wnes, or are arranged in irregula.r glomcrornorphic
textures, where weathering proceeds in a more disor-
derly fashion (Fig. 32).
In the llrst case, an a/l'eo-reriporo-aheromorph is
developed. It consists of a pre,-iollsJy formed network
of POl"CS inherited from the retiporo-alteromorph, and
a group of volumes all composed of a regular rim of
gibbsite crystals surrOlUlcling a small residual pore.
Each volume is converted into a slJlall "centroporo-
alteromorph". Two generations of distinct orgaruza-
tions of pores are intimatel~' associated. The Arst one
con.'>ists of a single, open, continuous and reticular
pore, whereas the second consists of many small,
closed, discontinuous pores surrounded hy a thin rim
of gibbsite. Such rims consist of crystals of a similar
size, arranged parallel to one another and perpendicu-
lar to the reticular network of pores. The organization
of the crystals in the peripheral rims is similar to that
observed in a septllm. The only difference reneets the
fact that the closed mewan plane obsen'ed in common
septa is here replaced by an open median plane, which
corresponds to 0ne of the branches of the reticular net-
work.1l1is case is common in alteromorphs developed
at the expense of nepheline and, in some instances,
feldspar, where these minerals have weatbered to
gibbsite after an intermediate step involving further
weatherable, easily shrunk and divided isotropic or
amorphous material.
ill the second case, a complex texture results
whose different steps leading to their formation arc
recognized only with great difficulty. The reticular net-
work of pores, which originated. From the previous
244
step, is wcl! maintained during the later step. However,
its boundaries are obscured or obliterated by the fact
that the gibbsite crystals are no longer djstributed as a
reguJar rim around each solid polyhedral volume, as in
the former example, but as aggregates of randomly ori-
ented CJ-ystals exJuhiting irregular boundaries and con-
taining small isolated micropores. The irregular
external porosity of these aggregates is, in this W<1;',
added to the regular pattern of the previously formed
reticular pores. The resulting alteroDlOl'ph is a glomero-
ret iporo-alteromorph.
An incorrect interpretation can result from the
super-flcial observation of regular aggregates of smaU
C(~ntrof)oru-alterolTlorphs developed by the simultane-
0US weathering or many small grains of a primary min-
eral that were organized, in the parent rock, into a
mosaic-like, cquigranular or granoblastic texture. The
weathering can develop synchronously within all the
constituents of the aggregate. It proceeds in a periph-
eral and centripetal manner from the intermineral
suture planes. After the disappearance of the last pri-
mary re,idues and after the development of the resid-
ual pores, the compound structure, an assemblage of
many minute centroporo-alte.romorphs, may be vel-y
similar to an irregular l'oarse-grained septo-altero-
morph. More detailed observation of such 3 texture
generally shows that the fUle denticulation of the thin
rims around the central alveolar pores exrubits v3riolLS
orientabons. Trus observation provides proof of the dif-
fe.rent orientation of the original minerals and shows
that the so-called se pta are, in fact, only the b'aces of
into-mineral boundaries.
This case is common in some ultramafic
rocks. in which small cryst3ls of pyroxene. in a
granoblastic texture. are weathered together to a
smectite-grollp mineral or to iron oxyhydroxides
concentrically arranged around small central
pores. The weathered assemblage is not a septo-
alteromorph. but rather an assemblage of small
centroporo-alteromorphs, each individual com-
ponent of which may exhibit its own specific ori-
entation and extinction. The weathering of an
assemblage of small grains of feldspar to gibbsite
would be much more difficult to Idemify because
the orlent3tion of the gibbsite cryst3ls is not
inherited from the orientation of the primary
feldspar: the secondary aggregate is a coalescent
assemblage of crypto-alteromorphs.
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 COMPLEX ALTEROMORPHS

PRIMARY MINERAL

WEATHERING TO ISOTROPIC MATERIAL

RETIPORO-ALTEROMORPH

ABSOLUTE ACCUMULATION EVOLUTION TO GIBBSITE

COMBINED
PATTERNS

CUMULO-RETIPORO- META-ALVEO-RETIPORO-
ALTEROMORPH ALTEROMORPH

META-ALVEO-CUMULO-RETJPORO-
ALTEROMORPH
fiGURE 32, DefinitiDn' of ,Iterornorphs 011 the hasi, 01 micro-
or
textilral LTiteria: the c1JssillcaLion complex alternmorphs.
Sccond cxample: the weathering of nephelinc to gibbsi.tl.· l';a
all isotropic intermediate' ph"F (,hl)wn ill yellow). Weather·

ing may invoh't' absolutc accumulation or transformation to

gi"bsil~, or both.

PART 3 ; ALTEROMORPH\
245
BOTRYO-. GLOMERO-. SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c D
30S
HVPERSTHENE-BEARlNG
GRANITIC ROCK
Zangouine. Man,
Western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.75 m
Botryo-alteromorph
developed
after plagioclase
Objective: x 10
XPL

:- 0.2

0.1

- 0.0 mm

306
BASALTIC ROCK
Parani. southern Brazil
Sampled by CA
C1emente
Depth: 2 m
BotTyo-alteromorph
developed
after c1inopyroxene
Objective:;, 2.5
PPL

1.0

0.0 mm

,in phologicall)' \'ery similar to packing the alteromorph because most of

T
I I I

XPL, show~ the typical texture
of a botryo-alteromorph ill which
smaU crystals of kaolinite are rcs'l.l-
larly disb'ibuted and randomly ori-
ented. Each individual crystal L'
separated from it, neighbors by
isotropic material which, in this
case, is the artificial material used
for impregnation. Normally, in the
untreated sample. the kaolinitc
crystals are nearly isolated From
each other or stackeu side by side,
leaving between them small inter-
stitial interconnected \'oids mor-
void~*. Most pores are intercon-
nected and, as a result, tllC altero-
mOl'ph is characterized by the
occurrence of a single large pore in
which indi\idual crystals are regu-
larly distributed.
The second photomicrograph,
in PPL, shows a different kind of
botryo-alteromorph in which smal1
balls of l-adiating needles of goethite
arc closely st.acked side by side i.n
the empty por~s uf a septo-altero-
morph after p)'Toxcne. The balls arc
now visible only in a few parts of
the botryo-alteromorph has unfor-
tunately been removed during the
preparation of the thin section. The
sp,lCes between the septa arc clused,
",.. hich does not allow good penetra-
tion of the impregnating material.
Thus most of the jnfilling material is
not indurated, and is easily lost
when cutting the rock.

246 A11.AS Of M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 BOTRYO-. GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

A 8 c o
307
GRANITIC ROCK
BR 158. Brazil
Depth: 2.5 m
Sampled by F. Soubies

Glomero-alteromorphs
developed
after feldspar

Objective: x I 0
XPL

0.2

0.1

- 0.0 mm

T. t ' . i I I grains of
feldspar have been completely
weathered to gibbs.ite. The origiJ131
contact between them is marked bv
a discontinuous alignment of quartz
of primary origin, and mainly by a
major d.ifference in orientation of
the crystalliplasmas within each of
the altel'omorphs. The gibbsite crys-
tals are arranged paraUeI to the
cleavages of the original grains,
which are oriented more or less
perpendicular to each other. A sep-
tomorphic texture is not clearly
obsen·cd. Large irregular vughs are
distributed between the arf'as of
crystalliplasma, whose comlJoncnts
are tightl), agglomerated in a man-
tures and internal cracks usuallv
form man)' irregular septa of gibbs-
ite, at least in th", first steps of
ner typical of g]omcro-altel'O- weathering. Where formed, these
morphs. Note that most elongate septa generally are preserved dur-
crystals of gibbsite are oriented par- ing the later steps, leading to glom-
allel to each otJ1er. The thin section ero-septo-alteromorphs.
has been rotated on the microscope
stage in a such a way that most crys-
tallites in the two alteromorphs can
show their maximum illterlcrence-
color in XPL. The absence or near-
absence of septa is rarely
encountered in an alteromorph
after feldspar: transmineral 11'3c-

PART 3 : A1.JEROMORPHS
247
BOTRYO-, GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

A il c D
308
CHARNOCKITIC ROCK
Summit (I 000 m) of
Tonkoui Mountain.
Western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.6 m
Partially developed
septo-alteromorph
after plagioclase
Objective: x 10
XPL

0.2

- 0.1

=- 0.0 mm

309
GABBRO
Bondoukou area.
Eastern Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at rock outcrop
Partially developed
septo-alteromorph
after plagioclase
Objective: x 10
XPL

I' t I I shown in
both photomicrographs are
very similar and characteristic of
the first steps in the felTallitic
weathering of plagioclase. The crys-
tah are broken by irregular lrans-
mineral fi-actures and transverse
cracks, along which weathering of
the primary mineral has started.
The first fissures are stiU recogniz-
able as thin brov\-'nish lineaments
that run in the median planes of the
septa, renecting a slight influx of
iron. The most important septa
originated from the fra(tllres, but
graduaJly, as weathering develops, feldspar. Later, once weathering has
more and morc septa appear whose progressed, irregular pores will
distribution and orientation are develop at the expense of the
related to the cleanges of the pri. residues, whereas the later-formed
mary mineral. The gibbsite crystal- gibbsite produced will agglomerate,
lites are invariably oriented forming mixed glomcro-scpto-
pe"pmdicnlar to the median plane alteromorphs.
of the septa; their sizes and shapes
are IHuform along the septum,
\\,'hatever its orientation. At the
beginning of the weathet-ing, very
few or very small inter-plasma -
mineral pores, if an)', are developed,
aod the gibbsite crystab Ih tightly
against the cavernous residues of

248 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTEItATlON AND WEATHERING

 BOTRYO-, GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

3 10, 3 I I
GARNET-BEARING
MICA SCHIST
Yaounde area, Cameroon
Sampled by G. Stoops
Depth: unknown
Partially developed
irregular septo-
alteromorph (irregular
linear weathering)
after gamet
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

- 0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

I. I. 1 1 . ' . of most
G metamorphic rocks are charac-
terized by numerous irregular
cracks whose reticular pattero
diviJt"s the mineral into many coo-
tiguous fragments. These photomi-
crograpbs .~how a crystal of garnet
that is highly fractured, with
nwnerolls radially distributed frac-
tures, aJong which the weathering
of the mineral has started according
to an irregular linear pattero of
weathering. Oxyhydroxides of iron
fonn irregular septa whose thick-
ness is bierarcbized; thinner and
thinner new septa are formed grael-
uall)' as weathering proceeds, and
the primary mineral is progressively
reduced to smaller and smaller cav-
ernous residues. Tllese garnet
residues are clearly seen as pink-col-
ored remnants in PPL, whereas
their isotropic nature makes them
completely extinct in XPL. The
septa are microcrystalline. and they
are separated from the residues by
irregular, colorless inter-plasma -
mineral volumes partially filled, as
shoV\·-n by t.he picturl'" in XPL, by
crystals of secondary gibbsit.e.
Gibbsite originates from the insolu-
ble alwninum content of the pri-
mary garnet. Note that some thin
septa grow parallel to each other
(D2). This parallelism probably is a
rcOection of a particuJar feature,
like twin planes in the garnet. When
completely weatbered, this altera-
morph after garnet will be a typical
irregular sept.o-altcromorph in
which most se-pta are radial1)' dis-
t.ributed. As th(" alteromorph con-
tains at least t\\'o secondary phases,
the oxyhvrlrox.ides
• ,
of iron and baibh-
site, it is considered a polypha.se
alleromorph (see later).

PMT 3 : ALTEROMORPHS 249

BOTRYO-, GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

3 12, 313
CHARNOCKITIC ROCK
Summit (I 000 m) of
Tonkoui Mountain,
Western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.6 m
Partially developed
septo-alteromorph
after c1inopyroxene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

- 0.2

:-- 0 I

0.0 mm

III I I1 the feldspar minerals
re weatht'fed to gibbsite
(308), the- ferrol1lagnesian minerals
of the rock are weathered to iron
oxyhydroxides. The distribution of
the secondary products is Ill're also
determined by the irregular net-
work of intramineral fi-actures, but
it is mainly determined by the regu-
lar cleavages of the original mineral.
The photomiCTograpbs show the
beginning of tlle weathering of a
clinopyroxene to a regular network
of parallel ferruginous se-pta vvhclse
distribution is closely relatecl to the
cleavages of the mineral. \Vhcreas
the feldspar minerals give cavernous
residues, the ferromagnesian miner-
als give denticulate residues. Note
that the denticlllation is invariably
oriented parallel for all the residlles
produced from the same grain.
Note also that irreguJar pores
quickly den"'lop all around the
residues. This difFerence in porosity
resulting from the weathering of
feldspar- and pyroxene-group min-
erals ref1ects the fact that tile' con-
tent or insoluble aluminwn of calcic
plagiodase is much greater than the
content of insoluble iron of the
original cliuopyroxene. During the-
first step of weathel-ing, all residues,
tightly encased in the residual fer-
mginous net,vork, maintain their
silllultaneous extinction in XPL.
However, as soon as weathering is
more adv;:mced, the increased vol-
umes of the pore-s allow this regular
orientation to be partly disturbed.

250 An.AS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINfRAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 BOTRYO-, GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c D
ll4
CAlC-AlKALlNE
GRANITE
Blapleu, near Man.
Western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.4 m
Regular
septo-alteromorph
after plagioclase
Objective: x 10
XPL

0.2

0.0 mm

liS
CAlC-AlKALlNE
GRANITE
BR 158. Brazil
Sampled by F. Soubles
Depth: 3.4 m
Regular
septo-alteromorph
after hornblende

Objective: x 10
PPL

ill II~' started. Note the elongate residual sions). The hornblende crystal,
T
11, 1'1

shows the last step in the
weatheI"ing of plagioclase, whose
regular parallel cleavages hayc
determined the regular djstribution
and orjentation of the residual septa
of gibbsitc. Traces of the first thin
fissures ge.nerated during tJw Ftrst
step of weathering along the deal'-
ages are still recognizable in most
septa by their dark colOl', wl-uch is
related to influ.x of iron in the first
open cleavages, before the forma-
tion of secondary gibbsite had
pores randomly distributl."d within whose Z axis is oriented perpendic-
the septo-alteromorph. Such a case ular to the plane of the thin section,
of regular distribution of septa i.s shows (l regular intersection of
not common in alteromorphs after oblique iron-rich septa that origi-
feldspar-group minerals. nated from its weatJ1cring along
The second photomicrograph cleavages, \\'ruch are reO'1llarl y ori-
shows a pseudo morph after a euhe- ented ~t 56° and 124°. '" '
dral crystal of hornblende. The
original crystal contained many
inclusions of a chlorite-group
mineral, which is now parrially
weathered to iron-stained kaolirule
(ycllow-coJored irregular inclu-

PART 3 : ALTEROMORPHS
251
BOTRYO-. GLOMERO-. SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS
show
T I I.
the typical pattern of the se pta
generated by, the weatherino of J
~ b
crl"stal
. of a('t:inolit\~ convenientlv
. h~'droxides that nJakl~ up the resid-
oriented to show dearly the regu-
larly intersecting Ferruginous scpta.
One set of se-pta is oricnterl N-S in
the photograph, whereas the second
set crosses the Ilrst one at angles of
0
124 0 and 56 . Th" 10\\' iron content
of the primary amphihok is respon-
sible fur the thinness of t.he ferrugi-
nous residual septa md for the h.igh
ratio of the pore "olumc rel<1lil'c to
the "olume of the residual sec-
252
316,317
AMPHIBOllTE
Bereby.
Southwestern Cote
d'lvoire
Sampled by A. Perraud
Depth: unknown
Regular septo-
alteromorph after
amphibole (actinolite)
Objective: x 6,3
PPL and XPL
~
0.3
0.2
=- 0.1
~ O.Omm
ondar)' products. The photomic.To- extinction in XPL is not shown
graph taken in XPL shows the
micmcrystallinity of the iron oxy-
because tllt' septa would not be
dearly distinguished from the l'(~sid­
ual pore-space. A convenient ex.am-
llal scpta; the photognph has he('n pie \\'itl1 which to compare the
taken in a specillc orientation C)f the ~irnllltanCOllsl\' illuminated or
.'
nucroscopc stage to clearly show ext.inct contiguous alteromnrphs is
that all the secondarvI crvstallites
,
are given by the next illustrations.
optically oriented in the same din:-c- Small feldspar gyains arc weathered
lion, theiJ- max.imulll interFerence- to gihbsite crystalliplasmas.
color5 are uniform, md, as a result,
their extinction is simultaneous for
all the o"}'sta]litcs of all tbe septa of
the whole a]terolllorph. A photo-
graph in which all cl-ystallites are at
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOlOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 BOTRYO-, GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

318, 119
CHARNOCKITE
Summit (I 000 m) of
Tonkoui Mountain.
Western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.6 m

Regular septo-
alteromorph
after amphibole

Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL

::- 0.1

- 0.0 mm

of an amphibolc-
group mineral are compk-tely
weathered to Tegular scpto·altero-
morphs whose septa are composed
of microcrystalline iron oxyhydrox-
ides. The two m<Un contiguous crys-
tals shown ill the photomicrograph
arc differentlv orienkcl. The micro-
scope sLagL' has been oriented in
such a way that each crysLal exhibits
its own particulaJ' orientation in
XPL. TIle I<lrge septo-aht'fomorph
in the right part of the photognph
is completely illuminated, whereas
the left septo-,llteromOl'ph is com-
pletely at extinction in XPL. The
photograph was taken with the con-
denser lens to increase the bright.
nE'SS of tJle secondary products and
to better distinguish the extinct
se pta from the residual pore-space.
These pbotogTaphs clearly show the
int1uencc of the crystalJographic
orientation of the primary mineral
on the orientation 01' the microcrvs-
taJline seconcJary products. VVhere
thin or incomplete septa ofLhe right
alteromorph are cut parallel tu the
plane of the thin section. tht'y
appear, in XPL. <IS bright yellow
septa, which indicates that the main
secondary, constituent is 0ooethitc.
Goethile is always preferentially
formed in the place or hematite in
alteromorphs in which the volume
of the pores is high and in which, as
a result, the cireulaLioll of water is
easy, and the guantity of water <lvail-
able is great.

3 : ALTEROMORPHS
PART
253
BOTRYO-, GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c D

320,32.
CHARNOCKITE
Summit (I 000 m) of
Tonkoui Mountain,
Western C6te d'lvoire
Depth: 0.6 m
Regular
septo-alteromorph
after pyroxene
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

I I1 shows
another example of a mineral
grain that is convenientl)' or·jented
to illustrate the regularity of distri-
bution and the pattern of orienta-
tion of its residual septa. The scpta
intersect at aJl angle 01' approxi-
mately 90°, which allows the !Jarcnt
mineral ai' the <lltl'rornorph to he
determined: it is not an amlJhibolc,
as in the pre\ious illustrations, but a
p)TOXene. \Vhicbner the original
ferromagncsian mineral, the main
textural and optical characteristics
of the altcrornorphs formed are
vcry similar. In both cases, the
sellta-forming particles of gocthite
are strongly oriented according to a
particular orientation of the pri-
mary mineral. -1l1e second photomi-
crograph, in XPL, clearly shows tlle
regular orientation or these sec-
I.>ndary particles, which allows all
the septa of the aJterornorpb to be
illuminated simultaneously. The pIa-
gioclasc grains or the rock are now
completely weathel-ed to glomera-
sepw-alteromorphs of mesocrys-
ralJine gibbsite. Note that no
gihhsitc crystals are observed in the
ferruginous alteromorph, and that
the th.in ferruginous threads
observed in an a1teromorph or
gibbsite (1\ 1,2) are due to continu-
ous transmincral fissures. Few crys-
tals of gibbsite are observed along
onc edge of the ferruginous septo-
alteromorpb (03,4). Their unusual
occurrence there is probably due to
the oblique orientation of the inter-
mineral boundary in the plane of
the thin section.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTE.RATlON AND WEATHERING

254
 BOTRYO-, GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

311,313,314
GABBRO
Bereby.
Southwestern
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by A. Pen-aud
Depth: unknown
Cumulo-septo-aJtero-
morph. "acantho-altero-
morph" after pyroxene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

=- 0.0 mm

I' \1 I' 1 1 1 Or pyroxene

has been weathered to goethite,

giVing rise to a double septo-;JllerO-
morph whose residual pores have.
been later infillcd by erystallaria or
gibbsite of allochthonous origin.
The cleavages, and consequently the
septJ, of the two parts of the
twi.nned crystal are symmetrically
distributed, which gives ,-ise to an
"acanlho-septo-alteromorph" ("flsh-
bone" pattern). The seconrl illustra-
tion, in XPL, shows that hoth
goethitc.rich domains are equally
illuminated when symmctriL'ally
disposed relatively tn the cross-hairs
of the microscope. The third illus-
tration shows thal ,.vlth a different
angle of rotation. all the .~epta of
one part tend lo be at extinction,
whereas the other part is at its max-
imum illumination. As a result,
these exceptional pictures obviously
show that the orientation of the
goethite particles is strongly influ-
enced by the crystaJlographic orien-
tation or the primary mi.neral. The
orientation of the gibbsile crystals is
random, and ob,.-iously independent
of that or both primary and s(:('-
onda.rv minerals.

PART 3 : ALWl,OMORPH5 255

BOTRYO-, GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

A B c o
325
AMPHIBOLITE
Bereby,
Southwestern
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by A. Perraud
Depth: unknown
Complex septo-altero-
morph
(cleavages + twins)
after amphibole
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

i
~ 0.3

_ 0_2

_ 0.1

0.0 mm

I I Iillus-
trates t1w case of a complex
septo-alteromorph whose orienta-
tion and regularity of the septa
depend on the combined effects of
the cleavage pattern of the primary
mineral, together with several twin
planes. The septa that develop from
the t""in planes are nearly parallel to
the short edge of the photograph,
whereas the septa developed from
the cleavage planes are oriented
ohlique to these edges. The fact that
two sets of septa are reCiprocally
oriented according to angles of
nearly 120 0 anu 60 0 indicates that
the primary mineral was an amlJhi-
bole-group mineral. TIle thinness of
the sellta indicates that the primary
mineral was an iron-poor amphi-
bole. Minute remnants of primary
amphibole are still distinguishable
within some residual pores (D4).
Rounded and still un weathered
inclusions of quartz arc clearly seen
within and arOlmd the septo-altero-
morph.

ATlAS Of MICROHORPHOLrn;v OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

256
 BOTRYO-, GLOMERO-, SEPTO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c D
326
CHARNOCKITE
Summit (I 000 m) of
Tonkoui Mountain,
Western Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.6 m
Glomero-septo-
alteromorph
aher feldspar
Objective: x 10
XPL

0.2

- 0.0 mm

327
GABBRO
Bondoukou area,
Eastern Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Botryo-septo-
alteromorph
aher feldspar
Objective: x 10
XPL

delimited by interconnected \·ughs. ented and distributed in large vughs

T
IIII 11 " I

shows a typical glomero-septo-
alteromorph, such as is commonly
encountered in most alteromorphs
after Feldspar-group minerals that
have been modihed under condi-
tions of ferrallitic weathering. The
first-formed hssures and fractures
lead to the development of the
sellta, whereas during a later stage
of weathering, the remnants of
feldspar are progressi\'e1y replaced
by gibbsitc, whose crystals are
agglomerated in large port-ions
The gibb~ite crystals of the septa are
commonly regularly oriented per-
pendicular tu the ferruginous traces
of the Fissures, whereas the agglom-
erated crystals of gibhsite are ran-
domly oriented.
The second illustration shows a
much rarer case in which, after a
first step of septa development, as
in the previous case, the 1(,ldspar
residues are replaced by isolated
cl')"sQls or isoL:lted smaJ I groups of
crystals. These arc ranoomly ori-
whose shapes, volumes and position
are related to those of the remnants
of feldspar. AIJ these gibbsitc crys-
tals seL'm isolated in the plane of the
thin section but, in reality, they are
probably linked, in the third dimen-
sion, in the same way as skeleton
grains are stacked side by side in a
monic* tcxtw·e.

PART 3: AlTEROMORPHS
257
 CI-IIIPTER
Criteria for a Genetic Classification
IHIlII' "dlHI<lJ\l1 of complexity that can
T be added to the complexities presented by
the microstructural organizations previously
described. It results from the simultaneous
occurrence, withi.n a gi\"l.~n altero01orph, of several dis-
tinct secondary mineral phases (Fig. 33). Alteromorphs
in whicb several secondary minerals are simultaneously
observed are composjce alreromorphs.
COMP )SJTE A lTER. M RPHS
CompOSite alteromorphs consist of two or more
assodated secondary minerals. of hypogene or
supergene origin (or one of each). The remnants
of the primary minerals. temporarily maintained
within the incompletely deve.loped alteromorphs.
are nOt taken into account in the definition of this
kind of mlcrotexture.
The composite character of these alteromorphs is
independent of their externa'! shape and their internal
morphology. The pattern of orientation of one compo-
nent relative to the other may be uneven, parallel, con-
centric or crossing. The pattern of distribution, within
the alteromorph, may be uniform, clustered, periph-
eral, central, or othen-vise. Composite alteromorphs
may consist of polygenetic or polyphase assemblages.
Polyseneti, aILemmo/"ph -
Po/ygenetic alteromorphs are formed in two or
more successive stages, very commonly according
to different processes of alteration of hypogene
or supergene origin (or one of hypogene and one
of supergene origin), Widely separated in time.
During the first stage. alteration (or weathering)
has not transformed the primary mineral in its
entirety. During the second stage. the remnants of
9
the primary mineral are transformed to different
secondary minerals without modification of
either the mineralogical nature or the spatial dis-
tribution of the first-formed secondary product.
The distribution of the first-formed mineral phase
may be concentric, radial, parallel. crossing or ran-
dom. whereas the second-formed mineral phase
occupies the entire volume of the islands of
residue (Fig. 34).
Some examples serve to illustrate the three most
comnlOnJy encountered cases of composite altera-
morphs (Fig. 35).
Case I: twO stages of hypogene alteration
(Fig. 35A). During a first stage. crystals of olivine
may be partly replaced by serpentine or talc. Dur-
ing a later stage, the remnants of olivine are
altered to saponite or to "iddingsite" without
modification of the early-formed serpentine or
talc. The reciprocal and complementary distribu-
tion of the twO secondary minerals may be
uneven, parallel or concentric.
Case 2: one stage of hypogene alteration
followed by a second stage of supergene origin.
During the first stage, grains of orthopyroxene
are partly altered [0 talc by a hydrothermal
process. Much later, in terms of geological time,
the remnants of pyroxene are weathered to a
smectite-group mineral without modification of
the mineralogy or distribution of the first-formed
areas of talc. A second example is given by the
formation of "sericite" and zoisite inclusions by
hydrothermal alteration of a crystal of plagioclase
(Fig. 35B). During a later process. the remnants of
feldspar are weathered [0 kaolinite without mod-
ification of the less weather-able inclusions.
Case 3: two stages of supergene re-action.
Coarse crystals of onhopyroxene are weathered,
in the lower partS of a profile, to a banded texture
of smectite enclosing unweathered remnants of
pyroxene. These will later, in the upper partS of
the profile, be weathered in a peripheral and cen-
tripetal manner to iron oxyhydroxides, whereas
 PRIMARY MINERAL

I-----I~---I
SEVERAL SECONDARY SEVERAL SECONDARY WEATHERING AND INFILLlNG
MINERALS FORMED MINERAL PHASES FORMED PROCESSES ARE
SUCCESSIVELY DURING TOGETHER DURING ONLY INVOLVED IN SUCCESSION
TWO DIFFERENT EPISODES ONE EPISODE OF ALTERATION
OR WEATHERING

I I I
FIRST STEP: PARTIAL ALTERATION A: TWO DISTINCT SECONDARY FIRST STEP: WEATHERING.
OR WEATHERING TO SECONDARY MINERALS OF DIFFERENT RELATIVE ACCUMULATION
MINERAL, LEAVING RESIDUES OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SECONDARY MINERALS
THE PRIMARY MINERAL FORMED SIMULTANEOUSL Y

SIMULTANEOUS POLYPHASE
PARTIAL MONOGENETIC POROUS AlTEROMORPH
AlTEROMORPH

I
SECOND STEP: ALTERATION OR
OR

ONLY ONE SECONDARY MINERAL

I
SECOND STEP: INFILLlNG.
DEVELOPED VIA AN INTERMEDIATE
WEATHERING OF THE RESIDUES ABSOLUTE ACCUMULATION OF
SECONDARY PHASE (GRADUAL
TO DIFFERENT SECONDARY ALLOCHTHONOUS MATERIAL
POL YPHASE ALTEROMORPH)
MINERALS

f t t

POlYGENETIC AlTEROMORPH GRADUAL POLYPHASE CUMULO-AlTEROMORPH

AlTEROMORPH

FIGURE 33. Ddlrtirions nC JJt.'ITJIllClrpb: the c;t~blishme.t\t 01

criteri" I'ur;l g,,,wtiL classillc.ltion of complex JJtcrorrlorl'h,.
Such J.lI J.pproJch IS n"-'l"('j..,,.II~ whC're- t\..... o (.II' morl' ~H'c~)nd;)ry
minl'r.:ds iln: ubs(T\'ccl together \\,;thill the:: 'llleromorphs.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEf<Al ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

260

PRIMARY MINERAL -+ PRODuCT OF PO\.YGEN~C AllEAOMOAPH
FlRST PHASE OF ALTEAAT"fON
FIGURE 34. RclJlI"n.~hip "r 0 p"ll'g"n{'tic olt~rnm{Jrrh to a groin
or a priman mincral afrt:,·tl'c1 hy" lir't rha'" or ,Iterati"n.
the smectitic component is temporarily main-
tained in the composite alteromorph. Another
case of a composite alteromorph is given by the
complete weathering of a pyroxene crystal to a
septo-alteromorph of goethite. whose internal
pores are later infilled by gibbsite crystals by
absolute accumulation of allochthonous material.
In this latter ca~e, the re~ulting composite altenl-
morph is more appropriately desrribeu as a ClImu/o-
alteramorph (sce below).
Inadequate ohservation of some polygenetic
alteromorphs. wherc se\'cral secondary mineral; arc'
.juxtaposed, con in some instilJ1ces lead to erroneous
interpretations (Fig. 35C) concerning their origiu and
the de\-elopment of their alteration.
EXAMPLE OF ERRONEOUS INTERPRETATION
As a result of a deep-seated late-magmatic
process, an originally homogeneous crystal of
c1inopyroxene may be portly transformed to many
small inclusions of hornblende. These inclusions
generally exhibit a common crystallographic ori-
entation, inherited from or influenced by the crys-
tallographic orientation of the host crystal.
During the first stage of subsequent supergene
weathering, the more weatherable pyroxene is
weathered to a secondary smectite-group min-
eral whose sheets are well oriented parallel to
the Z axis of the pyroxene crystal.The more resis-
tant inclusions of hornblende are not yet weath-
ered. As a result, they are now included in a
secondary product with which they are neither
genetically nor directly connected. These "resid-
ual" inclusions of amphibole are not the residues
of the primary mineral from which the smectlte
formed. It is necessary to compare such altero-
PART 3 : ALTffiOMORPHS
morphs with less developed ones, in which resid-
ual areas of pyroxene are still associated with the
hornblende inclusions, to properly interpret the
process of development of both secondary prod-
ucts (smeetite and amphibole).
In contrast, some po\yg<.>netic alteromorphs pro-
vide. either by their mineral content or hy their
microstructure, an additional source of informatiun,
not only about their origin. but also al>out the primary
minerals frum which the <tlteromorphs dc\'C1ol)cd,
Thus, in a mOllZonite or calc-alkaline granite, all grains
of feldspar mOl} have been weathered to kaolinite; UH:re
is no possibi.lity of clearly distingujshing the origin of
the alteromorphs, either by their shape. their color, or
internal microtcxture. All these similar alteromorphs,
with poorly identillabk- boundaries because all have the
same secondary constitucnts, arc assoc..iated in such a
way that they form a group of crypto-altcromoTphs.
Mol',:, det.ailed a.nd accurate observatjons may show t.hat
some alteromorphs contain inclusions of epidote.
mainly in their central parts, whereas other :dtero-
morphs do not. The first alteromorphs are prohably
dev~·I()ped from plagioclase, whereas the inclusion-free
altcromorphs are probably UC\'c!oped from microcli.ne
or orthociJsc,
Another example is given by crypto-alteromorphs
simultaneously developed at the expense of adjacent
crystals of olivine and orthopyroxene (Fig. 18C). Bod\
altCTomorphs have a ·;mo.:ctitic composition, but the
occurrence or the lack of a symplccLitic micrOSb'uc-
ture or or"idJingsite" will aIIO\\·, one to determine the
primary mineral from which a given alterolllorph has
developed; olivinc ooes not contain symplcctik, but
can shc)\\. !)artial transrurmation to "idc:lingsite",
whereas orthopyroxene may contain symplect.ite, hut
ne\'er contains "iddingsite". In some cases, thc distinc-
tion betwee.n the two aJtcromorphs is more difficult
where both types of alterornorpbs. after olivine and
ort!Jopyruxen..:, are weathered to vcr)' similar smcc-
titc-group minerals (Fig. ISA). Only the diHerence in
orientation allows onc to disti.nguish their' origin.
SmecUte particles after olivinc are \'ery small .md ran-
dom I: oriented, whereas smectite particles after
orthopyroxene arc larger and oriented parallel to the L
axis of the primary mineral.
261
 B~~~ 0 1 2

FIGURE 35. EVOLUTIOCJ or T'OLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPH5.

A. Two different episodes of alteration of hypogene origin, separated in time

0, anhcJral cr;'stal of olilin" exhibiting protoclastic inlnmineru fractures;
I: incipient IIr,1. slage: of alterJtion of olivine to serpentine and magnetite along the fr-.lctures and rim;
2: ad"anced first stage 01' alteration; banded texture of serpentine and magnetite, with large relict COres of olivin,,;
3: incipient second stage of al.teration of the relict cores to "idJingsite" without modification of the first-formed scrpe'ntin,';
4· unal stage ofaJteration: banded texrure of serpentinc and inner parts of "iddingsite": POLYGENETIC ALTERO[v!ORPH.

Note: The I\rst·formecl ba.nded textw-e can be considerecl as a pan.!} clevd0ped two· phase alteromorph since lWO seconrury minerals (ser-
pentine, m-.lgnetite) are formed togetl"'r at the expense of the olivinc. In this ro1ygenetic alteromorph, the first stage gives a t\l'O-
phase alreromorph, and the second stage, a single-phase. one.

B. One bypogene process of alteration followed by a supergene process

0: anhedral zon.:J crvstal of plagioclase, "itl! it, d,aracter'istic pattern of polysvnrhetic twinniog;
I: incipient first stage of alt.:ration a.irecLing the core, leading to minute crvstals of c1inozoisite;
2: more advanced stage of alteralion and growth of rh.: c1ino7.0isite LT;'stab, still with I'oluminous residues;
3: incipient weatherlng of the plagioclase to an isotropic material along boundarie~ and twin plan.:s;
4: Lsolropic material r.:places the feldspar "ithout disturbing the indusions: POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPH.

Not.:: This polyg.:netic alteromorph is .,usccptible to further modillQtion: gibbsite may crystallize at tJ,e expense of the isotropic plcase.
and gibb.,ite anJ goerhite, In porous aBse.mblag.:s, may form at the expense of the epidote inclusions. The polygenetic and polyphas.:
aspects of the complde aJteromorph remain perfectly recognizable.

C. Example of possible erroneous interpretation oftbe genesis of an alteromorph

0: crystal of c1inopyroxcne showing paraJleI deavages and transvers~ fractures;
I: .incipient alteration of the pvroxene LO hornhlende along th.: cleavages and fractures;
2: the hypogene alteration ceases; denticulate and oriented inclusions of hornblende coeXiSl lIithin the unaltered pyroxen.:;
3: incipient weathering of' the residual cores of pyrox.:ne to oriented domains of a smectite without disturbance of the inclusions;
4: c-omplete w.:athering of r],e pyrox.:n.: to smectite and undisLLtrbed inclusions: POLYGEN me ALTEROMORPH.

Note: All the inclusions of hornhl.:nde are optically OrienlNI. and tJleir coarsely d.:nticulate 'hap s can simulate residues of the mineral that
ha.> given riSt' to the oriented ,'n.:ctite. In tJ,is e:xampk, hornhJend~ is not the par<:nt mat.:rial of the secondary smectitc. Without
access to the less advanced stages, the identiJkation of the true' process provides a major challenge.

262 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS

328,329
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Polygenedc alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

has first been postmagmatic process has replaced clastic fractw-es, since all olivine
A "I 1\ 1

partially and
1:\ I 11

peripherally
altered, and a thick rim of one or
more serpentine-group minerals
has developed. The transformation
has progressed cent.-ipetally, leaving
a large core of undisturbed olivine.
The serpentine i., colorless in PPL,
and exhibits, in XPL, its usual lmv
interference-colors (first-order
grey). The internal microtexture
shows that the domains of serpen-
tine are not preferentially orien ted.
During a later stage of alteration, a
part of the unaltered olivine core
with "iddingsite" while maintaining
the pattern of its network of proto-
clastic fractures, vl/hieh had become
obscured in the serpentinized area.
l11e transformation of the olivine
core is not complete, as many small
residual fragments are still recog-
nizable (colorless in PPL and blue
under XPL) within the "iddingsi-
tized" area. This transformation of
the oLvine core to "iddingsite" bas
obviously followed the inner proto-
remnants are vveU centered V\rithin
each ceU of "iddingsite". Note that
the second stage of transformation
has not affected the early-formed
serpentine minera1(s). Formed dw--
ing two successive stages of trans-
formation, with crystallizatiolJ of
two different secondary products,
the complex alteromorph is a typi-
cal (nearly complete) polygenetic
alteromorph.

PART 3 ; ALTEROMORPHS
263
POLYGENETlC ALTEROMORPHS

llO, III
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface

Polygenetic alteromorph
after olivine

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

-- 0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

I .11 '! I wi lh Ule preceding
illustrations, these photomi-
LTographs show the result or a very
similar but somewhat more com-
plex process of transformation 01' an
olivine grain according to two suc-
cessive stages. The additional com-
plexity lies in tht~ fact that the first
stage of alteration gives rise to a
partial polyphase alteromorph with
two d.istinct secondary minerals.
The alteration front penetTates the
oliv'ine crvstal
, aJonoCo transmineral
fractures, and gives rise to serpen-
tine-group minerals, with concomi-
t;lnt crystallization ot magnetite,
which lies along the median plMes
of the serpentinized bancls. Mag-
netite contains the iron, originally
included in th('" ulivinc crystal, that
ha,s not been accepted. within tbe
nevdy formed scrpentin('"-group
minerals. The olivine l"1olllains that
have "escaped" the serpentinization
process have been lat('"r completely
replaced by "iddingsite" without
affecting the first-formed serpell-
tine-group minerals. During a later
step of supergene weathering, somt'
new transmincral fractures are
opened, along which manganese
oxides arc deposited (see 048,049,
and 346). Note that the serpentine-
grou p minerals aTe preferentially
oriented perpenclicular to the
mecLan plane of the fractures and to
the intermineral boumJary 01' the
alteromorph, as can be seen umler
XPL.

264 ATlAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 POLYGENETlC ALTEROMORPHS

332,333
OUVINE-BEARlNG
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 6.8 m
Polygenetic alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

- 0.0 mm

I I 11 , 11' l , I illus- completely replaced by well-ori- prima.ry orthop)'Toxcne grams. The

trate the ca.se of J. '-cry comple:-
polygenetic alteromorph thJ.t
results from the combined effects of
several stages of transformation . .'\
large grJ.in of olivine \-vas partially
,tnd peripheraJ1~' replaced by a thick
externJ.] rim of man ... randoml . . od-.
en.ted crystals of orthopyroxene and
bv an intel'mediJ.te thinner rim
showing a symplectitic texture sur-
rounding the- olivinc core. During a
later step of mild hydrothermal
alterJ.tioIl, the oli\--inc core has heen
ented s,lponitc (bright yellow in.
PPL and nearly at e:-,:tinct:ion. in
XPL), without modif~'ing the
peripheral grJ.ins of orthopyroxene.
The n.etwork ()f original protoclastic
fractures is still recogninble in. the
sJ.l)on.itt: core. Durin.g a lJ.ter step of
weathering. the orthopyroxcne of
the cxtcrn.al rim WJ.S partially
weathered to n.ontroni te, bu t there
an' still many denticulate residues.
whose orientations correspond to
the mosaic-like assemblage of the
110n.tronite is easily distin.E,ruished
from the -'J.ponite after o[jvine by its
beige-brown. color. The magnetite
of the s:nnplectitic texture is n.ot
modified, and its occurren.ce and
distribution allow tlH.' pcriclotitic
parent or the polygenetic altero-
morph to be identilled.

3 : ALTEROMORPHS
PART
265
POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS
illus-
trate a C'ase of a pol;.genetic
,1.!terom(wph whose ultimate origin
is very similar to that in the previous
example: the original mineral is also
a grain of olivinc, but it has com-
pletelv cllsappeared! and is replaced
by a mosaic-like assemblage of
small, randomly oriented crystals of
orthopp-oxcne (h.vpersthenc). The
grade of lwdrothermal
~ , alteration is
somewhat higher than in the former
example. and part of the peripheral
pyroxene has been replaced by ran-
266
dam.!}' oriented and colode5s pani-
cles of c1lc, clearly observed along
the right and bottom edges of the
photographs. During a later step of
weathering, part of the orthopyrox-
ene crystals, whose pink pleochro-
ism is dearly exhibited by some of
the residues, is now replaced by
nontronile. whose greenish yello\\"
calor allows a distinction with the
colorless rim of talc. Some linea-
ments of magnetite run across the
alteromorph; they an__ the ultimate
traces of t1H-' protoclastic fractures
ATlAS OF MICI1DMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
334,335
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 8.4 m
Polygenetic alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
- 06
0.4
0.2
0.0 mm
or the origiml crystal of olivine.
Note that many small crystals of
orthopyroxenc have been COID-
pletely lVeatJ1crc:d, and are replaced
by many small centro-alveoporo-
alteromorphs. The dark green inclu-
sion (B2) is hornblende, and the
dark grains that sUlTotmd the poly-
genetic alteromorph are parth'
altered crystals of c1inopyroxene.

336,337
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Boeca, Cote d'lvoire
Polygenetic alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
T I 1"'11'111.
takcn from the same thin sec-
tion as the previous ones, are
included to better show the dctails
of the distribution of nontronite and
talc, and to better distinguish the
colorless rim of talc associated with
magnetite lineament.~ (both features
resulting From the intluence of' a
late-magmatic hydrothermal alter-
ation) from the green nontronitc,
formed by more recent weathering
of the hypersthcne grains that had
not pre\iously been replaced by
PART 3: ALTEROMORPHS
talc. Some minute dentiCl.Jiate rem-
nants of hypersthene are still distin-
guishable at C't, whereas most of
the other orthopyroxenc grains
have completely disappeared, giving
risc to small centTo-ah'eoporo-
alteromorphs. Note that the talc
particles of the ,-illl arc randomly
oriented, whereas the smectile par·
ticle~, whose denticulations arc
related to the denticulations of the
consumed residues of I)yroxene, are
regularly ol-iented, in each alveo-
poro-alteromorph, according to th("
POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS
orientation of each original grain.
No oli"ine remnants are preserved,
and no areas of the symplectite
textw-e are ,risible in the area pho-
tographed_ Only a careful observa-
tion of the whole thi.n secrion and of
neighboring samples will allow the
ultimate origin (complex evolution
of an olivine grain) or the polyge-
netic alteromorph to be identified,
267
POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS

338,339
PERIDOTITE
Jacuplranga,
SP, Brazil
Depth: 2.2 m

Sampled by
S.M.B. de Oliveira
Polygenetic alteromorph
after olivine

Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

-:- 0.2

0.1

- 0,0 mm

of hypogcm'
alteration, most of the olivine
ha.~ been replaced b)' a banded tex-
tl.lre involving scr[)cntine-grol1[)
millerals, maintaining large earl'S of
primar'y olivine.Thc banded texture
forms an irregular reticulate and
intcrconnecterJ oetwork whose
thickness is largl'ly hierarchizcd.
The longest bands of serpeJ1tine
exhibit a greater thickn<:,~~ th,1I1 the
shortest ones, whereas the olivinc
residucs all ha\e a comparable vol-
ume. The serpentine-group miner-
als .:Ire palt yellow in PPL. The ["act
that the thin section i" slightly
thicker than usual makes th.:: maxi-
mum interference-color 01' the sec-
onJary mineral first-order yellow
instead 01 gre)' in XPL. The serpen-
tine-group rrJnerals arc generally
oriC'nted pcrpl'ndicular to the walls
or th(" vcinlet~, whose media.n plane
contains panicles 01' magnetite.
Magnetite and serpentine arc
formed together during the
polyphase alteration or the primary
olivine. During a later stage of
supergene weathering, the olivine
cores have heen weathered to
saponitc, whose green coloration is
attributed to its relatively high con··
knt or Ni. No olivine rcmnant~ are
retained in the alteromorphs, and
the orientation of the par tides or
saponitc seem~ to be random. Slight'
inllux of brownish oxyhydroxides or
iron, probably due to partial oxida-
tion or the magnetite, is obscned
'Ni thin the handed texture of the
serpentine veins.

268 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AnH.ATlON AND WEATHERING

 POLYGENETlC ALTEROMORPHS

A c D
340,341
SERPENTINlZED
PERIDOTITE
Biankouma.. Sipilou,
Western Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by Y. Noack
Polygenetic alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
- 0.3

0.2

0.1

~ 0.0 mm

or serpen- lowing a constant orientation, the serpentine veins; they reflect an

i tine veinlets (yellowish in
PPL), formed during a first step of
hypogene <llteration, dh'icks a large
crystal of olivine into irregular
residual fragments. DW'ing a later
step of supergene weathering, the
oli\'ine remnants were flrst partially
weathered to beige-brown saponite,
which is irregularly cUstributed in
the contact areas (A3) between
olivine and serpentine. During a
second stage, a weathering reaction
afTccten the remnants of oli\'inc 1'01·
which is related to the main crystal-
lographic orient.ltion of the original
crystal, and gave rise to dark brown
oxyhyclroxides of iron. No open
pores arc visible between the pri-
mary. remnants and tlle scconc!<Jry.
f)roducts, at kast at the scale
observable Witll an optical micro-
SCOIJe. Some elongate artificial
pores (black holes in XPL) arc
dd"cts of the thin section. Small
patches of oxyhydroxides of iron are
also irre.s'ularly distributed within
irregular influx of iron and not a
tTue weathering of the $('rpentinc-
group minerals. These ,viii be
weathered much later and at a
higher level in the profile. Formed
under the inlluel1ce of two cU1Terent
prucesses well separateJ in time,
the resulting alteromorph, once the
replacemeot of the oli\'ine remnants
is achieved, will be a typical polyge-
netic alterol11orpb.

PART 3 : ALTERmlORPH5
269
POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS

342,343
WEATHERED BASALTIC
ROCK
Island of Mauritius
Sampled by VTargulian
Polygenetk alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

0,2

0,1

0,0 mm

I I\ I ' I has been
1. partiall)' altered to "iddingsite"
during a late dellteric process, The
"iddingsitc" rim is brownish red in
PPL, and brightl)' colored in shades
01" yellow and orange in XPL Dur-
ing a later step 01" weathering, which
is also responsible for the weather-
ing of the basaltic groundmass, the
o!ivinc corc has been completely
weathered to hydrated oxides of
iron which, in PPL, appear as a dark
brown boxwork with numerous
empty pores. Most of the septa
appear, under XPL, as micro-aggre-
gates of well-oriented domains of
goethite, whose or'icntation is
homogcneou.';\y distributed through-
Ollt the entire wearnered core. The
photomicrograph has been taken
with tile sel)ta ol-icnted at 4-5° to
show the maximum brightness of
the goethite [Jartic1es; when ori-
ented parallel (not shown) to the
cross-hairs of the microscope, both
"icidingsite" and goet.hite minerals
appear completely at extinction
w1der XPL, Both hypogene "idding-
site" and supergene goet.h.ite have
inherited th\:' textural orientation of
the original grain of olivine, The
result of the two-step transforma-
tion or t.he olivine grain is a polyge-
netic (oriented) septo-alteromorph,
The ground mass of the basaltic rock
is completely weathered, The lat.hs
of plagioda'ie are transformed to
nearly isOtTopic halJoysite, and the
interscrtal grains of pyroxene have
been replaced by oxybydroxides of
iron.

270 ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS

c D
344,345
WEATHERED OLlVINE-
BEARING PYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I m

Polygenetic alteromorph
after olivine

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
- 0.3

0.2

0.1

~ 0.0 mm

t\ 1II I I" I, of o)ivinc conditions of resh'icted drainage, tronite are randoml\' oriented over
J

,ri.has been replaced by a polygc-
nctic alteromorph. During a t1rst
stage ofb)'l)ogene alteration, a small
part of the mineral has been
replaced hy yellow saponite (A-BS,
D-E4-), which has penetrated the
mineral over short cLstances along
the proloclastic fractures. During a
later stage of weathering, under
the unaltered part of the olivinc the whole alteromorph, as is usually
crystal has been completely wcath· observed in nearly all aJtcrolllorphs
ered to greenish nontronite. The after olivine {'ormed w1der condi·
minute grains 01' magnetite lying tions of restricted drainage in the
within the protoclastic fractures Koua Bucca intrusion.
remain undisturbed, and the previ.
ously formed saponite is not modi·
!'icd, texturally or mineralogicaJJy.
Note that the microparticlcs of non·

PARr 3 : ALT<ROMORPHI 271

POLYGENETlC ALTEROMORPHS
I • of olivine
has been completely "eplaced
by a holo-.llteromol'ph of "iddings·
ite" under the intluence of a late-
magmatic process. Observations of
the neighbori..l1g affected areas
(beyond the thin section) indicate
that the volumes of the primary
mineral and of its a]teromorph arc
similar, aml that no deformation has
taken place during this first trans-
formation; an iso-alteromorph
results. The position of extinction
and the interference-color, under
XPL (not shown) arc homogeneous
throughout the entire alteromorph,
272
which indicates that the altera-
morph is derived from one grain of
olivine. During a later step of
weatllering, the weathered rock was
crossed by many open transmineral
fractures. and some of them have'
been the pathways along ",'hich
absolute accumulations of a11och-
thonous material have occurred. In
the fractured alteromorph shown in
tJ1C photomicrograph, tbe transmin-
eraI fracture is rimmed by an irreg-
ular halo of black manganese
oxides, which also penetrated the
altcromorph along thin internal fis-
sures. Slight absolute accumulation
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHEf\JNG
:146
OLIVINE-BEARING
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 8 m
Polygenetic alteromorph
after olivine
Objectrve: x 4
PPL
0.6
0.4
- 0.2
0.0 mm
of ox)'hyclroxides of iron is also
responsible for th~ higher col-
oration of the "iddingsite" itself in
sectors adjacent to the mang,mcsc-
enriched areas. Owing to ule influ-
ence of two successi ve stages of
tr'\J1sformation (fIrstly, hypogcne
forrn<ttion of "iddingsite", and later
supergene absolute accumulations),
the resulting altcromorph has
become 11 (cumulo)-polygenet-ic
alteromorph (sec also 048, 049).
 POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS

347,348
OLlVlNE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Boeca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 4.8 m
Polygenecic alteromorph
Example of a "signature"
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

0.2

-0.1

0.0 mm

11 ! Iof hypogene aher-
1 ation has cOl11lJletcly replaced
an olh·ine grain to a symplectitic
intergrowth composed of orrhopy-
roxene (h)lpcrsthene) and irregu-
larlv distributed vermicular
magnetite. During a later stage of
low-grade hydrothermal alteration,
the surrounding crystals of phlogo-
pite have been replaced bv rncso-
alteromorphs of vermiclllitc,
without modification of tbe neigh·
boring grains of O!-t1\Opyl'Oxene aml
c1inopyroxene. During a more
recent stage of weathering, the very
susceptible ortholJyroxene has been
tran.sformed to a smectitic clay of
nontronjtc composition, whereas
the magnetite intergrowths were
not modified. The persistence of
such unweatbercd symplectitic
intergrowths pro~-ides a true miner-
alogical and textural signature lhilL
allows the ultimate origin of the
alt~'romorph to he recognized.
WitllOut the occulTence of these
intergrolVths, the a.lterornorph
could be considered to result from
the weathering of oli\ine (without
pilssing through the orthopyroxene
phase) or t'rom the weathering of
orthopyroxene (withollt recui,.miz-
ing its ultimate peridotitic origin).
Note that contrary to the alteration
of a similar symplectitic texture to
talc (see 385, 386), this aItera-
morph exhibits residual alveolar
pores, which renect weathering
with net lussur material.

PART 3: ALTEROMORPHS 273

POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS

349,350
IRON-ENRICHED
DURICRUST
DEVELOPED ON
OLIVINE·8EARING
CLINOPYROXENITE
Kaua Bacca. Cote d'lvaire
Depth: 0,8 m

Polygenetic alteromarph
Example of a "signature"

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL
Polarizers not exactly
crossed in XPL
O.3

l
0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

11 I' 1'1 show
another example or a grain or
oLivine that has been replaced by a
symplectitic intergrowth of
orthopyroxcne and lamellae of
magnetite. Contrary to the pre\·ious
photographs, a large core or oJivine
has been maintained in the central
part of the symplcctitic inter-
growth. Later, dming a low-grade
hydrothermal phase, the olivine
core has been completely replaced
by sapooitc (sce 389, 390) without
modification of the syrnplectitic
texture or the chemical composi-
tion of the orthopyrnxene rim,
Dming a much later phase or weath-
ering, the saponite core and the
orthopyroxe.ne-bearing rim have
been stl-ongly weathered to an alve-
olar texture of iron-rich secondarvI
clays, whereas the magnetite inter-
growths were oxidized to hematite.
Its dark red coloration is clearly vis-
ible iu the lower' llhotograph, taken
with crossed polarizcr's and con-
denser lens for an enhancement of
the brightness of the nearly opaCJul?
secondary mineral. -nle oxidation or
the magnetite to hema\i\e has not
modined the thin and brittle sym-
plectitic texture which, as a true
signature, remains perfectly recog-
nizable even within the upper part
0(" the iron duriuust. Without the
persistence or t.his particularly char-
acteristic texture, the identification
of the ultimate origin or the com-
plex polygenetic alteromorph
would not have been possible.

ATlAS Of MICROMOftPHOLOGY OF MINEP,AL ALTERATION AND WEATHEftlNG

274
 POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS

351,351
THICK SOIL
DEVELOPED ON
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'!voire
Depth: 6.6 m
Polygenetic aJteromorph
Example of a "signature"
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
Polarizers not exactly
crossed in XPL

.- 0.2

show the lower parts of the profile). The recognized because all the pyroxene
T I. I 'f 1.1 t

a residual sj"mplectitic texture,

from which only the shape of the
vermicular intergro\vths has been
preserved. The magnetite of tbe
lamellae has been converted to
hematitC' (dark red coloration in
XPL, with full power), whereas the
onhopyroxene component has been
replaced by reddish alveoporo-
alteromorphs of coJored residual
k.aolillite, itself a product of degra-
dation of previously formed oon-
tronite (as it can be ascertained in
f'mely porous red alteromorphs that
are distributed around the eenlr-al
grains ha\·c given rise to many irreg-
ular erypto-alteromorphs. Without
polygenetic altcromoqJh are the occurrence of this clearly recog-
crypto-alteromorphs after grains of nizable spnplectitic re~iduJ.1 tex-
c1inopyroxene, whose early-formed ture, the origin of this complex
secondary products also have been poJ)'genetic altcromorph could not
replaced by ferruginous red kaolin- have been identified.
ite, similar in composition to the
weathered orthopyroxene. The
boundary between the orthopyrox-
ene grains of the sympkclitic tex-
ture and the surrounding weathered
clinop)'Toxene grains is not clearly

PART 3 : AlTEROMORPHS 275

POLYGENETIC ALTEROMORPHS

353
GRANITIC ROCK
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at outcrop
Example of a "signature":
a myrmekite texture
Objective: x 4
XPL

0.6

04

- 0.2

- 0.0 mm

354
GRANITIC ROCK
BR I 63, Brazil
Sampled by F. Soubies
Depth: unknown
Example of a "signature":
residual quartz
in the granophyric
texture
Objective: x 6.3
XPL

~
0.3

~ 0.2

_ 0.1

~ 0.0 mm

r shows
t.I1e mynnckile texture, which
('om01onl), develops in the contact
area between plagiocla.«.: and albli
fCldspar. The mynnekite texture is
composed of "ermicubr inclusions
of qUdrtz within sodic plagioc!dse.
The internal organization of the
myrmekite texture is comparable to
the pre"iously shown s)'ml1lectitic
texture. When subjected lO weath-
ering processes, th~~ highly resistant
inclusions of (Iuartz md)' be main-
tained unw('.athered , like the mao-
~
netitC" intergrowths in IJrevious
examples, whereas the enclosing
and n,~ighb(lring feldspars arc less
resistant, like orth0p),Toxene, and
The resulting altcromorphs arc-
highly porous (mainly glomero-
aJtl'nmlOrphsJ, but in spite of this
md} be compldely weathered to high IJomsit)'- the original distribu-
clay m.inerals or even to gihbsite. tion and OIientation of all the vcr-
The lower illustration shows micular inclusions of quar'''' h,}n~
what happen.s in cases where a gra- been perkctly maintained, as shown
nophyric iJ\tcrgrowth of a .sodic or a by t.I1eiJ· homogeneous interference-
potassic feldspar with quartz has colors in XPL.
been subjected to conditions of effi-
cient weathering. All t.I1c Feldspar
components, either in the gra-
nophyric intergrowth or in neigh-
buring crystals, have been
completely replaced by gibbsite.

ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

276
Po{\phase a/ecTOmorphs
POlYPhaSe al!eromorphs are formed during a sin-
gle stage of hypogene alteration or of supergene
weathering; they are thus monogenetic altero-
morphs. On the other hand. the result consists of
an association of two or more secondary miner-
als owing to exsolution (Fig. 36A) or to a gradual
transformation (Fig. 36B). with development of an
ephemeral intermediate phase. Slow rates of
weathering of coarse crystals may also induce the
development of two or more successive and dis-
tinct secondary phases. which will persist in the
same alteromorph.
QAADUAL POt YPI-!ASE ALTEROMORPH
FIGURe 36. :\. Relationship of .1 simultan('ousl\' devclope·d
polvphasc alteromorl'h, ,l.' Juring (·,-,olution. to " grain 01' a
primar:, min"Tal. B. Rclaliomlup or a gr.lduall) dc\'vl0l'cd
polypbax ,uleromorl'h lo a grain of' a prima,)' mineral.
The ncoformecl products arc not randomly dis-
lTibuted within the polyphase aJteromorph, bUl they
exh.ibit an organized, hierarchical texture. One of the
two secondary products is im'ariabJy located close to
the remnants of the primary mincra.I, whereas the
other sl'condary pha;;e is morc distant, a.nd separated
from thest' n:mnants b_\' the first one. Both hYlx)gelle
and supergene processes can promote such polyphase
altnnmorphs.
Examples of composite polyphase altcromoq)hs of
hypogcne origin include the association or two neo-
formed minerals as a result of ,In exsolution process
(Fig. 37).
PMT 3; AlTEROMORPHS
The replacement of an olivine crystal by a
symplectitic intergrowth of orthopyroxene and
magnetite corresponds quite well to the above
definition. The resulting alteromorph is a two-
phase iso-alteromorph. as no increase in volume
is observed. In contrast, where a process of phase
separation occurs. as in the replacement of an
onhopyroxene crystal by an association of talc
and magnetite microparticles. the original iron
content of the pyroxene does not enter the
structure of the talc. and magnetite crystallizes as
independenr microcrystals, commonly filling up
the intermineral pores opened around it. A two-
phase echino-alteromorph is developed (Fig.
37A).
Thb is Jlso the caSt' in the association of twu
secombr)' minerals, where the first-formed onc is
progressiIT\;' replaced b;' the second through a gradual
process related to slowly modified conclitions ol'
al tcr<1tion.
An orthopyroxene crystal may be replaced
by an alteromorph composed of several sec-
ondary products (polyphase alteromorph). whose
proportions and distributions in the alteromorph
are influenced by the local P- T conditions and by
opportunities for ion exchange. Under conditions
of low P and low T. talc (Tic) and magnetite (Mgt)
are preferentially formed at the expense of the
primary pyroxene (two-phase alteromorph). In
conrrast, under conditions of higher P and higher
T, an amphibole (Amp) is formed at the expense
of the talc. which is progressively less abundant.
and finally disappears from the alteromol"ph. Two-
phase (Tic + Mgt), three-phase (TIc + Amp + Mgt)
and two-phase (Amp + Mgt) alteromorphs are
successively developed at increasing P and T
(Fig. 37B)
T,vo-phase alterolllorphs may also develop under
the irtfluencc of supergene processes. Either simultane-
ous rormation of £"\0\'0 dilTerC'nt stable secondary miner-
als or the gradual replacement of a Ilrst-formed
unstable secondary mineral hy a later-developed more
stable secondary IJroduct may be observ0d.
An example of a composite polyphase altcro-
morph oC supergene origin illustrating the de.l"elop-
ment of stahle and separate secondary products
follows.
The weathering of hornblende or of garnet.
both relatively aluminous. can lead to a septo-
alteromorph whose septa are mainly composed
of goethite or of aluminian goethite, whereas
277
 ",
CJ 0
.f... ···...,,··· : •., . " \

e; .'
"
.
. ,

. . ,IQ
( ••.•.••••.•. I."

o 1

o 2 3 4

FIGURE 37. EI'('IUIIO.'i 01, POIYl'HiI,r ,\IT''I\OMCH\PHS,

A. Two concomitant but separate minerals developed during a process of gradual alteration
0: CT)'stal of onhopyro.,ellc with kw cka"ages and fractures;
I: incipient pellicular ancllincilr ~lt('raLion to tak associated with ",1<111 amOUrlt' or maglletite;
2: more .d'·anccd alteratjnn CC' t;lle and rnagneLitc surrounding IJrgt' rcsitluol cor",s;
3: talc Ill\,; the major part uf the odginal \'olume, wh"'Ta, magnetite im'adc.s thc surrounding open intermint'ral rrao.:tur~s;
4 complete "Iteration ID inne-r dc"min 1)1' tak and mainly' external (kpo~jls l)f magneLite: TWO·PHASE ECH1NO·ALTEROMORPH.

Note: If the original orthop.\TOX.;ne does not cautain iron, no n"gnctilc b formed, but part or the talc can in\"ade Lhc surrounding illkr-
min~ral fractures b"callSc the altc'ration is not slTinl)' i;;o\'olumetric, It generates' snull increase in volume as a re-sull or opening
and infllling or inlt:rnlincraJ fractures, A (single'ph"d echinn'alterornorph develops,

B, Three secondary minerals (one is optional) developed during a process of gradual alteration
0: crystal "I' orLhop~Toxene completely I'ep)"ced Il\' an assnci,tion of laic aDd magnetite (Fig. 8, .'1.4);
I· incipit'nt replacement of wlc hy sm,11 o·)"t,lls of colori<'s.' magne,ian amphihole;
2: more advanced stage QC .llteration: prislll' or .llllphibole de,-dop at the I;xpense or the laic;
3: more and more l)rol rudillg I)risms "I' amphihale ,lre formed, whereos th~ rdaliVt' prol,ortion or talc decrLase:;;
+: nearly complete alter"dorl to talc. magnetite and amphibok; POLYPI-I.,\SE ECHINO-ALTEROMORPH,

;\iote: The next stage of alteration will nu long"r show talc; oni)' tremoUte or eummingtonite are associatetl with the seconuar\, l11aglleLite,
All these succes;j\,c ,tages do not necessarily appCJr during the alteration or the SJme ori&>iml mineral gr~in, as the relatin: dl~"el­
opment of "-lcb of lhese st;]gcs Jepenrls on the local intensity 01' the hydmthernlill proce"s,

C- Two 5ccond<lTY mine,.,ls ;\ppeariug simultaneollsly under condition~ of superficial weathering

o: crystal or hornblende exhibiting ane set or c1ea"'ge plane; and irregular Fractures;
I, incipient linear and pellicular weathering to g(>l'thi(,~ along part of the open c1eav'ges and boundaries;
l- 111arr. ,dvaneed weathering along c1"'\,'ge;; 'llld rr.lCl'UreS, and deye!opme.r,l or circum-nodw.ll' residual "oids;
3: fe\\ minUI e denticulate residue,' isolated \lilhin large residuol voids, and d•.· vclopment or crl'stals or se.condary gibbsire;
-t: sept, of gnet],it.; ..:oated \\'itl, isolated cryst"l, or gibbsite: nVO-PHA5E SEPTO-ALTEROi\,IORPH,

Note: Gib!>site cl'ystals de,~lop wht:r~ the aluminum cOllteot or tht' original hornblende is not rull)' .lCtommadated by the early' I'ormarian
nf alumini;]n gaetllit.e; discrete gibbsite rorms from the remJining part of rhe aluminum, Wh,'re tbe ;]Iuminum COnl('nt or the amphi.
bole is lower, "luminian goelhjte i, formed only, and nu cl'yst.I, of gibbsile ,re ,'isibk il' the aJteramorph,

278 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHEI\ING

 small crystals of gibbsite are randomly distributed
along the sides of the septa. in the pores of the
septo-alteromorph (Fig. 37C).
An example of .1 composite polyph.:lse alteru-
morph or
supergene origin. with Jen']opment of an
unslable (isotrnpic or not) intcrl1lc,djate ph<lse, is pro-
vided by th<: graduall)olrpha$c alteron101'1>!t (Fig. 38).
THE COMPLEX PATTERN OF WEATHERING
OF PLAGIOCLASE
A fractured grain of plagiocla.se (PI) is weath-
ered to a Si-AJ-rich. optically isotropic material
(IM), which is later transformed to kaolinite (Kin)
(Fig. 38A). The most easily weathered part of the
feldspar is either its more calcic central pan. if it
is normally zoned. or the parts located along the
irregular network of its fractures. The weathered
pan shows an irregular outline owing to the com-
bined occurrence of fractures. cleavage and twin
planes, which locally accelerate the weathering in
preferred directions. The plagioclase residues are
tightly confined within the isotropic secondary
pha.se. and exhibit cavernous volumes and an
irregular outJine. The isotropic material progres-
sively grows at the expense of these residues.
which finaJly disappear from the alteromorph. The
weathering of the alteromorph formed at the
expense of feldspar proceeds with increa.sing evo-
lution of the chemical composition of the
isotropic material (IM) and with appearance of
the small crystals of kaolinite (Kin) within the
first-formed. and thus within the chemically most
evolved, isotropic area.s. A complex organization
of shapes and minerals results (polyphase oltero-
morph).At least three solid pha.ses are associated
during a given period of time in the same altero-
morph (the feldspar residues. the intermediate
isotropic pha.se, and the microcrystals of kaolin-
ite). Unweathered inclusions of "sericite" or epi-
dote also may occur if such inclusions were
developed during an early stage of hypogene
alteration (polygenetic olteromorph) , and are now
irregularly scattered within the three other
pha.ses. During the final stage of evolution, the
complex organization is progressively simplified
by the disappealance. firstly. of the feldspar
residues. and secondly. of the intermediate
isotropiC phase. Finally. the feldspar crystal is com-
pletely replaced by an aggregate of kaolinite
microcryscals in which "sericite" and epidote
inclusions may be maintained. If the inclusions dis-
PMT 3 : ALTEl\OMQRPHS
appear without any discernible trace of sec-
ondary produces, or if the original feldspar did not
contain such inclusions. a monophase alteromorph
results, composed of kaolinite only. The altero-
morph is successively composed of (PI + IM), (PI
+ IM + Kin), (IM + Kin), and finally (Kin). If the
inclusions of epidote (Ep) are later weathered to
iron oxyhydroxides (oxFe). the successive altero-
morphs consist of (PI + Ep), (PI + IM + Ep). (PI +
IM + Kin + Ep), (IM + Kin + Ep). (Kin + Ep). and
(Kin + oxFe).ln this last case. the resulting altero-
morph is polypha.se. because it contains two dis-
tinct minerals, but it is finally turned into a
monogenetic alteromorph because both sec-
ondary minerals (Kin and oxFe) were developed
during the same long and continuous period of
time. under conditions of superficial weathering.
Similar processes occur where grains of pla-
gioclase are weathered to gibbsite through an
intermediate isotropic phase (Fig. 38B). The
weathering develops much more qUickly than in
the previous examples. in such a way that the
first-formed crystals of gibbsite are aligned on
both sides of the fractures, whereas they are sep-
arated from the residual cores of feldspar only by
the thin rim of isotropic secondary material. This
first distribution of gibbsite crystals gives rise to a
partly developed septo-alteromorph. Within
more evolved alteromorphs, the isotropic mater·
ial extends inward to the center of each residual
core. which finally disappears. The earlier-formed
rims of isotropic materiaj are now converted to
irregular a.ssemblages of gibbsite crystals. Where
the replacements are complete, the polyphase
alteromorph is convel'ted to a monophase com-
plex glomero-septo-alteromorph.
Pol)'j)h<l.Sl: alteromorphs a.lso may ckvclop where
weathering reaninns proceed at J sJO\\ rate on rela-
tivelv coarse crvstak A long period or time is neces·
sarI'~ 'tu cOIllple~e the lI"eath;rino b
or the grain. Durine:
~
this time intenal, conditions of weathering can
lx'come f>]'ogressi"ely mollified in such a W.:lY that the
last-formcd secondar)' products are no longer identical
to the flrsl-fornlccI secondary products. A first rJartial
weathering to a srnectite-group mincr.:ll, for example,
Illay be folluwed bv a second stage of weathering of the
residuL'S to iron h)'druxide. Alt10ugh both scZonclary
products are formed from the same mineral gr(ljn, the
resulting aJterumorph ma)' he cunsidered to be a COIll-
posite alternmorph (Fig. 38C).
279
FIGlIllE l8. E\'OI.lITI(lN (IT· PUL Y1'fii\SI' .·\!.TEI\()M( )RI'HS.

A. Appearance of a mineral after;1n intermediate isolTopic phase (gradual process of weathering)

0: ,1.oh,·d1'31 cl'}S!JI of pJagiocla.<c cxh.ibiting fe" 'TguiJr c1e''''ilge, and irl-egular transverse Fr,lclurC's;
\. ",-cond'lC) iStllTOpic material (k"clop; JccnrJing tu a regular - irregular !.ine,1r pan,'rn;
,. rt:gl.lar - irregular ban,kd pattern and cuntinuous isotropic' pha,c with C.lvernous residual ('Oft'S;

3: all l'\',iducs of rh~ primary mineral hav(' di,app('ared when the first hooklet> of kalllinite are formed;
4-: more' cHstab of kaolinite dcvelop a{ {he ~xpen,(' of the isotropic pha,e: TWO·PHASE (GRADUAL) /\LTEROMORPH.

Note: Undn condition.< of normal or re,o'icted !e;Jch.ing, reldspar.group miuer,!.' are preferentially \\'<'ather"d te) bolinite after tIll' dc·",·I·
o}lllwnt of an internwdiatl' isotl'f)pic I)hao"" whid, extc,ncLs OWl' most ur
the alteroffiorph hdore the appearance of the !lr$t·foTll1cd
cry,tals of kaolinite. Kaolinite "J1<.1 r('sidues of kld$p"r are r~rel)' oh"en'cd together in the' alterolllorph'.

B. Appearance ofa mineral after an intermediate isotropic pha~ (gradual weathering process)
0: anhedr<)1 ('[")"st,,1 or plagioda~e <.:xhihiting few regular ele"'ag,c,' .1I1e! irregular tran,verse fractures:
I: patch,,, of isorwpic >l'cvndJry m.ller·ial dcvelop along P3rt of the' deil\'ages '1nd I'ratture$;
2: coalesc"nl potch", of i~()tn)l'ic matcriJI ,k"'dop, J"3\'ing ca"Nnous kldspar COI'('S; the. IIrst cl-y'staI5 of gihhsitl' 'ppear;
3: LTySl.ab of gihhsiL<' d"'Tlop according to linear ond banded partl'm" where» minute re~idu"s of plagioclasc still pasisr;
+: P,1l't "I' uw i,,-,tropic tnateri<t! is replaced hy gihh,ir" and rcsidual void.<: GLOlvlERO·SEPTO,ALTEROMORPH,

Nor,,: Undcr cDnditi"n, of stTDng 1"Jelling, crystlb of gibbsitc qu.iekl;· develop at the eXf)"nsc of the most strongly I.::al'hl'd (fint·formed)
p"rts of the inkrn",diate isotropic phase, which rna)' still conLain re,ic!ue, or relJ.spar. Thr£e phdses ,re ob.>er,·ed together before the'
'llten)!I1ol'ph i., colllplerdy deve!<.llwd. A lwo·phase "Iteromorph cvolves into d single'l,h."c alteromorph.

C. One continuously wL'athering phase tinder conditions of va"ying drainage

U: suhhedral crvstal of orthOp)TOXC"k WiU1 pMalkl de:"''1gl'$ ,\nd rro1llSVer$e fracturts;
I: linear trJfl"erse pattern 01' \\Tath'-ring \{l a ,ml'e-rik und"r condition; of n'SlTicted dr.:ti.nage in th" lower profil'.';
2: I'uru",r dl'vdopment into a handed pRtlcrn "long fracrur(·.$ and denticulate cores ori,'nled par"lld to tJ,,, cleavages;
3: in the llpp"r part of the proJ1lr~, condition,; of £I11cient le'iChing prl,mor" U1C w"albcring or tJ,,'. rE-Sielue,s to goet.h.itc;
+: gocthite and ""idual "oids replace the resielues anel.sm,·<:titc is ,lowl; de.graded: ALVEOP(JRO·ALTER01\·10RPH.

Not,·: Within the near·surla,,, weathering horizons, in which condiljom of drainage promote th" destruct.ion of the Iirsl·formcd smectitc
and i15 replan'menl hv iron ox\'h)'droxidcs, the nrst·formed orU\o.a!t·eoporo-alt.,'rol11Cirph is slowly com'crred to a para.ah·coporo.
ahcmmorph, in which more collnded pores dre J",vclop"d. rdthcr than the charact,~ristic alvcolar pores.

280 ATLA; OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERAnON AND WEATHERING

 POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

A c o
355,356
BASALTIC ROCK
BR 163. Brazil
Sampled by F. Soubies
at rock outcrop
Polyphase pseudo morph
after olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

:- 0.2

0.1

O.Omm

Illllll r of
olivine has been altered to
green chlorite associated \-vith many
grains of secondary quartz and
sparser grains of calcite under the
inOucnce of a postmagmatic process
of hypogene origin. The sh.ape. and
probably the volume. of the euhe-
dral crystal of olivine were perICetly
maintained amI are clearly recogrUz-
able. The a1tcromorph is a true
pseudomorph. The three sCl'onctary
minerals WCfe formed together
during the same process of alter-
ation. The result of the transforma-
tion is a polyphase I)Seudomorph.
All quartz grains apparently exhibit
the sallle optical orientation
throughout the pseudomorph, but
this feature is not always observed
in similar translormations or divine
crystals in other rocks or regions.

PAR.T 3: AlHItOMORPfiS
281
POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

B C D
357,358
BASALTIC ROCK
Ocean floor
Costa Rica Rift
Leg 70. site 504b
Sampled by C. Laverne

Concentric distribution in
a polyphase alteromorph
after olivine

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
~ 0.3

=- 0.2

: 0.1

0.0 mm

trans-
fOI-meJ an olivine crystal into a
polyphase alteromorph composed
of grecnish chlorite associated with
quartz grain,~, Most quart:7 graim
arl' concen tricall ~ djstrihuted
around a central part, which is
mainly composed of ehlorite associ-
atcd with yery small grains of mag-
netite. As can be seen under XPL,
both quart~ and chlorite are ran-
domly oriented, without any spc-
cilk relationship to the orientation
of the original oli,-ine. The Jeep
blue interference-calor of the chlo-
rite is characteristic of the penllinite
variety of clinochlore. The sur-
rounding matrix has maintai.ned its
usual basaltic composition, and con-
tains plagioclase, c1inopyroxen(' and
magnetite.

282 ATlAS OF MICR0t10RFHOLOGY OF MINERAL AlTERATION AN.D WEATHERING

 POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

A c D
359,360
HORNBL.ENDE-RICH
CL.lNOPYROXENITE
Koua BOCC3, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at rock outcrop

Concentric distribution in
a polyphase alteromorph
after plagioclase

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

r: 0.0 mm

alterat.ion or and greenish chlorite). 111e core or which is intimately assodated with
T ill 1\ 'I'. '11 I I. \\

this subhedral crystal 01 rela-
ti\·ely caJcic plagioclase (Iabra-
dorite) has given rise to an
association or two distinct sec-
ondary minerals. Epidote and cUno-
zoisite, dearly distinguishable in
XPL by their high interference-col-
ors (common epidote) or by their
abnormal blue and yellow interfer-
ence-co]ors (dino7..oisite), are con-
centrically d.istributed as a rim in
contact with the other neighboring
minerals (hornblende, magnetite
the plagiocJase crystal has been
mainly replaced by many minute
flakes of lJaragonite. A few small
grains of epidote aJso appear in the
central part or the alteromorph. The
origin.al calcium content of the pla-
giodase grain has promoted the for-
mation 01' the epidote-group
minerals, whereas its sodiwn con-
tent has promote'd the formation or
paragonite. The low original con-
tent or potassium is responsible for
the presence of minor Usericite",
the paragonite.The redistribution of
the main d1emical constituents of
the original mineral into two dis-
tinct secondary mineral phases has
led to the formation of a typical
polyphase alteromorph, whose min-
eral components exhibit a concen-
tric pattern orrb.stri bu tion.

3:
PART ALToRoMORPHS
283
POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS
A C
of hype-r-
sthene has been completely
altered to it regularly distributed
association of talc and tremolite. As
observed in XPL, all the blue-col-
ored acicuhr domains of b'emolite
arc regularly distributed parallel to
each other and irregularly embed-
ded in a gruundmass 01" LUloricnted
microparticles or t,-dc. It is highly
probable that in the third di.rnen-
sion, all isolated domains of amphi.
bole are joined by bridges fi:>rming a
skeletal minera.l whuse interstitial
284
D
volumes are irLfillcd by talc. Several
gemTations of magnetit{~ can be dis-
tinl,rWshed. The oldest is expressed
as irregular opaque hneamcnts (C4,
D3) that arc related to the proto-
clastic fractures of the primary crys-
tal of olivinc before its later
recrystallization into hypersthene.
The second generation of magnetite
is expressed a, a group of irregular
inclusions (AJ, 82), which are relics
of' a symplcctitic texture formed as
a result of the replacement of
olivine by the newly formed
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERAnoN AND WEATHERING
361,362
ORTHOPYROXENE-
BEARING
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 5.2 m
Parallel distribution in
a polyphase alteromorph
after hypersthene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
:- 0.1
.:..... 0.0 mill
orthopyroxene. The third genera-
tion is expressed as interlamellar
parallel lineaments that have
I"ormcd during the later replace-
ment of the pyToxene by talc and
tremolite. Observations of many
thin sections showing Ule successive
mineralogical transforma6ons are
necessary to understand such a
complicated evolution.
 POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

A c o
363,364
ORTHOPYROXENE-
BEARING
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at rock outcrop
Parallel distribution in
a polyphase alteromorph
after hypersthene
Objective; x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

I of hydrother-
mal process is reached, the pro-
portion of taJc in the polypha:;e
altcromorph (see 361, 362) I)ro-
gressi velv decreases and finallv dis-
~ - j
appear~, to give an altcromorph that
consists only 01" amphibok of the
tremolit.e - actinolite series and
magnetite. The photomicrographs
show thc regular Jistrihution of the
acicular domains of' tremolitic or
actinolitic amplUbule, whose orien-
tat.ion is p.arallel to the Z axis of the
original orthopyroxene cr)·~tal.
Man)' ampbibole crystab are
twinned, but their regular orienta-
tion throughout the entire altero-
morph is res[Jonsible for a
homogeneous coJoration under
crossed polars. The magnetite
grains, Ivhich contain the orig'nal
iron content of the primary
orthnpyroxcne. are randomly dis-
trihuted. Most magnetite graim an:
euhedral or subhedral (cubic 01-
hexagonal sections), Transverse
fractures arC' also responsible for
aLigrune.nts of small gr;)ins of mag-
netite and linear infilLings of upaque
mincl-.l!s. Sever;)! elliptical grains of
greenish bro\vn hornblende arc ran-
domly enclosed within the
IJolyph'lsc alterornorph; tJlei r 1'01'-
rnatinn precede., the alteration of'
the orthop)'Toxenc host crystal, anJ
they do not belong to the mjnerals
that compose the [Jol)'[Jhase altero-
morph. More resistant to
hydrothermal processes, the inclu-
sions of' primary hornblende arc not
replaced by t.he secondary tremolite
- actinolite amphibolc.

PART 3: AtTEROMORPHI
285
POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS
after
olivine has been formed by
hydrothermal alteration along a
transmineral fracture. Owing to the
low grade of hydrothermal alter-
ation, the distributjon of the sec-
ondary products is 1\ot uneven; it
strongly depends on the distance
that separates a point from the frac-
ture along which the hydrothermal
fluids penetr<lte the mineral. Most
of the <llteromorph is composed of
talc, associated with minute grains
of magnetite. At short dist.ances
286
along both sidt~S or the fracture
plane, where higher-temperature
conditions were reached, the
olivine was replaced by colorless
tremolitic amphiboJe. In the thin
section from which these photomi-
crographs were taken, all oli\1nc
cryst<lls are altered to talc, and the
amphibolc only appears within the
alteromorphs that are crossed by
the fractures. This case provides a
good example of a polyphase <lltero-
morph in which the linear distribu-
tion of the secondar;' products is
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTIJ\AnON AND WEATHERING
365,366
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 14.6 m
Linear distribution in
a polyphase alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
0.6
0.4
- 0.2
0.0 mm
related to the varying intensity of
the alteration process. The iron con-
tent of the original olivine does not
enter the structure of the t<lle, nor
that of the tTemoute. It is conce.n-
trated into a separate phase, the sec-
ondary magnetite. The grains of
c1inopyroxene that are crossed by
the fractun? are partially altered to
greenish actinolite.
 POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

167, 368
OUVlNE-BEARING
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 8.4 m

Random distribution in
a polyphase alteromorph
after olivine

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

- 0,6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

'· III I olivine

1,1 Or
A has been completely replaced
by a polyphase alterolllorph con-
taining tremolitic amphibok and
magnet.ite, Both minerals were
Formed toge-ther under the influ-
ence of a hydrothermal pnx:t'ss,
whose intensity is greater than in
the former example.1l1is is the rea-
son for the absence of talc in the
alteromorph, Most of the magnetite
crystals, which cOlltain the iron
content of the origiml o)'stal of
olivinc, arc concentrated in a rim
and in interstitial irregular area.'
between the cTvstab of tTemolite.
J
Magnetite- also is concentrated ill
lineaments thilt arc the protoclastic
fractun:s of the original crystaJ or
oli\·ine. ll1C:' traces of these frac-
tures, which arc commonly empha-
sized by resistant deposits of
magnetite, are very charilcteristic
Features ulat allow one to easily dis-
tinguish the alteromorphs after
olivinc From the alteromorphs alter
other mi.nerals such as orthop~rox­
ene or c!inopyroxL·ne. The needle-
shaped and prismatic crystals or
trcmo!itc arc randomly oriented
throughout ule entire alkromo'l)h,
which also commonly allows onc to
distingUish the alteromorphs after
olivinc Frol11 the altcromorphs after
orthopyroxene. In the latter case,
prismatic crystals of arnpbibolc arc
generally oriented parallel to ule Z
crystallognpluc axis of the P)TOX-
ene (sec 361, 362, 363, and 364).

3:
PART ALTEROMORPHS
287
POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS
A c
has been
replaccJ by a polyphase altero-
morph in which bOtJl tremolite and
saporute are randomly distributed
and randomly oriented. The color-
less prismatic crystals or tremolite
contain the Si and Mg directly
inhCI'itcd from the original olivine,
whereas the Ca comes from the
neighboring diopside or augite. The
dinopyroxelll: also has been altered
to a secondar)' amphibole, which
determines the disappearance or the
original intermineral margins in this
288
o
metamorphic rock. In contrast to
the altcromorphs after ortJlOpyrox-
ene, the sheet silicate associated
with tbe secondary amphibole in an
alteromorph arter olivine is not
talc, but a day mineral or the smee-
tite group. This difference, which is
invariably observeJ in the meta-
morphic rocks at Koua [3occa,
allows the altcromorphs after
olivine to be easily distinguished
from the alteromorphs after hyper-
sthene. The beige-yellow saponite is
interstitial tu the tremolitc prisms.
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINE.RAJ. AiTEAAnoN AND WEATHERJNG
369,370
OUVINE-BEARING
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'!voire
Depth: 10.2 m
Random distribution in
a polyphase alteromorph
after olivine
ObjeCLive: x 6.3
PPL and XPL
O.3
l
0.2
0.1
- 0.0 mm
Its distribution is restricted to tJ1('
inner area of the original crystal of
oli\ille. An incomplete I-im of mag-
netite gra.ins surrolmds the altero-
morph, whereas very rew magnetite
grains, if any, are associated with the
saponite. In contrast, the formation
of' talc after orthopyroxene is invari-
ably associated with grains or mag-
netite, wluch also contribute to the
easy cUstinction between the nvo
al teromorphs.
 POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

371,372
BASALTIC ROCK
Ocean floor.
Costa Rica Rift
Leg 70, site S04b
Sampled by C. Laverne

Random distribution In
a polyphase alteromorph
after olivine

Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

- 0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

of a post- rite (pale green in PPL, extina in Note that the ncighboring minerah,
U
I . Ij I I Il,

magmatic process, an olhine XPL) in which flbrous crystals of such as plagioclase and skeletal crys-
crystal has been completely altered actinolite (amphibole) are randomly tals of p)Toxcnc, were apparently
to a polyphase alterolTIorph of chlo- distributed and randomh,. oriented. not altered during this process.

3:
PART ALTEROMORPHS
289
POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS
A c
11 ha5 been
completely weathered to nOIl-
tronite associated wit.h hydrated
oxides of iron along its intramineral
protoclastic fractures. As in earlier
photomicrographs, t.he secondary
products RI I the whole volwne of
the original grain of oLivine (holo-
alteromOl-ph), without appearance
of intramineral residual pores (at
least at the scale observable ,,-ith the
optical microscope). Note that the
network of original protoc!astic
fractures is clearly recoonjzablc
J b
in
290
D
the alteromorph, but that the origi-
nal deposits of magnetite are now
oxidized to brownish secondary
products. The apparently variable
thickness of these products is due to
variations of the orientation of the
fractures \o\ith respeer to the plane
of the thin section. Note also that
along these ferruginous lineaments,
the nontronite partjc!es are strongly
oriented perpendicular to the plane
of the original fractures, whkh
dearly contrasts \...·ith the unori-
ented pattern of the inner parts. The
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
373,374
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.4 m
Interseeting linear
distribution in a
polyphase alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
0.1
0.0 mm
tllickness of these oriented banded
textures is essentially constant
throughollt the alteromorph. Botb
nontronitic and ferruginous sec-
onda!}' producb originated lmder
the innuence of the same supergene
process of weathering; the transfor-
mation consequently results in a
polyphase bolo-alteromorph. The
other components of the rock,
clinop)'Toxene, hornblende and
magnetite, are very slightly weath-
ered, if at all.
 POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

c D

175,176
HORNBLENDE-
BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'll/oire
Depth: 0.2 m
Polyphase alteromorph
after hornblende
Objectil/e: x I0
PPL and XPL
Polarizers not exactly
crossed in XPL

0.2

0.1

- 0.0 mm

I I' I I ,'11 whose Z
axis is parallel to the plane of
the thin section is partially weath-
ered into a complex septo-altero-
morpb. The observed pattern is
determined by the combination of
the poorly dneloped network of
parallel cJea,'ages with several trans-
verse cracks. Many denticulate rem-
nan ts are stilJ visible in the
alteromorph; they are surrounded
by large residual empty pores
(peripheral voids or inter-plasma -
mineral voieG). Note that, as usually
observed in alteromorphs after fer-
romagnesian minerals, the denticu-
lanon is mainly developed
accm-dlng to a direction parallel to
the Z axis of the crystal. Weathered
in an environment of efficient leach-
ing in a soil horizon near the sw'-
face, the hornblende crystal gi"es
two distinct Inlneral phases that
concentrate the more insoluble ele-
ment,,: the high iron l'ontent of the
primary mineral goes to form most
ol' the septa, whereas its lower con-
tent of aluminum is expressed by
individual minute crysta.ls of gibbs-
ite that preferentially grew on
either side of the septa. These crys-
tals are clearly seen in the second
photomicrograph, taken with the
polarizers crossed at 85° to better
distinguish the empty pores lrom
the deep brown septa, A more
detailed observation 01' the- gibbsite
crystals and of the denticulate rem-
nants shows that most of them are
partly covercd by the most recent
generation of iron hydroxide.

3:
PART ALTIROMORPHS
291
POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS
A c
of orthopyroxcne
~ has been completely weathered
as a result of two successh'c stages
of weathering. The first, under con-
oitions of resn'icted drainage, has
promoted the formation of thick
bands of a smectitic ~econdary
product developed along two trans-
mineral tl-actures, between which
large residual remnants w('re
retained. These residues are dentic-
ulate and tightly enclosed, without
any rcsirlual pores. Partly weath-
en'd, rdatively coarse grains of
292
D
pyl'oxene can be maintained for a
long time, until a lowering of the
soil surface b)' superficial erosion
tr<tnsfers, in a relative way, the
material to the upper part of the
profile. The conditions of leaching
arc gradually mooifkd in such a way
Ulat they rlo not promote the fur-
ther formation of a srnectitie sec-
onoar)' product, as in the lower
horizon. Inst('ad, oxyhydroxic.les of
iron and large residual empty pores
form. Thb second stage of weather-
ing start:; peripherally around the
ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
377,378
ORTHOPYROXENE-
BEARING
ClINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Polyphase alteromorph
after hypersthene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
:-- 0.1
0.0 mm
residual remnants and along the
parallel cleange planes of the
pyroxene, which determines the
formation of numerous parallel
browll scpta. The first-formed
Sll1cctitic product is not weathered,
because it ha~ not been destabilized.
These two photognphs can be com-
pared \·...-ith 141 and 142, taken 60
cm lower in the same prolllc, in
whjch pyroxene remnmts are just
beginning to weather to oxyhydrox-
ides of iron.
 POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

A c o
379,380
ORTHOPYROX£NE-
BEARING
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.4 m
Polyphase alteromorphs
after hypersthene
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

r: 0.0 mm

I , erosion rapidly
lowers the soil surface,
resiclues of wcatherabJe minerals
can be brought into the ncw geo-
chemical en\'ironment, such that
incipient weathering to smectitic
secondar;' products is bypassed.
Weathering thus gives rise directly
to oxyh)'clroxides of iron. The pho-
tomicrographs show several crystals
of orthop~rroxene that ha\e been
partiaJly weathered, in the lower
level of the profile, to a smectite
according to irregular banded pat-
terns. Many relatively coarse islands
or the' primary mineral remain, each
with denticulate margins. Once
subjected to the new gcochemicaJ
conditions, the denticulate cores
ha\'c becn quickly dissolved, gi\'ing
rise to nW11erous large empty resid-
ual pores, internally rimmed b~' thin
iron oxide deposits of relative accu-
mulation. Tht' denticulate shapes arc
well preserved, and their olienta-
tions within the neighboring
alteromorphs still allow the crystal-
lographic directions of the prinlary'
minerals to be clearly deduced. nlC
weathering process resu.lts i.n the
development of very porous alveo-
poro-alteromorphs. Note that the
early-formed smectile is barely
weathered (or not at all) under
these new geochemicaJ conditions.
The particles of smectite in most
banded textures have maintained
their o\o\'n orientation, which they
acguired during the first stage of
weather.ing.

PART 3; ALTEROMORPHS
293
POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS
A B
I I I I in this sec-
L tion the photo m icrographs
have illustrated the formation of
two or more secondar:, products,
which have differentiaUy concen-
t:rated the chemical elements of the
primary mineral. In these illusLTa-
tions, two secondar;' products also
occur together, but the develop-
ment of the second one depends on
the later evolution of the first-
formed product; the polyphase
alteromorph is due to a gradual
transformation, with de\'elopment
of an ephemeral intermediate
294
phase. A coarse lath-shaped crystal
of plagiodase is partly encased
\\ithin the un weathered rock (84),
and partly protrudes into the
weathered crust (02). During a
first stage, weathering has given dse
to a wide band of isotropic mat.erial,
whose intermediate composition is
gradualJy modified with aging. This
material then is replaced by coarse-
grained gibbsite, whereas the adja-
cent area now contains the isotropic
intermediate product formed at the
expense of the residual plagioclase.
Gradually, as weathering pro-
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
381,382
GABBRO
ltapeva. SP, Brazil
Sampled at rock outcrop
Polyphase alteromorph
after plagioclase
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0 mm
gresses, the internaJ porosity of the
rock a.nd t.he local conditions of
leaching are modified; the feldspar
residue is then directlv weathered
to fine-grained gihbsite without
p<1ssing through the ephemeral
isotropic phase. From B4 to 02,
un\\'eathered feldspar, fine-grained
gibbsite (of direct generation),
isotropic intermediate phase, and
coarse-grained gibbsite (early-
formed from t.he isotropic phase)
are sllccessively encountered.
 POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

)8),)84
NEPHELlNE-BEARING
SYENITE (LUJAVRITE)
Poc;os de Caldas.
MG, Brazil
Depth: 0.5 m
Polyphase alteromorph
after nepheline
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

of of closely spaced. Tbe conditjons of replaced by internal crystallaria of

J nepheline is first partia 11)'
weathered to an isotropic intCl'me-
diate phase according to a periph-
eral, centripetaJ process, This tlrst
stage gives rise to an irregular core
surrounded by a colorless phase
which, with aging, takes on a typical
hierachized retiporo-alteromorphic
pattern (see also 300, 301 and 302).
Further away from the core are the
polyhedral volumes of isoo'opic
material. They are smaller, and the
reticular network of tlssures is more
leaching are progressively intensi-
fied, and the open reticular network
of the external concentric part is
then invaded by fine lineaments of
microcrystalline gibbsite, whose
distribution is strongly related to
the preViously formed nenvork. The
allochthonous gibbsite first forms
many small linked rings, which iso-
late small residues of the ison'opic
material. With aging, these isolated
volumes progressively lose their
residual siJjca, and are ultimately
autochthonous gibbsite. From the
ceoter to the edges of the photograph
in XPL, a residual core of nepheline,
a thick rim of homogeneous
isotropic material, ring-shapecl
allochthonous accumwations of
gibbsite arolUld isotropic residues,
and mixed generations of gibbsite
are successively observed. The small
inclusions of rinkite (mosandl'ite?)
and aegirine are not yet weathered;
they are clearly obsen'ed in both
pbotomicrographs.

PART 3: AiITROMOI\PHS
295
COMPLEX POLYGENETIC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

385,386
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'\voire
Depth: 4.2 m
Complex
polygenetic-polyphase
alteromorph
after olivine
and orthopyroxene
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

02

0,0 mm

, I', I' I " 'I • has be.en
replaced, under late-magmatic
conditions, by a sympkctitic inter-
growth of orthopFoxenc and u:reg-
ularly distributed grains of
magnetite. No olivine remnants
persist in the alteromOl-ph. This nrst
alteromorph is a normal polyphase
alteromorph. During a later stage of
hydrothermal alteratjon, the
orthopyroxene part of the symplec-
tite has been converted to talc,
whereas thl" symplectitic textu.re is
not di.stW'bed and remains dearly
recognizable in many parts of the
alteromorphs. These examples of
the syrnplcctitic texture in which
one component (magnetite) is not
easily weathered are very useful in
the recognition of the ultimate od-
gin of many transformed rocks;
the)' are equivalent to true miner-
alogical signatures. The final altero-
morph is a polygenetic alteromorph
because it [ormed in two steps well
separated in time. The two mineral
components that now make up the
alteromorph do not belong to the
same stage of alteration. Only the
first stage is responsible for the
polyphase character of the altero-
morph.The particles of talc are I'an-
domly oriented; they are rather
colorless in PPL, and exhibit high
interference-colon in XPL. Small
crystals of apatite are visible in the
sWTounding rock (AS, Cl), which
is, in the area photographed, mainly
composed oHarge crystals of yellow
vermiculite.

296 ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 COMPLEX POLYGENETIC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

B Q

387,388
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 8.2 m

Complex
polygenetic-polyphase
alteromorph
after olivine
and orthopyroxene

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0,6

004

0.2

0.0 mm

11 11 I 11 of the Rrst- orthopyroxene portion of the alteromorph slightly brownish. Two

formed polyphase alteromorph
is similar to that shown in the two
previous photomicrographs: an
olivine crystal has been completely
replaced by a symplectitic inter-
growth of orthopyroxene and l1lag-
netitl", but the magnetite
intergrowths are preferentially con-
centrated in tbe central part of the
altcromorph. The second stage of
transformation takes place u.nder
the very late influence of a super-
gene process that has weathered the
alteromorph to a smectitic sec-
ondary product. This beige-yellow
product is regularly distributed
around the core, which is composed
of magnetite intergrowths, between
which small areas of the smectite
also a,re visible, The orthop)'Toxene
portion has entirely disappeared.
With progressively more advanced
""eathering, the secondary smectite-
group mineral undergoes an incipi-
ent degradation to oxyhydTOxides of
iron, which make the rim of the
main stages of transformation (one
hypogene and the other supergene)
make th.is a polygenetic altero-
morph, but each of these stages has
promoted the formation of two sec-
ondary minerals (orthopyroxene +
magnetite in the first instance, and
smectite + oxyhydroxides of iron in
the second). This sequence results in
tbe formation of a double poly-
ph.ase-polygenetic alteromorph..

3:
PART ALTEROMORPHS
297
COMPLEX POLYGENETIC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

389,390
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Boeea, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 8.2 m
Very complex
polygenetie polyphase
alteromorph
after olivine
and orthopyroxene
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

-0.0 mm

dan olhinc and a rim or orthop~Toxene weathered to a beige-brown smec-

olhine CTvstal that has been
replaced b)· a symplectitic inter-
growth of orthopyroxcnc and mag-
netite. III thb case, a large part of
the original crystal of oli\-ine has
sur\,l\'cd in the centr<J1 part of the
polyphase alteromorph. Sm<J1J areas
of sYl.11p!ectite are easily identified,
and form a partial rim between the
bright yellow core and the thick
beige-coloTcd rim. After this first
stage of transformation, the al tero-
morph contained a core 01" primary
+ magnetite. During a second stage
of 10\-v-gnJe hypogene alteration,
the oli\'ine core is completely
replaced by bright yellow, regularly
oriented saponite; the reaction has
not disturbed the thin intergrowth.s
of magnetite. The thick rim of pr('-
dousl)' formed orthopyroxene is
still Lmaltered. Dming a much later
.~tep of shallow weathering (the
third stage 01" tran.s-l'ormation), the
orthopyroxene part of the first-
formed polypha.se alteromorph is
titic clay, whereas the sapon ite
formed at the expense of olivine, in
closer geochemical equilibrium
with the supergene conditions, is
not affected. Some rcsidues of
orth0pYToxene arc still distinguish-
able (A4, Cl, CS) in t.he weathered
ri m. These Sllcccssi \'c stages 0 f
lTansformation result in a particu-
larly complex polygenetic-
polyphase alteromorph.

ATLAS OF MIC~OMO~PHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERAnON AND WEATHE~ING

298
 COMPLEX POLYGENETIC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

A B c D
391,392
OUVINE-BEARING
CUNOPYROX.ENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 5.8 m

Very complex
polygenetic polyphase
alteromorph
after olivine
and orthopyroxene
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

- 0.2

i
( 0.1

0.0 mm

of alter- (A3) in the contact area between 84), whereas most of the orthopy-
O
I '. ,

anon, under the inOuence of a
late-magmatic process, a crystal of
olivine is partially re!)!aced by a rim
of orthopyroxene that extends aU
around the crystal, and by an inter-
mediate ring of symplectite that
irregularly surrounds U1C olivine
corc. During a later stage ot'
hydrothermal alteration, part of the
ouvine core was first replaced by
yellowish sapnnite, both along its
network of p1'Otoclastic fractures
(C4, El) and as irregular patches
the oL,rine core and the orthopy-
roxene rim, Later, the residual
olivine 01' the cOl'e was largely
replaced by reddish brown
"iddingsite", whose formation
mainly started along U1e previously
formed bands of saponite, leaving
many renmants of oli"ine, Du.ring
the latest stage of transformation,
under the innucncc of sllaJjow
weathering, these rcsidues of
olivil1e have been weaulered to
orange-colored nontronite (82.
roxene in the previously formed
rim and in a large inclusion a.re no\-\'
weathered to a pale yellow smectitic
product (D2, CS), Some small den-
ticulate rcsidues of orthopyroxenc.
are sri II distinguishable. The
wHveaulered grains that surround
the complex alteromorph consist of
clinopyroxene, 'which is much less
weatherable.

PART 3: ALTIROMORPHS
299
COMPLEX POLYGENETIC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS
of orthopyrox-
ene (hypersthene) h3s been
partially replaced by talc, during a
first stage of hydrothermal alter-
ation. The talc is peJipherally dis-
trihuted arou.nd a large residual
core of orthopyroxene. A thin rim
or magnetite (opaque) is developed,
as USU3IIy observed in similar caSe~,
around the talc alteromorph. wruch
results in the formation of a ftrst
partially developed polyphase
alteromorph. The magnetite rim
concentrates most of the iron or the
original pyroxene that cannot be
accommodated in the stTucture of
the neoformed talc. During a later
stage of weathering, the residual
core of hypersthene was weathered
directly to a dark brown. iron-rich
septo-alteromorph whose empty
300
pores, clearly visible in the central
part of the alteromol-ph, are regu-
larly oriented parallel to the Z axis
of the primary mineral. Irregular
halos of oxyhydroxides or iron
appear as a stain on the inner part of
the previously fOl"med talc around
the centra) scpto-alteromorph.
Brown-colored secondary ferrifer-
ous products also are \-isible within
the thick rim of talc; they arc either
dirfusion halos from the sWTound-
ing weathered rock (or perhaps
from the incipient weathering of the
trun rim of magnetite), but they are
not derived from the weathering of
the talc, because it does not contain
a significant amount or iron. The
unusual yellow color of the talc is
due to slight permeation by an imn-
bearing sol ution through tllC'
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHElUNG
191
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 12.6 m
Complex
polygenetic-polyphase
alteromorph
after orthopyroxene
Objective: x 4
PPL
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0 mm
peripheral part of the alteromorph.
Produced under the inllucncc of
two processes that are well sepa-
rated in time (the first one of hypo-
gene origin. the second onc of
supergene origin), the two-stage
alteration results in the" formation of
a polygenctic alteromorph. The
occurrence of 1:\\10 secondary lui.n-
erals (tak and magnetite) within the
t1rst-formed partial alterornorph
makes the final alteromorph a com-
plex polygenetic and partially
polyphase alteromorph.
 COMPLEX POLYGENETIC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

A B c D
394,395
ORTHOPYROXENE-
BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2,8 m
Complex alteromorph
after hypersthene
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~
0.3

=- 0.2

: 0.1

t 0.0 mm

of orthol)Y-
l roxene (h)"pcrsthene) has been
part1ally transformed, under
hydrothermal conditions, ta trcma-
lite (El) and talc (02). Both scc-
ondary minerals are associated with
secondar)' magnetite, which
expresses the portion of the original
iron content of the orthop)-Toxcne
crystal that did not enter the struc-
ture of tl1e hydrothermal silicate
minerals. The magnetite graim are
relatively coarse in the tTemolite-
bearing part of the alteromarph,
and microgranular in tJ-te talc-bear-
ing part. This altered part orthe pri-
mary mineral is a polyphase
alteromorph. Most of th" orthopy-
roxcne crystal has not been modi-
fied in this first stage of alteration.
During a later stage of weathering,
it was nearl\, completely weathered
to yellowish saponitc, which sur-
rounds minute denticulate residues.
As the geochemical conditions of
the weathering became progres-
sively modified, empty peripheral
pores (black rims in XPL) were
formed around the residues. These
residues became free to rotate
"ithin the empty [)ores, and conse-
CJuently lost their simultaneous
extinction under crossed polars.
More recently, pa.rt of ilie smectitic
product was weatllered to a brown-
ish clay along an irreguJar transrnin-
eral fracture. The neigh boring
grains of clinop~f)'oxene also an.'
weatl1(~red, whereas the less
weatherable hornblende is fractured
onlv.

PART 3: ALTEROMORPHS
301
COMPLEX POLYGENETIC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS
A 8
of hypo-
O
I 'I
gene alteration, part of the
olivine in the rock was serpen-
tinizeu, The serpentine is u.islTib-
uted according to an irregular
cross- banded pattern that surrowlds
many irregular cores of olivinc. The
photomicrographs show the succes-
sive transformations occurring in a
Single grain of olivine. During a
later step of low-grade hydrother-
mal alteration, part of the oli\ine
cores h.,s been peripherally and cen-
tripetally a.ltered to saponite. The
302
c
sawtooth shapes that are rather
characteristic of the saronitc
domains are still clearly distin-
guished even in tltis complex altero-
morph. During a later step of
supergene weathering, all the
saponite rims have been replaced by
deposits of iron oxide, mainly in the
concentric areas in contact ",-ith the
network of serpentine bands,
whereas the olivine cores have been
completely dissolved. The residual
empty pores have- been latcr in611ed
by secondary quartz, which also IJ lis
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
396,397
PERIDOTITE
Jacupiranga.
SP. Brazil
Sampled at outcrop by
S.M.B. de Oliveira
Very complex
polygenetic-polyphase
alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 16
PPL and XPL
[' 0.0 mm
the open spaces created by the
weathering of the sapon.ite. The ser-
pentine-group minerals have been
little a.n-ccted during all these suc-
cessive stages of alteration. Tbey
acquired a yellowish color owing to
permeation of iron-bearing solu-
tions. With increasing degree of sili-
cifjcation, tTue silcTetes will be
formed in the upper part of the pro-
tile, and even the serpentine-group
m ioerals will be replaced by a
banded network of secondary
quartz.
 COMPLEX POLYGENETIC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

398,399
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at rock outcrop

Polygenetic alteromorph
Example of a possible
erroneous interpretation
(introduction)

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0,4

- 0.2

0.0 mm

HI' of these two
photomicrographs, taken of an
unaltered rock. is necessary to
explain the development or the
I)olygenetic alteromorphs to be
shown in tht' next photomicro-
graphs. The main crystal shown in
these first two photomicrographs is
a large grain or diopside. It
included, during its growth, some
grains of orthop)'ToxCfit" small rem-
nants of which (irregular pale pink
gnins at C2,3) are still recognizable untV\inned crystal. and that nearly
in the central part of the dinop). aU the amphibolc inclusions exhibit
roxene crystal. Many irregular the same crystallographic orienta-
patches of bro,;\,n amphibole and tion throughout the host crystal.
inclusions of magnetite also are The weathering of a very similar
embcdcbJ in the main crystal. The complex crystal will be shown in
groundmass of the rock exhibits the the next photomicrographs.
usual mineraJogical composition of
most samples of c1inopyroxenite
rrom the Koua Bocca intrusion.
Note that the large grain of dinap)"
roxene is comlJoseJ of a single

PART 3: ALTE~OMO~PHS
303
COMPLEX POLYGENETlC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS
I I I of c1inopy-
J roxene is partly weathered to
saponite as a secondary product. Its
optical orientation is parallel to the
Z axis of the plimary mineral. Many
small denticulate residues are still
recognizable. Since !be host pyrox-
ene has a monoclinic symmetry. its
extinction angle is very diFferent
from that of the secondary product.
The photograph taken in XPL
dearly shows this difference in ori-
entation when the microscope stage
is rotated in a direction such that
304
only the secondary product is visible
and the. clinopyroxene remnants are
all at extinction. Careful observa-
tion in PPL shows that inclusions of
green amph.ibole are associated with
the remnants of clinopyroxene, and
that they are DOt weathered nor
denticulate, because this mineral is
much less weatherable than tbe
clinopyroxene. Tbe amphibole
inclusions are not at extinction in
the lower photograph. Once com-
pletely weathered, the p}Toxenc
renulants will disappear in [avor of
ATlAS
OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATlON AND WEATHERING
400,401
CONTACT AREA
BETWEEN
CLlNOPYROXENITE
AND SURROUNDING
GRANITES
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at rock outcrop
Polygenetlc alteromorph
Example of a possible
erroneous interpretation
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL
~
. 0.3
_ 0.2
: 0.1
0.0 mm
more of the smectitic secondary
product, whereas the amphihole
inclusions will remain unweath-
ered. An inaccurate observation of
such a complex alteromorph can
lead to an erroneous interpretation
about the origin of the altero-
morph. The amphibole inclusions
are not the primary material From
which the secondary products have
formed. It is thus necessary to
investigate other alteromorphs in
the sequence in order to find rE'_m-
nants of the true precursor mineral.
 COMPLEX POLYGENETIC-POLYPHASE ALTEROMORPHS

402,403,404
WEATHERED
PYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.4 m

Polygenetic alteromorph
Example of a possible
erroneous interpretation

Objective: :>( 6.3

PPL and 2 XPL

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

o!, 1 I • show

T
11 1

the case of a more advanced

stage of weathering which, during
an earlier stage, was very similar to
the cast' sholYn in 400 and 401, The
alteromorph after clinopyroxene is
nearly complete; the saponitic sec-
ondary product, which exh.ibirs a
phylloporo-alteromorphic pattern,
is lI'ell rleveloped at the expense of a
clinupyroxene crystal whose rem-
nants have nearly completely disap-
peared. Most visible inclusions
consist of unweathered amphibole their higher interference-colors graph. pOSSibly have been inter-
well enclosed in the phylloporo- (very smJU blue-colored domains at pl-eteJ as reslJting from the wcatJ1-
alterornorph, Only rn'o vcr;' small C3. CS), contTasting \\-ith the lower ering of an amphibolc crystal. SOUl
remnants of clinop)'Toxene remain. interference-colors of tbe amphj- photomicrographs taken in XPL
They are lisible only in the third bole inclusions, vVithout the occur- shovv the perfect ol-ientation of the
photograph. taken at such an angle rence of these sparse remnants of sheet silicates tbroughout the entire
or rotation of the microscope stage clinopyroxene, the alteromorph alteromorph, a<.:cording to the Z
that all secondary products arc at wouJd, as a result of a superlicial axis of the precursor mineral.
extinction. The~' arc recognizable by obserl'ation of the flrst photomicro-

PART 3: ALnRoMoRPHS
305
 C I-I .~
Alteromorphs and Processes of Accumulation
Cumu/o-alteromorPhs (from the Latin cumulare =
to accumulate) are polygenetic alteromorphs
developed by the late accumulation of allochtho-
nous material within previously formed porous
alteromorphs. The allochthonous material nlay
result from the crystallization of minerals incor-
porating elements transported in solution, or
from the deposition of material transported as
small detrital particles (Fig. 39).
POROUS ALITFlOMORI'H CUMULo-AlTEROMORPH
fiGURE 39. Relarionship or" cumulo-i1hcmmorph to a porous
alreromorph.
Koilo-alteromorphs and all varieties of "pow"-
aJtewmorphs can become later infilled by further crys-
tallization, or deposition, of allochthonous materia.l;
this material is either derived from adjacent weathered
minerals by transmincTaJ displacement of elements, or
from the upper parts of the profile or landscape by
long-distance transport, either of elements in solution
or of detrital particles in suspension (Fig. 40).
The extraneous elements derived from the ,",'eath-
ering of adjacent minerals, and transported in d.is-
solved form. are either incorporated into the structure
of the secondary minerals. whose original or potential
chemical composition is modifted, or concentrated in a
distillct and independent crystalline or amorpholls
phase that develol)s within the pores of the altero-
morph (Fig. 40A).
PT E R J 0
For example, the presence of tetrahedraJly
coordinated aluminum in nontronite developed
from the weathering of olivine (a mineral devoid
of aluminum) provides a good example of an
Imported allochthonous element that is incorpo-
rated in a secondary mineral of autochthonous
origin. Aluminum also may contribute to the for-
mation of gibbsite crystals in a koilo-alteromorph
at the expense of quartLAlthough the AI is exter-
nal to the mineral with which it is associated, the
gibbsite infills dissolution-induced pores in the
quartz. In this last case. the accumulation of
allochthonous material is easily distinguished by
optical microscopy. whereas in the case of non-
troniLe after olivine, the distinction will be recog-
nizable only in light of results of detailed and
accurate chemical analyses.
As an example of absolute accumulation o\'er
short distances. evidence for which arises by mass-bal-
anet' a.rguments, consider the first step of weathering
of anorth.itc (Merino et <11. 1993):
ALUMINUM MIGRATION DURING
THE WEATHERING OF FELDSPAR GRAINS
The incipient isovolumetric weathering of
feldspar into septa of gibbsite, along the first-
formed fractures, generally does not generate
appreciable amounts of pore space, Along the
septa, crystals of gibbsite are closely and tightly
distributed against the feldspar remnants, without
development of visible inter-plasma - mineral
pores, To replace a given volume of anorthite by
apprOXimately the same volume of gibbsite, some
aluminum must be added to the weathering
feldspar. According to the reaction CaAI25i20a +
AI)~ + 5 H2 0 = 3 AI(OHh + Ca 2 + + 2510 2 + H+,
an important part of the aluminum necessary for
the formation of the gibbsite must be imported
from adjacent weathering grains of feldspar,
whose porosity consequently is much increased.
In the case of the weathering of albite to gibbsite,
according to the reaction NaAl5i)Oa + 2 A1 3+ + 7
H 20 = 3 AI(OHh + Na+ + 3 Si0 2 + 5 H+, much
more aluminum must be added at the beginning of
 .~
L- 2
--' 3

ftc.;UI\I: 4-0, \:'Vl)UI no" nf C-UMllI C)-An I\OMOI\I'HS,

A, Accumu~tion and crystallization of allochthonous c1eluen1.5 tTansportcd in solution

0: ,mhdlraJ crvstal of augile showing ['aralkl dea'-ag''S and ITdnS\·ers~ I't-actures;
I· incipknl \""('cHhc>ring tt) iron ox~·hydroxidl.:~ <Jlljng pan of the clcolvagcs. fractures and houm.bric~;
]: advanceJ stage IJI weathering, with enlargeci ul'cn frJClure,. minute denticulate. r"siJuP5 and many ["1rolLs "olwne,s;
3: IlnaJ stage of w('.tnning. ,lInl I'urmalion 01' a r"gubr - i.rr':~lIIJr ,cpto-alteromorph 01' go,:thile;
4: further en"luti",! \I'ith inlWings or gihbsill~ i,n ,111 d,e open spa("~s; ClIMULD·SEPTO·ALT[KOMORPH,

Now: Thi, tvpe of intllling is ,'asily distinguished !'r'om the onho'polyph..,c: alt~rornorl)h to goec.hitc· +- gihh,ire shown in Figun.. S C+; open
frattur,''< can h,· ,".""11 withi" ,md bnween the neighllvrirl); nlil1"-"II" and allochtll<,Hwus gihbsirc alsn J1l~Y in.11I1 all the transminerJI
and inll'rminl'l'31 f'r'~('rure,' and all the neighhoring "pow",alt"romc'rplts.

B. Accumulation of allochthonous materiallTansporteo as detrital particles

(): anhedral eT)'st"l of f"ld',p'" ,ho",in~ ,,,me ,uhpar.,lkl inlraminc""l fr<Jcttrrc-,;
1: ineipiC'nt. wcathering to gibhsit,~ ,K('!)rdin!! to peripheral, linear ,1I1d patchy patterns;

2: Illf)IT ~J,·.lnct"'d wi:..lrhL'ring: irregul.tr scpta of gibbsilC and pf'riph\'raJ "oids arc fonned arounn can:rnou., l"C'sidui:s;
l; compk'k wcathering to a gll)lnt'r(>,~cf'IO·"lterornurph of gihbsilC and incipient inf'lling 1>\· Iamin"t~d material;
-1-: parl'i"I inlllling b)' nUlerial. which bm.", cmpty ('hann~k CUMULO-Cl OMERO·SEPTO·ALTEROMOHPH,

!\iotc; I~,r cldrital panic-!"" 10 h~ dl'.pnsited, pan or

thc rcsidual port's must oel'l,ssJrily be in fn'e communicauon with t.r<lIl>mineral or
intl'rmineral fraclur~t aroLlll,] the altc'T'omnrph without furming dosed mlumes, MicroiJ.min,lt"c1 deposit< or ddrital rnat~rial e,m bc'
,'''peetcd at any ,~e or w"athning, as suun as aco' ~ihlc rC$iJual por~$ art de,'"lopeo,

C. Accumulation of aUochthonous maleri;li gr<1d.uaLly as weathering progresses

0: anhedraJ cTvstal of qu;uT/. ~.xhibil ing irrc'gul.r imramilwral fr.1<:IUreS;
I: incipient dis.<olution of thv: 'Iuart'l and dev-"Iopment or internal ann pc·rirJwr.l! pore, aJong rr,Ktur('S and houndaries;
1: IIr,t crystals of gib!>,ite rl allo('hlhonous o"igin """"lop along 0p"r, 1'1''''-1&''' and peripher,,1 p0,.,."s;
widefleJ n.:sidual 1""'''' ,u1<i r('siduaJ ca\'l'rnous cores surrnunocrJ b)' growing nyst,lIaria of a1I0chth0l10US .g.ibhsitC';
4,: g.lomero. anJ bOll'_l'Urnorplric p'ttcrns of the gibhs;re ac('wnuJar.inl)s; CUMULO,KOILO·ALTEI<OMORPH,

Note: 1I no re,;iJLlal guarl" i, "bsern'c1 within the partial curnulo-.lltt'l'omorph, it will not be possibk to a$c"r1ain the origin of the altv:ro-
morph. wl\ieh can r",ult I'mm th,~ inlilling 01' th" ,,),;t)' lert hy dissolution of ;LilY mineral (["i/" qu"rt;:" ('"lcite. "paDle), The "'(;;lth·
er'ing '.d: an alllrnil)um·ri,'h primary mincral can give rise to :J sjmibrlv trextureJ glomero.borryo.aJlerOJl1orph,

AnAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AtTEIlAnON AND WEATHERING

308
 the formation of the gibbsite septa, and conse-
quently much more aluminum must be imported
from the neigh boring grains of albite. This results
in the formation of a residual pore-volume much
greater than in the case of the weathering of
anorthite. In both cases, the number and thick-
ness of the septa are similar, but the proportion
of residual pores is very different. The glomera-
morphic part of the alteromorphs formed after
anorthite is important (glomero-septo-altero-
morphs), whereas the areas between the septa in
the alteromorphs after albite are practically
empty (true septo-alteromorphs).
Each gr<lln of feldsp,lr successively plays the S.HTlC
roles. In the incipient stage or weathering, when the
septomorphic texture is formed, the feldspar crystal
recei\'es alum.inum from the superjaeent grains or
\Yeathering feldspar. ThereJner, when tbe ~tage of for-
mation of the glomeromorphic texturf' is reached, the
feldspar grain loses a part of its original aluminum,
which flromotes (a) the formatio!) of gibhsite in the
subjac,'nt grains of weathering feldspar, anJ (b) the for-
mation of porous \'olullles in the grain being consid-
ered.
Similar processes probably are acb\'C' during the
ferrallitic weathering of fcrromai;Tflesian minerals to
septo-alterolTIorphs of goethik. The crystallization of
tJH~se distinct secondary minerals (gibbsite and
goethite) from neighhoring grains or feldspar 'lIld
pyroxene promote tJle transfer of ,1luminum and iron
only to the alteromorphs after feldspar and pyroXellE',
respectively. No aluminum is added to, and no gibbsite
is observed in, the septo-alteromorphs after pyroxene,
whereas no iron is added io, aTld no gOl'thite is
ohs('ncd in, the Jlteromorphs after Feldspar. Each
sel)to-alteromorph only contains the Jomina.nt insolu-
ble element that is speciflc tu the primary minerJI from
which it de\·cloped.
Nevertheless, once the altcromorphs after
feldspar, for example, arc completely developed, equi-
librium bet'wcen their chemical balances can rca50n-
ably be assumed by the bct that each altcwmorph has
gained, on average, earl~' in its de\'c!0plllcnt, an
amount of aluminum equal to that it ",iU lose during
the final step of its weathering. All feldspar crystals
ha\"(: reacted ill the same \\·ay. In th.is case tl iso\'olu-
met.ric weathering, the mass of tJ)e gibbsitc crystals in
a given altcromorph probahly corresponds to aJt tJlC
aluminum origillally contained ill the parent fclJsp,lr
grain. In ohscnaLiolls of thin sections, it is notcwortJ1Y
that the weathering of the alkali fel(hpar of granitic
rocks produces very porous septo-.-dteromorphs,
whereas tJ1C L'alcium-rich fddspar of basic rocks gives
PART 3: AlTEROMORPHS
rise to less porous alteromOl'phs. 111is conclusion C1I1
,dso be reached by simpl~' considering the chemical
formlllJ cl the original feldspars. Anorthitc contains
twice the amount of aluminum as does ,1Ibite. Ne\'er-
thekss, a comparisoll of the chemical reactions shows
\\'hy botJl lCldspars, altJlOllgh tlwy havc very djlfcrent
aluminum contents, exhibit similar septa, and why
the~' JilTcr only in the glomeromorph.ic part of their
alteromorphs.
The origin of tJ1e intlllings may also invoh'(' tTans-
fer o\'er much greater distances, The solutions may be
extracted from tJ1e upper parts 01' the prnflk, or fTom
parts nf the landscape further upstream. Crystalliza-
tion occurs in the porolls aJreromorphs il' tJ1C'Y arc
10l'JteJ in sites or absolute accumulation. Under such
conditions, Ilot only the alteronlOrphs, hut also all
types of opell space (e.iJ., "ughs, open fractures, disso-
lution,inJuced \'oids) can be filled by allochthonous
trallsfer O\"l~r long distances, The similarit)' of thc prod-
ucts ofinlilling in both alterol1lorph..ic and extra-alt<:'ro-
morphic host textures allo\\'s one easil)' to (listinguish
tJH' allochthollous part from thE' autochthonous pan of
the secondary products, where presellt together \vithin
l'umu 10,aJteJ'()mol'phs.
In trupical countries, alJochthonolls gihhsite and
iron oxvhydroxides are most commoll as inflllings of
porous altcromorphs. Under topographically. environ-
menta]])' or climatically specific- conditions, crystalliza-
Lion of L'alcir(', guart:z, chalcedony or gypsum also can
develop. These deposits nCCllr as holocr)'stallinc micro-
geodes (ClyswJ1(Jria*) when:- they fill rhrec-dimensional
pores, or as crystalline handed sl'ruclurc;s (COOli1l8,1'*)
where th,'y till open linear features nr planar frilctllres_
The ill'cumulated minerals arc genetically inde-
pendent or U1e secondary products tJlat constitute the
host structure, although under certain circumstances,
bl.lth materials may consist 01' the same mi.neral species.
For cxample, in septo-alreromol'phs of gibbsite after
feldspar, residual \'oids may later ht' filled hy a second
generation of gibbsite of allochthonous origi.n.
Authigenic anJ allogenic materials occurring in a
gi\'en cumulo-alt.crolllorph generally exhibit ratJ1er
different miCl'Ostruetlu'cS. Allogenic deposits of t)'aJlS-
ported particle;; rorm complete or (.TcscC'nt,shaped
coatings, whose indi\'jduaJ unit.s arc parallel t.o the
walls of tJ1e former voids. Discordance in opti,'al lll-i-
entations results between authigcn.ic and allogeniC
materials. Allogeuic crystals formed From solution
grow outward perpendicular to the walls of the voids.
Concordance in optical orientatioll5 between the two
generatiuns of Cl'ysta!s is widely obsC'l"\'ed. In the latter
309
casl", where both generations of crystals consist of the
same mineral species, it may be diHkult to identify the
cumulol1lorphic character of the alteromorph.
More contrasted cumulo-alteromorphs are
observed. for example. where koilo-alteromorphs
after quartz are later filled by gibbsite in a bauxitic
horizon. where septO-alteromorphs of gibbsite
after feldspar are filled by clay coatings in a ferraJ-
liuc soil. and where glomero-alteromorphs of
gibbsite after feldspar are filled by iron oxyhy-
droxides in a ferruginous duricrusL
Som~ alteromorphs also may have their miner-
alogical content modit1ed or replaced by transported
elements. The ionic constituents of the solution react
\I'ith the autochthonous minerals of the alteroplasma
and tra.llsJ'orm them into a second generation of sec-
ondary minerals. In this way. septo-altcromnrphs of
gibbsite after feldspJr may be transformed into septo-
aJterornorphs of bolinite by: vertical or lateraltTansfer
of silica. The neoformed kaolinitc progrt'ssively
replaces the gibbsite crystals, and an ephemeral transi·
tory' composite alteromorph is dcvc.loped. The regular
shape of the original septa is distlli'bed or obscured,
their \'olumes decrease, and they arc fragmented as
minute remnants in tht' increasing volumes of kaolinite.
Ultimately. the kaolinite totall~ replaces the gibbsite; .1
new mew-sepro-alreromorph (from the Greek f.LE'TCi'.
after) is developed, in ",'hich traces of the first-Formed
septa are in some cases preserved as irregular linea-
ments or iron oxyhydroxides depOSited in the median
plane of U1e early-formed gibbsitc.bcaring septa.
The infillings can also be of detrital origilJ
(Fig. 4013) and correspond to deposits of particles
transported by circulating waters in the networks of
open fissures. These deposit~ occur as coOtiDgS*, and
they hav'c a varied mineralogical composition. The~' are
mainly clayey cQatings (argillans*) or coatings com-
posed of a mixture of clays and iron oxyhydroxides
(j'erri.araillom*). Deposits of detrital crystals of gibb-
site also occur. Microcrystals of detrital gibbsitc are
oriented "ith their Z axis pil.r.1lle1 to the walls of the
pore. whereas gibbsite microcrystals deposited Il'om
solution should be oriented perpendicular to these
walls. The argiJlaceolls deposits al-e commonly fint'ly
mkrostratificd or microlaminated, and consist of alter-
nating deposits of matt'rial of distinct grain-size (clays
and silts) or of distinct mineralogical composition
(kaolinite and oxyh~,droxides of iron).
Cases of o'ansformation of kaoJinitic fcrriargilans
inlo gibbsite and Lrol1 oX~'hydroxide microcrystals can
be found in old lateritic bauxite and fen-uginous duri-
crust (BouJange er 01. 1975). The ferriargillans are first
310
deposited as allochthonous particles in the pores of the
host material. This material may consist either of' an
alte-rite r~sulting from relative accumulation, or of an
aluminous or fen-uginous duricrust. When the leaching
conditions become more exo'eme, the ferriargillans
are rendered unstable, and they b-ansform i.nto gtbbsite
and iron ox.ide by desilication. The kaolinite a.nd iron
oxyhydroxidcs that were intimately associated within
th~ previously formed coatings are now converted to
distinct microst.ralified cutans of gibhsite (gibbmns*)
and hematite (hemmallS*); several successive distinct
layers of banded textun::s can be formed in replace-
ment of a Single cby cutan. These neoformed complex
cutans resulting from absolute accumulation are super-
imposed upon pre-existing volumes of gibbsite and
hematite resulting from relative accumulat.ion, devel-
oped "rom the weathering of primary minerals. The
secondary concentrations of allochthol1ous gibbsite
may in some instances represent an appreciable
anlOunl of the total aluminulll content of the bauxite
(Bocguier et of. 1983), Tbese secondary products of a
second generation, where developed within pre\iOllsly
formed porous alterornorphs. give rise to mew-cumulo-
oheromorphs.
Koilo-, septo- and glomero-alteromorphs
(Fig. 40C) are the most suitable host structures, owing
= tC) an important volume of residual voids (commonly
interconnected with the general pore-space of the
alterite), although botryo-, phyllo- and other porous
alteromorphs may also o(c<lsionall)' be filled. Ewn the
hoJo-alteromorphs, which exhibit a porosity too fine
to be easily observed by optical microscopy, can be the
sites for allogenic accwnu]ations by diffusion and pre-
cipitation or mobilized elements circulating in the adja-
cen t pores.
For example. holo-alteromorphs of
"iddingsite" afrer olivine can be partly darkened
by influx of manganese oxyhydroxides along
transmlneral fractures. and holo-alteromorphs of
a smectite after pyroxene can become irregularly
colored by addition of an iron pigment.
Polygenetic (alteration and weathering) processes
and polyphase (alteration or weathering) products can
give rise to "poro"-alteromorphs that are influenced by
later processes of accumulation. in this marUler, very
complex altcromorphs may develop under the com-
bined effects of all these processes.
Certain kinds of "poro"-aIteromorphs are easil"
infllled by aJlochthonous material. These are the aItero-
morphs whose open pores are directly cOTU1ected "ith
the intel'mineral or transmineral pores. Retiporo·
alteromorphs (Fig. 41) provide a good example.
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 1\ common example includes the weathering 01
nepheline to gibbsite after an intermediate stage or an
isotropic (amorphous) material that readily becomes
divided according to a hierarchical and reticulate n('t-
work of shrinkage-induced cracks. Nephcline is
observed mainly in relatively aluminum-rich alkaline
rocks. During weathering, large guantities 01' alu-
minum are mobilized in the ulJIJer saprolite, and can
ultimately cnstalLze as gibbsitc crystals, of allochtho-
nous origin, in all the pore slJact' developed in weath-
ered rocks lower in the profile, in partiClJal' within
rctil)()ro·alterornol"jJhs after nepheline. Once most of
the nepheline IT:'stal is replaced b)' a retiporo-altero-
morph (Fig. 41 A) of isotl'Opic material, accumulations
of' gibbsite may occur within the reticulate network of
cracks (Fig. 4113) before the isotropic material has itselF
been replaced by autochthonous gibbsite (Fig. 41 C).
In these alkaline rocks, an early hydrothermal
process has commonly converted a portion or tbt'
ne-phelille crystals to an assemblage containing
mesocrystalline natrolite (Fig. 42.'\). II' relics or
nepbeline are- spared by this process, they will later be
weatJlcred successively to a retiporo-alteromorph or
isotropic material, wh.ich is subsequently converted to
gibbsitc. The natrolite part 01' the alteromorph is
directly weathered to compact: assemblages of' gibbsite
crystals without passing through the isotropic material.
Since the replacement of the natrolite generally starts
long before the r('placement or the isotropic materia I,
both secondary phases can coexist (gihhsite after natro-
lite and isotropic material after nepheline).
Lf an allochthonous accumulation or all1minum
occurs at tltis stage or evolution, the gibbsitc will crys-
3:
PART ALTEROMORPHS
tallize within the reticulate network or open cracks of
the rctiporo-alteromorph without modifying the
isotropic material. Two difFerenr cases can arist' after
the appearance of this first complex alteromorph.
Firstly (Fig. 4-2B), the residual volumes of
isotTopic materi,11 are dissoh-ed WitJlOUt formation of
!'t1l°tJll''/' secondary minerals. The compact gihbsite
formed at the expense or natrolite coexisb with tJle
gibbsite of ,l/lochthonou.s origin, whose crystals are
aligned in a retjeulate assemblage or septa. This last
assemblage reproduces, JJI a negative manner, the
reticulate network of cracks. Large polygonal pores are
observed in the part of tJlC alteromorph klrmed at tJle
e-xpensc of nepheuIll'::, ",:hereas no interstitial pores are
apparent in tJle part rormed at tbe expense of natrolite.
Secondly (Fig. 42C), the residual volumes of
isutropic material formed after nepheline are replaced,
e-ither by individual small ccntroporo-alteromorphs (in
thl? largest volumes), or by minute holo-alteromorphs
(in smaller volumes). In this last case, the (Lstinction
bet wcen the thn:e succes~i\'e generations or gibbsik is
not always obvious In thin se-ction. The complex altel'O-
mOI-IJh Formed after nepheline exhibits coml)act
assemblages or three successive generations of gibbsite.
Autochthonous gibbsite (G I), formed at the- expense
of nalrolitl', is associated with compact reticulate septa
of allochthonous gibbsite (G2), rormed at the expense
of tJle reticulate network that encloses compact or
esse-ntialIy nonporous assemblage., or autochtllOnous
gibbsite (G 3), formed at the expense of the isotTopie
mJterial developed from the residues of oriCTinal
ncphe-line. "
]11
 c

FIGURl 41.

A. Normil) wealbering oCa mineraJ without absolule accumulation ofaUocbthonous material

D: ~uh~draJ C1'yst,1 or Ilephdinc';
I: incipient weJlhering '.If the crystal 11' isotropic OlatNial accmding to an irlTgular pellicular and speckJeJ pat1.crn;
2: Lhe n<"phdin" Cl")'st:;.! is reJuc"J to an irrcgulaJ' cavernous cenu',,1 Cl)re $urrounded by the isorropic mal~rial;
3: rhe f~\\ rcs'iJu~, or nq.1hclinc ar,~ cmh~cldcd in isotropic materiallllicrocli\'iJc:d as a resull of a shrinkage process;
4-: a hit'ral'chizccl"l'twork of 01"'" fractures ,kwJoIJS in lk iSOlT<lpic Il!"tnial: REnpORO-ALTEROMORPH,

Note: Thi' <'''ample or W<""-lhering \·\'ithout accumulation or allochLhl1nou~, maLeriJ! is provided to better visualiz~ what GIn happen if the
altcromorph e\'olves fUflher. Note Ihat the I,r" ,fornl(~J slr.,ight iI","'cs arc widened when further IIssures de\'dop; in this "ay, a
regularl,\' hierarchi;<~rI nelwork or open tl,.,"urcs pmgressi\'('\, de->'elops in Ih~ isotropic malerial.

B. Absolute accumulation of gibbsitt' wil'hin a J·t'tiporo-<lltcromorph

0: euhedraJ crystal of ncphdinc;
I: nepheline cr~·,t31 i' r~duccd to a C'd\lTnou-' ccntr,,1 core slllToundecl b)' slightly Ilssurecl isoU'llric mincru!;
1: few rc'siJucs or t.be primary mine",1 remain in the isotropic' ITldteriaJ, "hmc retiClUatt' network or f1s.,ures develops progressiv~I)';
n~t.ipon'.alterornLHl-'hin which poJ)"hedral \'olum~, of i'otropil' material are i,olaled by open hierarchical If""r,,s;
4: later accumulation of gibbsite within the rcricularc network or fis,ures: CUlv\ULO-RETIPORO-ALTEROl\,\ORPH,

Nol<:: '111is s~conJ eXJ.mple norm,lll, repl,c"s Ihe IJre\'iuus un~ wh.;n the ruck undergoing \\'eath~ring is ]ocall'd in a Zl)n~ nrabsolur.e accu-
mulation, eilber in t.bc proille or ill the l;,nd.sQpe, This ~"a.rnple shr,\\-s thal Lhe d"\'e1opmcllt of gibhsite in the network of Ilssures
can occur before Ihe isoo'op;, malnial has evolved to cr~'staJlir1l' 'ccondary products,

C. Absolute accumulation or gibbsitc within a more evolvcd retiporo-altcromorph

0: euhcdral cn'slal of n~phdine;
!: rew re,iclll~s or nc'phcline "ithin an i500'opic materi,l, cro'<,'rI hv J retku.lale network of Ilssure,;
2: rdiplJru,allc'romorph <Oll'isting of polyhedral v.... lumes of ison'opic material isolated Iw open hi"r;,rchic"J fisslIres;
3: absoluk accullwJ.nlt))) of gibhsite in the nt:tw(,rk or fis~ure.$, when>:Js the isotropic loatcriai is not j'ctmocli(,ed;
4-: isotropic materi"l r~pli1<:,'d by .\utochthonoL" gibbsite: CUMULO-RETI + ALVEOPORO,ALTEROMORPH,
Note: differences hl'twec:n ah."i("l\ute and rel<l{j\,p ,)ccumulations of gihhsitl' ;Jrl' not cilsil)! <!.islinguishcd if rh(- ~uc('essi\'e stagc~ or evolution

are nUL c0Ilc~ntric"II\' cli''P0.s~d, "jdl a celltral ran 01' r';liporous isotn.1pic m,Heri,,1 only, ,111 inle.nncdiale 'LOlle of absolut,> accumu,
l"Iiol1 or gihbsile around the i.;utropic dnmains. and an <:xtern,,1 part with c'lllnbilled ac<:umulation.,.

ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

312
fIGURE 41. EVOl..lmo:,/ OF COMPLEX POI.YGE'IETIC .'NI) P()LYPH ..\~I ~·IJMUI 0 -..\ LTmOMOK.l'HS.
A. Partial alLeration of nepheline in natrolite, and lat('r weathering to isou'opic material
0: cullcdra1tT~'<LaI of nephelin,':
I: nephellne is pllTd\' alrered (flrsr stage) to nalTolitl." according [I) disconrinul'us pdli<.:uhr and linear parterns;
2: residual nepheline b partly weathered (second stage) ro i~()tropic secondar) material showing incipi('ntIL~<uring;
3: dewlopmenr of rhe ",rit-ulal'" texture in rhe secondary mat"'rial, whereas natrolite is nOI )·"1 weathered;
+: nJuolire is ,,",:athered to a compact assemblag..· .,f gibbsit'" ervstals: POLYPHASE - POlYGENETIC i\LTEKOMORPH.

Nore: The weathering of the nalroLite to gibbsit~ genc:rall\" 'tans, rk,·clops, and is achi,"wl before the lal,'r evolution of 111<' isotropic mat';-
rial formed al the expens... of the oephcline residue.). Both .~ec ndar)· pha«" ,-.111 COf'xist for a long time if ahsolur~ aCL1Jmulation <)F
aluminum does nOl OCcur. The pol~·gt~nelk aspect is due In th oe("urrc:nc:", of t:1m distinct <tag~'.

B. Inlilling of th(' reticulate pores by gibbsite, and dissolution or th(' isotropic material
0: eulledral crystal of nephdine p.lrtly alcc:r"d to nalrolit,:;
I: aJreraljon 01" thl' nepheline t(, isotropic mac.. rial. which leave, ,'oars.. residual cores of I1H~ primar~- mineral;
2: we.athe.ring of natrolicc ro auto~hthonolls gibbsile, and of nepheline to reticulate isotropic marerial (rig. 42 1\4-);
3: inftlling of the 0p"'J1 reticulate fissures by allochthonous gibbsite, wben'a~ isotropic material ,till persists;
4: dissolution of the i."'!Topic material: the (OmpaC:l gibhsik afll'r natrolite co",xj,rs with th,' reticulac", gibhsile.

Note.: Both generations \)1' gibb'ice art' generallv dearly riisringuishcd ill lhin se<.:tion by the ,'N:mblagc' in Ih,' crysl.lllillc units: compaC1.
assemblage of gihbsite after Ilatmlile and reticulate porous 'lSs<.'mblage of gibb;ite after ncphe'line (POlYGENETIC ALTERO,
MORPH); this ca,e seems to he U,... most common in \\'\'ather"d alkaline rocks.

C, [nfiUing of the reticulate pores and later evolution of the isotropic material to gibbsite
0: eulledra} cr)·stal of n,'phelinc partly altcred lO notrolilC;
I: weathering of the ncpheline lO isotropic Illaterial, with large n'-<idual eon:.s of the primaf\' mineml:
2: weaulcriog of nau-olice 10 pore-tree gibhsite, and of nepheline to the r",tkulat... isotropic malerial (f'ig. 42 A+);
3: inftiliJlg of the reticuldte IIssure.s hl" allochthonou.s gjbbsit(· before weathering of the isotropic nHl,-riaJ (Fig_ +2 133);
+: gibbsile crystallizes al tl1e expense of the isotropic marerial: HOlO + CUMULO-RETI + }\LVEOI'ORO-.'\LTEROMORPH.
Note: Th~ three generations of gibbsit<: are not always ckarly distinguished in 111in section: th~ irn:gular mri rJ./lriornh' Jisnibuled pOrt'S,
appearing onl" in the porous (,I-·eoporo,) pa.rt of rhe alt:cromorph .fter neph~line, dre ge.oerallv mu smaJlw he clearly distinguishL'd
Irom t1,e COmp,lCl (hulo-) p,lrt, arter natrulitc (POLYGF.:NETIC AlTEROMORPH).

PART ): ALTEROMORPHS
313
 C H,~ P TE R I 1
"Poro"-alteromorphs and Further Evolution
i I \' 'I "I'. >I • '11 f" .1' 11"1. can (kvelop
S late partial an. d irregular alteration or degrada-
tion of the unstable secondary products, which
were first developed in a nonporous or only
slightly porous alteromorph. They are not tTue al\'\,:o-
poro-alteromorphs (onho-aheoporo-alteromorphs) , but
rather polygenetic structures (para-alveoparo-altero-
morphs) whose origin is in some cases recognized only
with difilcu It~,. Here, the accumulated material has an
autochthonous origin; it is genetically associuted with
the first-formed secondary product, and it consists of
elements sno\\lng relative accumulation with.in a pre-
existing alteromorph (Fig. 43).
For example, an orthopyroxene crystal can
be completely weathered, in the lower part of a
profile, to a compact holo.alteromorph of a
smectite-group mineral. During a further stage of
weathering. in the upper part of the profile, the
secondary smectite becomes unstable under the
new geochemical conditions. and is degraded in
irregular patches, which are efficiently replaced by
residual irregular alveolar pores. All these pores
are internally rimmed with iron oxyhydroxides.
which contrast. by their dark brown color. with
the paler yellow-green color of the surrounding
smeetite.The iron oxyhydroxides host the immo-
bile elements of the previously formed smectite;
the deposit consists of autochthonous material of
relative accumulation.
In this case, a para-all'coporo-alrcromorph is devel,
oped. It must be emphasized thut the distinction
between ortho- and para-alveoporo-alteromnrphs is
not always as easy as in the above example. Tile late
weathering of the first-formed alteroplasma does not
necessariJy promote the development nf a different
sccnnd plasma. It can only promote the de"elopment,
b~' dissolution, of empty ah-eolar pores whose mor-
phology may' be identical to the morphology of the
pores that form directly. at the expense of residues nf
the primary mineral, during the development of the
first-formed alteroplasma. DepOSits of iron oxyhy-
droxide not only appear as an internal rim around alve-
olar pores, but also as an Q\'eraIJ rim de,.-c)oped around
the alteromorph by peripheral degradation of its con-
by tent of smectitc-group minerals . .'\ wide iron-rich rim
delineates a peripheral en\'(~lope, ,-vhich consequently
encloses several small rims randomly distributed )
within the [Jilrtly degraded green-colored smectite.
It is obviolls that aU these subtle distinctions
among various ah'eoporo-alterolUorphs are useful onJy
where chronological e"olution of clle weathering pro-
me and minerals is to be established. Otherwise, they
can be disregarded.
• An ortho-alveoporo-alteromorph (from the Greek
op8o~ = straight. upright. direct) is a monogenetic
alteromorph whose alveolar pores develop at the
same time as the alteroplasma that contains them.
The proportion of alveolar pores is related to the
extent of leaching of the elements not incorpo-
rated in the alteroplasma.
• A para-alveoporo--alteromorph (from the Greek
1TO:pO: := near, beside) is a polygenetic altero-
morph whose alveolar pores develop (or
increase) by irregular degradation of the altero-
plasma itself and by the leaching of a part of its
constituents. A second generation of distinct
alteroplasma may well be genetically associated
with this newly formed pore-space.
The development of monogenetic but two-phase
ah-eoporo-alteromorpbs Illay occur in the case of unin-
terrupted but slow weathering of coarse-grained
weatherable primary m incrals. These crystals are panl y
weacllered in the 10w('I' parts of clle profile. HO\\'evcr,
because tlle" are coarse, cllcir weathering is not com-
plete once they are brought into the upper parb of the
profile, by superficial erosion and relative subsidence
of the weathering front. There, they arc subjected to
conditions of more extreme weathering. The residues
of primal")' mineral are then weathered to a distinct
altcroplasma of different mineraJogic<l1 composition
and textural appearance. The alveoporo-alteromorph
that results after the complete disappearance of clle last
primary residues is vel")' similar to the alteromorph of
 r PARTLV VV;ATHERED
PRIMARY MINERAL

SMECTITE + PORES SMECTITE ONLY SMECTITE + GOETHITE

~
~- I
.•- 1.-

1 ?
PARTIAL PARTIAL PARTIAL
ALVEOPORO-ALTEROMORPH MONO-HOLO-ALTEROMORPH TWO-PHASE ALTEROMORPH

COMPLETEL v; VVEATHERED

MONOPHASE HOLO-
ORTHO-ALVEOPORO- ALTEROMORPH TWO-PHASE ORTHO-
ALTEROMORPH ALVEOPORO-ALTEOROMORPH

FURTHER EVOLUTION

PARA-ALVEOPORO-ALTEROMORPH
FIGUJU: 43, llluslt'atiom 'JI' aIICrnml)rl,l" In ill",trate their fllr-
Uh.:r 1.~Vollllion. Distinctit)1l bctv.·'t:E'n an ortho.;:d\'coporo.
,1Itrl"-'111orph "",cl a par.,-"In·up'ort> ~1~ruJ11orph.

ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION ANO WEATHERING

316
the pre\'iou~ example. Although hoth alteromorrhs arc
,;tructurall)' vcr) similar, their development i.s geneti-
cal" very different.
For example. a macrocryscal of pyroxene is
first partly weathered along its transmineral frac-
tures to smectite-bearing banded alteroplasmas
that surround several residues of unweathered
material. This first stage of partial weathering
develops in the lower part of the profile; the nor-
mal evolution of such a partial alteromorph pro-
motes, for example, the development of a purely
smectite-bearing holo-alteromorph if the weath-
ering conditions are not modified. Later (higher in
the profile), when the conditions of weathering
are modified, the pyroxene residues are weath-
ered directly to iron oxyhydroxides organized
around empty alveolar pores without passing
through the stage of smectite development. The
weathering process is more drastic, and the vol-
ume of exported elements is greatly incn~ased.AII
primary residues are replaced by irregular alveo-
lar pores. which are all coated by a rim of iron
oxyhydroxides. This rim. along its external side, is
molded against the smectite-bearing alteroplasma
previously formed in the lower part of the profile.
and which is not affected because it is more sta-
ble than the pyroxene residues. The completely
developed alveoporo-alteromorph then consists
of a subcontinuous web of a smectite-group min-
eral that surrounds several alveolar pores. all
coated by an internal rim of iron hydroxide.
The detailed study 01' such polyphase a"'C0I)oro-
alteromoq)hs allows lht' iclentification 01' their com-
plex history and their distinction from other
alveoporo-alteromorphs. Crystal lites of gocthite that
de\'cJoped directly at the expense of the pyroxenc
residue.> have parLly maintained the optical orientation
of the origin.:ll crystal of PFoxene. whereas erystallites
PART 3: AlTIROMOR?HS
of goelhite I~Jrmcd at the expense of the slllcctite do
not exh.ibit such a specific orientation.
The presentation of Illorc detailed examplc:s or
complex weathering is not deemed necessary, but it is
olwious that many other spec.ific cases can !-le encoun-
tered in weathered prollles. No m.icromorphologist
C,lI1 claim to ]ld\'e obscrvecl, described and c-!a.ssiflcd all
the possihle complex pattern.s of alteration and \\'eath-
erin<T.
b
The classillcation of compuund altt:romorphs i.'
made .:\l'cording to the following genetic criteria, on
the basis or identification of the mineralogiL'al compo-
sitions and recognition of the textural patterns in
whkh tJ1CSC minerolls are associated.
• A monogenetic polyphase alteromorph results from
the alteration or weathering. during only one
stage of hypogene or supergene origin, of a pri-
mary mineral to an association of two or more
distinct secondary minerals. One of these sec-
ondary minerals may be ephemeral and transitory
to the second one. or the relative abundance of
the two minerals may be dependent on the equi-
librium conditions at the time of formation.
• A polygene!;( polyphase aheromorph results from
the alteration, in two or more successive stages
(independent and well separated in time), of
hypogene or supergene origin (or both), of a
primary mineral to an association of two or more
distinct. generally stable secondary minerals.
successively formed under gradually modified
conditions.
317
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c o
405,406
HYPERSTHENE
GABBRO
Cataguases, MG. Brazil
Depth: 8 m
Sampled by L.M, Lopez

Cumulo-septo-
alteromorph
after orthopyroxene

Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

02

~ 0,0 mm

I results in the fonnation of very thin
whose Z a..\(i~ lies in the plane of
the thin section, has been weathered
to a very porolL~ septo-alterol11orph
of oxyhydroxides of iron, The trans-
verse fraCtllres that havc lucalized
the first stagc of weathel'ing are
clearlv v-isible across the altera-
morph, The weathering front,
under conrutions of elflcient leach-
ing, bas progre~siveJy encroached
upon the pyroxene cores by follow-
ing the rcgulJr and very fine deal--
ages of the primary mineral, which
and regularly parallel septa enclos-
ing many elongate empty residual
pores. The first photomicrograph,
in PPL, sho\\'s the appearance of the
alteromorph after the final phase of
its deYclopment. During a later step
of absolute accumulation of aJu-
minum, the empt), pores were
infilled by secondary crystals 01'
gibbsite. \\-hich appear clearly only'
in the second photomicrograph,
taken in XPL. The late crystalliza.
tion of the gibbsite seems to have
leFt lmdisturbed the thin and deli-
cate texture of the previously
fOl-med septo-alteromorph. The
high aluminum content of tbe final
alteromorph can only be attributed
to an accumulation of allochthonous
origin, because the original
orthopyroxcne contains practicall~'
no aluminum.

318 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAl ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

407
DIABASE
Serra do CUbatao.
Curucutu, SP, Brazil
Sampled by M.C. Groke
Cumulo-septo-
alteromorph after a
ferromagnesian mineral
Objective: x 6.3
XPL

~
0.3

~ 0,2

0,1

0,0 mm

shows an The section of t.he mineral is whost' ma.in characteristics arc sim-
T IllI ,.

example of a cumulo-septo-
alteromorph, whose formation and
further development are rather sim-
ilar to those in the two previous
i1lustrat.ions, The rock is completely
weathered, and no remnants of the
primary mineral are \isible in the
entire thin section. For this reason,
it is impossible to defIne tht' exact
origin of this alteromorph, which is
deflnitdyattributable to Lbe weath-
ering of a ferromagnesian mineral,
wH::\'en; bOtll cleavages and irregu-
lar frachlres are responsible for the
i
ar to those of the previous pho-
tomicrographs. An illustntio!1 taken
irregularly crossing septa. No spe- in PPL does not accompany this
cific tex ture is \isiblc that can ~ro­ XPL photograph because it would
vide further insight. The observed show only the network of dark
alteromorph is JJl irregular (com- brown septa, without any further
ple.:\() septo-alteromorph. During a information.
later step of absolute accumulat.ion,
crystallaria of gibbsite are formed in
each cell delimited by the septa.
This step results in the development
of a cumu!o·sepro-aJteromorph

3;
PART A1.nROMOI\PHS
]19
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS
has been
altered to a two-phase altero-
morph consisting of ma!:,'llctite and
well-oriented talc. The rim of Sl'C-
onoary magnetite continuously sur-
rounds the altl~romorl)h, as is
usually the case In such alteration,
whereas primary magnetitc is still
\·isible along the tTaces of the origi-
nal protoclastic fractures. Th!':' rock
IS extensively weathered: the
c1inopyroxene crystals, which sur-
round the talc alteromorph after
olidnc, arc strongly weathered to a
320
yellowish saponitic secondary prod-
uct, which encloses many small
denticu late remnants of primary
pyroxene (0-[1, E2, E3). The
proximity of' an important nehvork
of t1ssures of supergene origin has
promoted the partial alveolization
of the talc area. The large pore was
not generated during the alteration
of' the olivine into talc, which led to
the formation uf' a 11010-altero-
morph, but much later, under the
influence of a pcdogelll"tic process.
The al\Tolized original holo-altero-
ATLAS OF MIC~OMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
408,409
OUVINE-BEARING
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 7.2 m
Cumulo-para-alveoporo-
{two-phase)-alteromorph
after olivine + talc
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL
~
0.3
0,2
0.1
~ 0,0 mm
morph has become a I)a..ra-alveo-
poro-alteromorph. The central
pore, connected with the general
pore-space of the weathered rock,
ha~ been largely infillcd by deposits
of reddish brown clayey coatings_
This absolute accumuJation of par-
ticulate material within the altero-
morph results in the formation of a
cu m u 10- pa ra- a I vc opa ro- a 1te ro-
morph. Note that the sheets of talc
have acquired a yello\\ coloration
owing to centripetal transfer oC an
oxide of iron.
 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

410
BIOTITE-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.8 m
Absolute accumulation
within fractured
prismatic crystals
of c1inopyroxene
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

0.3

- 0.2

f
•

~
0.1

0.0 mm

of gTJins of the mineral, remain empty as long as Each fragmcllt of dinopyroxene

T
I \I

micaceous mineral, locally
abundant, into large meso-altero-
morphs of vcrmiculitc has produced
an important increase in the origi-
nal \'o]ume of the rock. This
increase is expressed by the exten-
sive Fracturing of the grain,~
included in the micaceous minera],
ma.inly Ulose minerals that exhibit
an elongate habit, Ii.ke the prisms of
clinopyroxene, and those that
exhibit a perpendicular orientation,
or ncarJ-v so, relative to the cleavage
of the enclosing micaceous mineral.
Fractures are perpendicular, or
nearly so, to the long axis of the
pyroxene prisms and parallel to the
layers of the sWToUIlding \'ermi·
culite. These large inter- or
intramineral \'oids, dcYeloped
either between the E'xtremities of
the prisms and the sunounding
mineral, or within the included
these voids, in the lower levels of
the profile, remain she!t(:Ted From
any inlllling of allochthonous mate-
rial. But in the case illuso'ated here.
that of a fractured rock sampled in
the upper part of the prolllc, the
illuviation process enhances the
capacity of even the smaJJest ossure
to sen'e as a conduit, allowing the
empty voids opened in the lower
horiLons to be Illled. The photo-
graph shows thin coatings 01- dark
reddish brown material (B J, C4),
\"hose complex composition, deter-
mined by X-,ay diffraction or by
other physical ilnd chemical meth-
ods, shows an irregular association
of a smectite with iron-oxide-
stained kaolinite. These open cracks
are easy pathways not only for the
illmiated materials, but also for
water that will I)!'omote the weath-
ering of the fractured miner.lls.
exhibits, in the areas around the
open fractures, an incipient weath-
ering to yellowish smectitc and a
delicate dcntinalation of its extrem-
ities (AI, D3). In areas that are sub-
jecr to ea.';y circuJation of water and
to cumulative processes. the
autochthonous srnectitc formed at
the expense of pyroxene is partially
degraded or invadcd by iron-rich
solutions, which transform th.:: ini-
tial yellow-colored smectite to a
more reddish brown product. This
photomicrograph should be com-
pared with illustrations 061, 062
amf 143. J 4-4 .

PART 3: ALTEJlOMORPHS
321
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS
in the rock ha~
bccn replaced b)' mesu-altcro-
morphs or \'ermiculite during J flrst
step of' hydrothermal alteration in
the contact aureole associated with
the emplacement or a surrounJing
younger granite. The development
or the~e meso-altuomorphs, \\ith a
large increase in \-olume, hJ.':' pro-
moted the formation of nJan\' trans-
min('ral ancl intcrmillcral fractllrcs
\\jthin or between the neighhoring
grains of pyroxcne, ami the opening
or many intcrlayer porc< in the \'er-
322
m iClIl ite -dol11 i nJnt a1 tcrol1lorphs,
which arc as a result turned into
phylloporo-alteromorphs. In the
upper pan of the landscape, weath-
ering causes a d.issollltion of inlpor-
tJnt quantities of silica, not
lll'rcssarih' recombined to form
secondary silicate minerals. Most of
the silica released from thick fcn'ai-
utic proJlk, is transferred imo the
lower parts or the landse-ape, whe.re
it can be Ihed as inmling material
within the early-formed open
pores. These photographs show
ATlAS Of MICJ\OMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAl. AlTERATION AND WEATHERING
411,411
PHLOGOPITE-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I m
Cumulo-phylloporo-
alteromorph
after phlogopite
Objective: x 6,3
PPL and XPL
f"
F 0.0 mm
intcrlaycr infilJings of secondary
quartz in a phylloporo-alteromorph
of \'t:rmiculite. The quartz cT~'stals
ha\'c a tendency to crystallize pcr-
pend.icuJar to tJ)e walls of the pores,
as can be obsened iD the lower pho-
tograph, taken in XPL. Some phyl-
lopores aTe not infl!lcd, possibly
because they were not yet open at
the> time of the infilling, 01' because
they were not connected with the
large pores along which the transfer
of silica occmred.
 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

413,414
PHLOGOPITE-RICH
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m

Cumulo-phylloporo-
alteromor'ph
after phlogopite
Objec[ive: x 6.]
PPL and XPL

r::
tL 01

0.0 mm

T ' e"ents in
the histor)' of this ph:lIoporo-
alteromurph resemble thost' in the
case of the previous alteromurph.
The difference lies in the fact that
this thin section is ClIt almost paral-
lel to the (luartz deposit, and not
perpendicular to it as in the former
example. Such a fortuitous orienta-
tion allows the internal texture of
the deposit to be better ohser ved.
Most quartt. intercalations arc cir-
cular or elliptical, and tJ1ey exhibit a
concentric distribution uf domain
size and a r.lt.lial orientation nf their
component crystals. Some large
unori<;:nted cryst.lls of indetermj,
nate origin also arc found. The-
tlakes of mica that surround the
quartz intercalations are rarely rut
parallel to their layer stTlIcturc
because, along the contact "\'ith the
quartz infillings, they are generally
obl iqucly oriented or even com-
pletely distorted. These circular
intercalations of quartz. where
obsenee! perpcndicular to the lay-
ers of the host mica, exJ,jbit a thin
lenticular shape.

PART 3: ALTF.~OMO~PHS
323
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c Cl
415
WEATHERED GRANITE
Mogi das Cruzes.
SP. Brazil
Sampled by M,C. Groke
Depth: 3,6 m

Absolute accumulation
of kaolinite in biotite
Objective: x 16
XLP

l"
- 0.0 mm

~ \\"eathercd rock is a
biotitc-bearing granite in \\'hich
most of hiotite L1;'sta Is are replaced
b;' a meso-alteromorph of kaolinitc,
This replacement is accompanied by
a substantial increase in volume.
This volume increase of onc compo-
!le!lt of the priman' rock i. respon-
sible I'or the opening of maDY traDS-
and intermineral fractures, This net-
work of fractures provides the path-
way for the absolute accumulation
of material deriv\~c1 ['rom the upper
soil and \·\'eathered horizons, either
as deposits of detritalminer:1ls or as
crystallaria of miuerals formed
directly from percolating solutions.
This photomicrograph iUustrates
t.he G1Se of an unweathered but
exJoliaterl grain of biotitc whose
opened lenticular phvlloporcs are
inlllled bv. neoformed kaolinite,
Where th<:" kaolinite is importd as
detrital particles, it usually forms
true coatings in which particles are
oriented par<lllel to the walls of the
p()rl~, In the case shown here, the
kaolinite particles are all oriented
I)erpendicul<lr to the biotite layers
against \-vhich they have crystallized,
This general rule or the perpendicu-
larit;, of the minerals formed by
crystaJJjzation from a percol<lting
solution is "alid not only for kaolin-
ite, but also For many secondary
minerals, such a.'i sheet silicates,
gibbsite, goethite, quartz (411,
4-12), or even secondary apati te (see
424,425),

324 ATLAS OF MICROMOR.PHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c D
416,417
ALUMINUM-RICH
IRON DURICRUST
DEVELOPED
ON CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d')voire
Sampled at soil surface
Cumulo-(koilo)-
alteromorph after mica
Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

- 0.0 mm

, 1 I • I of a mica- alterofllorph (koilo- pseudofllorph), with the size of the commonl"

ceous minel'a], probably phlo-
gopitc. has been completely
dissolved, IJerhal)S after its n::vJace-
ment by an ephemeral intermediale
secondary m.ineral. This dissolution
without an\" residual material has
l)roll1oted the formation of a koilo-
whose externaJ boundaries contra.st observed crystals of gibbsitc. Note
strongly with the iron-rich malTix the cuhedral shape of tbe gibbsite
in \yh.ich it is embedded. The koilo- crystals and their twinned domains.
cUterofllorph has been later inJlrled,
as the interstitial empty pores of the
duricrust. by crystal.s of gibbsite
whose large size contrasts strongly

3:
PART ALTEROMORPH5
325
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS
A B
is com-
pletely weathered to a sq)to-
alteromorph of gibhsitc; tll(, septa
arc regularly oriented para.lkl to the
cka"age of the OI-iginal grain, and
some noss irn:gularly the par'11lcl
s('pta along nearly perpendicular
tr;)nsl))jnera-I fractures. Most s('pta
exhibit;) median plane emphasizecl
hI' deposits of oxyhydroxides of
iron. which a.re related to the pat-
tern of the first-opened frJctl.u·cs
ilnd L'ka,'age planes. During the
later ('volution of the- scpln·altero-
326
c D
morph. in the upper p<lrt of the
isalterite, the serJta have been par-
tiallv dcstToyed, to givc large "ughs
interconnected with smaller inter-
septa voids. The large pore and most
of the srnalJer ones have later heen
inllllcd bv allochthonous deposits of
amorphous AI-Si products associ-
ated with appreciable but variable
quantities of hydrated oxides of
iron. Most deposits are mjcrolami-
nated o,ving to the variable content
of the ferruginous compounds. The
largest-sized \''Ugh~ are not com-
Arw Of MICROl10RPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
418,419
BAUXITIC PROFILE
DEVELOPED ON
GRANITE
Siagozohoin, Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.4 m
Sampled by B. Boulange
Cumulo-septo-alteromorph
after plagioclase
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL
0.3
-- 0.2
f
'- 0.1
:.. 0.0 mm
pldel) inlllled, and residual empty
pores are maintained whose smoot.h
margins are coated with <I last thin
layer of microcrystalline gibbsite,
"Ol-ll1ed hy In situ crystallizati\J1l in
the most strongly ir-on-depleted
parts of the' deposits. Gradually, as
the iron content of tht' deposit is
removed by dissolution, micTocrys-
talJi1le gibbsite can develop. The
rcsult'ing alteromorph is a typical
cumulo-sl?pto-alteromorl)h.
 CUMULQ-ALTEROMORPHS

420,421
GRANITIC ROCK
BR 158. Brazil
Sampled by F. Soubies
Depth: 1 In
Cumulo·
glomero-septo-
alteromorph
after plagioclase
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

- 0.6

0.4

0.2

- 0.0 mm

T' th~
I " •

next two show the rarely

and

obsen'c.d case of the late ITIJlace-

men{ of gibbsite crystals of a gJom-
ero-septo-alteromorph after
plagioclase by ncwl~ lTystallizl'd
kaolinite, owing to the ahsolute
accumulation of silica transferred in
solution from the upper horizons.
in PPL, thl' kaolinite nE'oformalions
appear as yellowish material
because of concom.it,mt in11ux of all
iron-bearing solution, where.'!s the
gibbsite substrate remains colorless.
Some vughs of the first-formed
alteromorph are <;till closed, poorl~'
accessible to solutions, and not
coated by the newly formed kaolin-
ite. whereas other \'ughs, probahl~'
connected with the general pore-
space 01" the \\"Cathcn~d ro,:k, are
coated by kaolinitc in layers of vari-
ahle thickness. Note that the \'ughs,
whose usual shape is angular in a
gibbsite alterol11orph after plagio-
elase, now has a smooth and curvi-
linear shape. In XPL, the
crystaJlinity of the gibbsitic lTMterial
is clearl.'· observ'ed, whereas the
coatings of the much !css hi.refrin-
gent kaolinite are not clearly distin-
guished from Ule empt~' parts of the
alteromorph. A detailed study of the
kaolinit.e cO;Jtings shows that the
p,1rticles are oriented perpendicular
tu thl' gibbsite cr)'stab on which
they arc flxcd, ann that the inegll-
larit)· of the slIbstrate promotes the
sinuous and convex (mamiJlated*)
habit of tbe deposits of neoformed
kaolinitc.

PART 3: ALTEllOMORPHS
327
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS
I ,hO\v'
T, U1C
'I . 'I
spectacular cas(" 01' a glam-
ero-septo-alteromorph after plagio-
da.~e, in which most Dj' the gibbsitc
has been dissolved, giving rise to
many large interconnected vughs
(meta -a Iveo poro- g Iom era-se pto-
altcromorph). The relics of th.:
septa and of agglon'1eratcd volumes
have been coated by kaolinite,
which crystallized in siw (cwnuJo-
m eta -a IVTOp oro- g Iomcro- septo-
alteromorph), The ferruginous
coating along the IIssures that con-
]28
stitut.: the median plane of U1C septa
is still perfectly distinguishable
(C-03), e\'Cn if the gibbsite content
01' the septum has nearly (lisap-
peared. The kaolinitc is slightly col-
ored in the shades or pale yellow
owing to a slight permeation of an
jmn-bcaring solution. The kaolinite
does not correspond to a tTUC coat-
ing of detrital material depOSited on
the skeletal septa, but rather to a
neoformation of secondary kaolin-
ite derivTd rrom the later siJiciflca-
tion of the gibbsite. The convex
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERAnON AND WEATHERING
422,423
GRANITIC ROCK
BR 158, Brazil
Sampled by F. Soubies
Depth: 2 m
Cumulo-meta-alveoporo-
glomero-septo-altero-
morph
after plagioclase
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
0.6
0.4
- 0.2
-- 0.0 mm
shape or the kaolinizcd yolumes
doe'S not corresponrl geon1ctricaJ ly
to that of a detrital deposit, but to in
siru crvstallizaUon or materiaL
vVherc the re.>idual pores are more
open. the overgrowth of kaolini re is
thicker. As the yolume of gibbsite
progressively (Jjminisbes, the inJler-
ited iron content or the altero-
morph. which was prev'iously
disseminated among the gibbsite
crystab, is now concentrated into
darker irregular patches.
 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

A B c D
424,425
APATITE-RICH
CARBONATITE
Juquia, SP. Brazil
Sampled in a quarry
by R. Flicoteaux

Cumulo-koilo-
alteromorph
after caJdte

Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

~ ::
t
~
0.1

0.0 mm

dissolution 01" important in situ crystaUization ur through the profile and, when they
T
I I \ I0 ,Ill

ferrom calcite of the primary
rock has given rise to many contigu-
ous koilo-alteromorphs. Their vol-
ume and shape are maintained more
or less undisturbed, owing first! y to
the formation of residual iron- and
manganese-rich deposits in the rim
of each a1teromorph (see pho-
secondary apatite has strengthened
the Fragi le koi lo-al teromnrphs.
These sccondary crystals of apatite
arc need le-shaped, and gro\\- as
radiating bundles on the substrate
offered by the iron-rich rims. The
high content of secondary apatite in
all these cumulo-alteromorphs is
reach the level of absolute aCcumu-
lation, these solutions give rise to
crystallization of secondary apatite.
The phosphate accumu lation
reaches such an extent that these
levels of absolute accumulation are
actively sought in min.ing opera-
tion~.

tographs 126, 127 and 285, 286,
\\·hieh are taken from the same pro-
file, and which illustrate the first
and the last steps of weathering of
the primary mineral). Secondly,
due to the high content 01" primary
apatite in the unweathered rock.
The primary apatite is progl-essivel)
dissolved in the upper horizons, the
phosphate-rich solutions pt'rcolatc

PART 3: ALTEROMOiU>HS
329
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

416,427
AMPHIBOllTE
Southwestern
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.7 m
Cumulo-retiporo-
alteromorph
after feldspar
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

f
~ 0.3

::- 0.2

:-- 0.1

0.0 mm

I or I"cldspar, presumahly
plagioclase, has been com-
pletely weathered to colorles, and
homogeneous isotropic material.
\\lith aging, this materi'll has
become mierodivided bv a network
or open fissun~s, forming a typical
retiporo-aJteromorph. The associ-
ated amphibole and magnetite
undergo weathering later. in the
upper horiwns. Sampled Ileal' the
weathering front, the Feldspar-
group minerals are the first ones to
be weathered, and Uleir altero-
morphs may be subjected to all
kinds of illuviations of material
coming from the upper levels. The
photomicrographs sbow the inlilling
of some retipores and or some of
tlleir branchings by introduced yel-
lowish smectitic material del-ivcd
from the- upper parts of the profile,
mainl~ from the alteromorphs after
hornblende. I-Iornhlende is the only
pl'imary mineral to r('l('as(' solutions
whose composition is comlJatible
vvith the formation of a smecritic
secondary clay. Note that the
isotropic material after feklspar has
not yet undergone Fw·ther evolution
to c':'stalUne secondary producL~.
Obsen-alions made of thin sections
from weathered rocks sampled
higher in the pmllle indicate that
this retiporo-alteromorph of
isotTopic material will be progres-
sively replaced by irregular meta·
al\'eoporo-(retiporo) -.11 teromorph.s
of gibGsite.

330 ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHffiJNG

 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c D
428,429
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
(LUJAVRITE)
Poc;os de Caldas.
MG. Brazil
Depth: 1.2 m
Incipient evolution of a
retiporo-aJteromorph
after nepheline
Objective:x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

" • I'. of nephellne is
1 partly weathered to a colorless
isotropic material whose internal
reticulation is marC' and more
densely deycloped as areas more
and more distant tram the core arc
considered. The weatbering J(,\'C'l·
aped according to a classical periph-
of pale brown rinkite (mllsandrite;)
amJ of pale green acgirinc, a sodic
pyrnxene, arc randomly distributed
in both nepbelil1c con~ and sec-
omlarv material. These inclusions
)
.11'1:: less weatberahle tbim is the
nephclinc, and they will be weath-
ered onl." much later, Incipient
in the interstitial areas between the
neighburing grains of aegirine (AS).
These photographs illustrate the
~ad)' ewlution of the i,otropic
material; they can be compared
with the next phutogr'lph" repre-
senting a. rnor~ ad'-ancen stage of
weatherinu.
~

eral and centripet.1J pattern. The inlll!ings of alJochthonous gihbsitC'

residual ('ore, clearly ,-isible in XPL, arc ohservcn in the marginal rctl·
is lnknscly fissured. Minute crystals pores of the secondary product and

PART 3: ALTEROMORPHS
331
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c
430
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
(LUJAVRITE)
Po~os de CaJdas,
MG, Brazil
Depth: 0.8 m
Retiporo-alteromorph
after nepheline
Incipient cumulative
process
Objective: x 6.]
XPL

i 0.3

l
0- 0.2

=- 0.1

- 0.0 m

431
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
(LUJAVRITE)
Poc;:os de Caldas.
MG. Brazil
Depth: 0.6 m
Detailed view
of gibbsite infillings
Objective: >~ 10
XPL

0,2

0.1

- 0.0 mm

sho\\·s a
mon; adyanced stage of the
inllJling oC the retipores ,mJ of the
rt:placeme.nt of the isotropic mater·
ial after ncphclinc by crystals of
gibbsite, whereas a largc' residual
core of primary nepheJine is still
maintained in the centrill part of the
rctiporo-alteromorph. The reticular
texture of the depusits of allochtho-
nous gihbsite is not cd-sily distin-
guished from the smaller crystals of
gibbsite of autochthonous origin,
de\t:loped from the isotropic mate- depOSits is strongly related to the
rial itself. The- inclusions of rinkite open IIssures of theretiporo-altero-
(mosanclrite?) are not weatJlered. morph, Note that some inclusions
The lower I)hotograph gives a of prismatic acgirine (E 3, E5) are
detailed view of a part (lf the reti- partly weathered to iron-rich sec-
poro·altcromorph in which the reti- ondary products.
!Jorcs are i.nfilleJ bv, crvstals
, of
allochthonous gibbsitc, whereas the
internal polyhedral volumes of
isotr0r>k matcTial are not yet cUs-
turbed (or less so) by their own evo-
lution to autochthonous gibbsitc.
The reticular texture of the gibbsitc

ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AtT~RATION AND WEATHERING

332
 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

A c D
432,433
NEPHELlNE 5YENITE
(LUJAVRITE)
Poc;os de Caldas.
MG. Brazil
Depth: 0.6 m
Cumuhrretiporo-
alteromorph
after nepheline
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

t
0.2

- 0.1

-- 0.0 mm

r I I I' "'\ illustrate a
complex case In which the
residual corl" of nepheline (A I, B2)
has heen directly weathered to rine-
grained gibbsite; during .In early
~tage of weathering (comparablt' to
that in the pre\'ious cases), the
peripheral pal-t of the primary nun-
cral hao been weathered into a reri-
poro.aJteromorph ul' isotropic
materiaJ. The retipores of the mar-
ginal part of the alteromorph are
in.lll\ed by coarse crystals of gibbs-
ire, whereas the rClipores of its replaced by autochthonous gibbsitt'.
inner part arc inlllled by fine- Note. that in this mOlT advanced
grained crystaJs of gibbsite whose stage: of weathering, the inclusions
textural pattern is strongly rc:lated uf rinkite (mosandrite?) are slightly
to the reticular network of open fis- weath,:red, and surroundco by a
sures. The fact that a nephcline crys- thin pellicular rim of iron oxyhy-
tal may be weathered either to droxirlc.
isotropic material or directly to
gibbsite makes the resulting altero-
morph a polyphase a1teromorph;
the pulyphase character is also
enhanced by the fact that th-:
isotropic materi,11 itself will later be

PART 3: ALTIRoMORPHS
333
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

434,435
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
(LUJAVRITE)
Poc;os de Caldas. MG. Brazil
Depth: 0.6 m
Very complex
cumulo-retiporo-
polygenetic-polyphase
aJteromorph
after nepheline
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

- 1.0

0.0 mm

or J we.ath- to a retiporo-alterolllo1"[)h of distinguished in this alteromo'-ph:

ered cr:y~tal of ncphl'hn(' allow
all its conscclIti"e mineralogical
transfurmations tu be ~c1early" dis-
tinguished. Firstly. during a
hydrothermal phase. part 01' the
ncphclinc nystal was replaced by
narl'olite (as Gin be ubsened in thin
sections of neighboring sa.mples; see
086, 087). Irregular patchl'~ of the
first-fonnl'd l1atrolite \\-ere later
weathered to relativelv coarse
gibbsitc (i\ I, A 2), \vhcreas the
nepheline residues were wcatJlered
isotropic material. The later steps in
the evolution or the isotropic mate-
rial arc: (I) opening of a network or
retipures, (2) inlilling of the reti-
pores by allochthonous gibbsite,
who~(' I'etindar textural pattern is
dearly di~tinguished. (3) replace-
ment of the iwtTopic Illaterial by
crystals or autochthonous gibbsite,
\\·hose- \'cry I1n(' grain-size contrasts
sha.rply with that of dlC n:tieular
glbbsite. Three baenerations of baihhs-
......
ite are thus associared bu t c1earl)'
autochthonous, relatively coal-se
gibh_~ite <lfter natTolite, allochtho-
nOlls medium-grained gibbsitc
infilling the retipores, aud
autochthonous microcrystalline
gibhsite derived from the evolution
of' the isotropic material. Small
inclusions of rinkite (mosandrite?)
are completely \veathered to resid-
ual empty pores thinly rimmed by
brownish secondary products.

334 Afu\S OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTEAATION AND WEATKEIUNG

 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

436
NEPHELlNE SYENITE
(LUJAVRITE)
Po~os de Caldas.
Minas Gerais. Brazil
Depth: 1.4 m

Absolute accumulations
of gibbsite in fractured
primary minerals

Objective: x 4
XPL

- 0.6

OA

0.0 mm

was collected in the of the orthoclase crystals shows that phase is deposited and accuDlu.lated
T ,11 I

contact area with the unweath-

cred rock, containing as main rock-
forming minerals orthoclase,
nephelllle and aegirine, with sub-
Sidiary eudiaJytc and arfvedsonite.
The photomicrograph shows an area
rich i.n ul1l'l'eathered but fractured
onhoclase, with most grains inten-
tionally placed at extinction in XPL
I"or better contrast \\' ith allochtho-
nous accumulations of gibbsitE'
(CS). The orthoclase is partially sur-
rounded by nephelim> gr.JiIlS, whose
complete weathering has developed
t~'pical glomero-septo-altero-
morphs (AS). Careful examination
the feldsf)ar is not weathered. and
that all the observed alignments of
gibbsite are deposits that inflll pre-
viously formed open transmineral
fractw·es. Some rectilinear fractures
(A3-C5) an: obviously oriented
along opened cleavages of the host
grJ.in of feldspar. The origin of the
gibbsite is to be found in the large
amowlt of aluminum leached From
the completely weathered uPIJcr
le"cb or this ncpheline syenite, an
especiall~' aluminum-rich rock, The
downward migl'ation or aluminum-
bearing solutions is natUl-ally
stopped, and an alurninum-rich
against the unfractured and non-
porous un weathered rock. Accord-
ing to the isovolume concept, this
cortex or partially weathered rock
shows an appreciable increase of
aluminum compared with the quan-
titv 01" aluminum that this rock
should have conta.i.ned under cundi-
tions of better drainage. This photo-
graph should he compared with
047.

PART 3: ALTEROMORPHS
335
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS
A B
process has
replaced a crystal of olivine
with an association or three sec-
ondary lJ1iJlerals: talc, tremolitc and
magnetite. Tbe photoruicrograph in
PPL shows that the talc, the pale
bcigc-colored material (C-D2), is
the main product, \vhereas lremo-
lite, appearing a.s colorlcss needle-
sha[led crystals (82, Cl), IS
resD·ictcd to the marginal part of
the alteromorph, which is in con-
tact with cl inopyroxene crystals.
The magnetite grains ;)re mainJ)'
distributed ill the peripheral part of
the alteromorph. The)' accommo-
date the iron content. of the original
olivine, which does not enter the
structure of talc nor that of trerno-
336
D
lite to a significant extent. This
complex transformation results in a
typical polyphase alteromorph.
Normally, the talc is homoge-
neously distributed within the
alteromorph, ",-ithout formation of
alveolar pores. The alteromorph is a
holo-a\teromorph, as can be seen by
obsening the entire thin section.
During a later step 01" supergene
weathering, part of the talc was
weathered, with the formation of a
large irregular pore now sur-
rounded by a thin rim of oxyhy-
droxides of iron, which makc~ the
horder of the pore brown-colored;
this coJorcd rim strongl), contnsts
with the unwc-ath<.'recl talc. The
holo-alteromorph \Vas thus con-
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEI\AL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
437
OUVINE-8EARING
ClINOPYROXENITE
Koua Boeea. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 7.2 m
Meca-para-alveoporo-
alteromorph
after olivine
Objective: x 10
PPL
0.0 mm
verted to an alveoporo-altero-
mOJ-ph. Since this pore was not
formed by the alteration of the
olivine crystal, but rather by the
weathering of the taJc, the .lltero·
morph ha.~ become a para-ah-eo-
poro-alteromorph. The introduc-
tion of allochthonous il'on-bearing
compounds via the supergene sys-
tem of fissures colors the margins of
the talc (and also of saponitc after
clinopyroxenc grains, A 1-2), and
leaus to the formation of a meta·
para-alveoporo.alteromorph.
 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

438,439
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 14.2 m

Meta-alveoporo-
alteromorph
after c1inopyroxene

Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL

0.2

::... 0.1

- 0.0 mm

I I of dinopyroxene ering, under conditions of iJKTCased resulting alteromorph is a meta-

has been panly weathered. The
phylloporo-altcromorph is com-
posed of ...vell-oriented Hakes of
saponite, and sC\'eral remnants of
the primary mineral persist. The
regular orientation of the secondary
product is clearly seen in x.PL. This
firSt step of \veathering, under con-
ditions of restricted leaching, began
by the fOl'mation of a Hnt banded
texture along several intramineral
fractures, whose traces arc still rec-
ognizable. In a later stage or weath-
leaching, the residual cores of
pyroxene were- directly and com-
pletely weathered to oxyhydroxides
of iron surrounding irregular resid-
ual pores. Tbe secondary iron com-
pounds do not form individual
crystals around the residual alveolar
pores, but rather they seem to have
permeated into the previously
formed clay minerals, forming
hypocoatings that take on an
unusual deep brown color all
amund the residual pores. The
alwoporo-aheromorph. Note that
the flakes of saponite are only
stained by these oxyhyJroxid<,:s of
iron; they are not deeply weath-
ered, as is mad c cl ca r hy the fact
that they maintain their uniform
orientation and extinction angle in
continuity with the unstained parts
of the alteromorph.

PART): ALTEROMOIl.PHS
337
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

440,44.
CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.8 m
Meta-alveoporo-
alteromorph
after c1inopyroxene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

- 0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

T ",
sho\\- a rather similar example
of a polygenetic alteromorph after
clinopyroxene. This example corre-
spomls to a basal section of the pri-
mary mineral, as can be deduced
from the internal microtexture of
the domains of secondary pmduc.ts.
These domains show the typical
douhle oril"ntation according to the
orthogonal cleavages of the primary
mineral (C3). With conditions of
increasing leaching, part: of the sec-
ondary product has been stained by
oxyhydroxides of iron which, on
ODC hand, possibly originate from
the late \-\'cathcring of remnants of
pyroxenc. On the other hand, they
may have been b-ansported Fia the
interconnected network of inter-
mineral pores, the proportion of
which strongly increased during the
last step of weathering. As iD the
former photographs, the two-step
weathering of this clioopyroxene
results in the formation of a meta-
al \'Coporo-altemmorph which,
from a genetic point of view, can
also be considered as a polygenetic
alteromorph.

ATlAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERJNG

338
 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

442,443
OLlVINE-BEARING
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depd1: 2.8 m
Meta-alveoporo-
alteromorph
after olivine
ObjeCtive: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

0.3

!
~ 0.2

~ 0.1

~ 0.0 mm

· of hypo- \-"hieh leaves irregular residual iron make this aJteromorph a typical
D
I !,

gene alteration, an olivine pores variably coated by iron-rich para-alveoporo-alteromorph. By

crystal has been completely
replaced by a holo-alteromorph of
talc. -n1e talc particles are micro-
crystalline and randomly oriented,
whereas the traces of the original
protocIastic fractures, coated by
particles of magnetite, are well pre-
served. When subjected to late
processes of weathering, in the
upper levels of the alterite, the talc
component of the alterornorph is
partially degraded and dissolved,
secondary products. The shape and
the distribution of the residual
pores obviously do not correspond
to the shape and distribution of
ortho-aheoJar pores that could have
formed by late dissolution of the
residues of primary oli\lne. The
slow degradation of the altero-
morph, its gradual replacement by
secondary residual pores, and the
irregularly distributed inRllings of
allochthonous oxyhyJroxirles of
definition, its pores are derived
from the later degradation of the
secondary products, and not from
the primary mineral itself. To better
visualize the rnol-pllOlogical differ-
ences between the two types of
alteromorph, the two nO."1 pho-
tographs iJlustrate the case of a typ-
ical ortho-alveoporo-alterornorph
after orthopyroxene.

PART 3: ALTEOMORPHS
339
CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

444,445
ORTHOPYROXENE-
BEA.RING
CLINOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.4 m
Ortho-alveoporo-
alteromorph
after orthopyroxene
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL

0,2

=- 0.1

=- O.Omm

of orthopy- which results in the de\-c!opmcnt of poro-altcromurph. Since two dif-

/- roxene has first heen p<lrtially
weathered to a yellowish srnectitic
secondary product, whose Jistribu-
tion is related to the occurrence of
several transmineral rractun:" and
whose optical orientation is related
to the Z axis of the primary mineral.
Gradually, as the intensity of \cach-
ing and the conditions of weather-
ing became modilJed. the
Jcnticulate residual cures are no
longer weathered to a ~mectite, but
directly to oxyhydroxides of iron,
many residual pores regularly
rimmed by thin brownish deposits.
The iron-poor composition of the
ortbopyroxene is responsible for
this high mlume of pores compared
to the lawn yolunw of oxyhydrox-
ides of iron. Both mineral phases,
the smectite-group mineral and the
irun-rich secondary products,
together with the residual empty
pores, arc directly derived from the
weatherillg of' the primary mineral;
the altr:romorl)h is an ortho-alveo-
ferent mineraJ phases are succes-
sively formed from the same
primary mineral, the alteromorph is
a two-phase alteromorph. Note that-
the' characteristic dcnticulation of
the p)TOXene residucs was cle.arly
maintained Juring the second step
of vveathC'I'ina.
b
Several tr,lnsminc-raI
fractures ha\'e been more recently
widened, and coat<:d with depOSits
of [eTTuginolls clays of allochtho-
nons origin.

AnAl OF MICROt10RPHOlOGY OF MINEllAl AlTH\ATlON AND WEATHERING

340
 CUMULO-ALTEROMORPHS

446
GRANlnC ROCK
Siagozohoin, Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 2.4 m
Meta-alteromorph
after biotite - kaolinite
Objective: x 16
XPL

r'
- 0.0 • •

447
GRANITIC ROCK
Cataguases, MG, Brazil
Sampled by L.M. Lopez
Depth: 5 m
Meta-alteromorph
after biotite - l<aolinite
Objective: x 16
XPL

T' I " ,
illustrate a relatively common
case of meta-alterol11orphs: a pri-
mary mineral is completely weath-
ercd to a first secondary product,
wruch is later replaced by J. second
onc, tJle slIccessi'"e minerah
exruhiting a progressively simpler
chemical composition by progres-
sive loss 01" meir less soluble con-
stituents. in both cases, a crystal of
biotit'" W.:IS first weathered to
kaolinite, \\'ith complete leaching of
the very mobile potassium. The
replacement results in an important
increase in "olume in ,1 direction
grey interference-colors, where.:ls
the lenticular domains of gibbsite
perpendicular to the LW(TS of the arc First-order white. 111(' irregular
primary mineral; a meso-altero- dark patches U1at appear in tJ1e
morph results. L.ater, in the upper upper photograph ;11'<" residue~ of
horizons of the bauxitic profile, in the conductive coating of carbon
which the alteromorphs are sub- deposited on the ulin section in
jected to conditions of efficient preparation for electron-micro-
leaching, tlw kaolinite itself probe anaJyses.
becomes unstable, loses its siJ ica,
and is converted to gibbsite. In both
photographs, taken in XPL, the
kaolirute-rich parts of the altera-
morphs exhibit thei r first-order

PART): ALTffiOMORPHS
341
 Cf-{;I P TE R 1 2
Discussion
'11' I I 11 11· processes or
W supergene weathering have produced
variably shaped and textured altero-
morphs from practically all weathtT-
able minerals present in the parent rock. I.n many
L<lSeS, the resulting altcromorphs maintain some char-
acteristic features of the prima,y minerals From which
they have developed. This finding allows the identifica-
tion of their origin, especially if thin sections of' less
weathered rocks also arc available. Some o[ these char-
acteristics are microtextural, others arc geochemical
or mineralogical, and yet others are linked to the rela-
tive ~patiaJ distribution of the minerals or to specific
associations of minerals. On a larger scale of observa-
tion, most of the alterites have inherited the
macrostructural and macrotextmal features of the par-
ent rock, such as speCific stTatigraphic, petrograph.ic or
tectom,: features.
Among the features that arc directly inherited
fl'Om the primary mineral are the shape of crystals
(automorphic or xenomorphic habit), ule geometrical
shalJC of their outlines (c.g., linear, curved, denticulate,
irregular), the size and distribution of grains (e.g.,
phenocryst, porphJToblast, mclusion), the traces of
cleavage and of intTamineral fractures, in some cases
enhanced by deposits of mjneral particles, the optical
orientation of the secondary product cont1'01Ied b)'
that of the IJrimary mineral, and the occurrence of
inclusions (c.g., u1eir nature, distribution, and weather-
ability) .
The distribution and spatial relationship of the
lIlinel-als as they existed in u1e parent rock are also pre-
served within the alterite: major or accessory, isolated
or agglomerated minerals, patterns 0[' polymineraljc
associations, di.stinctive associations (s)'rnplectitic tex-
tures, myrJllekite, coronas), casual but characteristic
associations (spine! + magnetite, epidote + horn-
blende, chlorite + titanite), included minerals (zoisite
within plagioclase, hornblende \ovithin PFoxene) or
minerals in interstitial positions (serpentine between
oli\'inl" crysta.ls, talc between nrU1npyrOXene arain.s).
All u1ese -features are clearly recog~able :; com-
pletely weau1ered rocks.
At a higher level, the characteristic features of the
parent rock, such as its texture (e.g., porphyritic, gra-
nolJlastic, ophitic, poikiloblastic, lepidoblastiC) and its
grai.n size typically also arc preserved. However, the
origi.nal grain-size Call1iot be clearly identified where
the parent rock was very fIne-grained, where the
alte.romorphs are IJolymineralic, or where the rock
gives rise to man.y areas of crypto-alteromoll)hs. It
must be kept in mind that the grai.n size of the parent
rock, and e\'en its mineralogical composition, may have
been irregular, and may ha\'e exhibited important vari-
ations over the thickness of a weathered profile.
The chemical and mineralogical compositions of
the altel'omorphs, at least in the ('ase of isalterites, are
largely dependent on ule composition or the primal)'
minerals [rom wbich they devdop. The autochthonous
secondary minerals that form in an environment of rel-
ative accumulation inherit part of the chemical compo-
sition of the parent minerals according to
phYSicochemical conditions prevailing in U1<: lower part
of the proAIe. The geochemical aHinjty between pri-
mary and secondary minerals necessarily defines
potentially significant incompatibiJities: an olivine
crystal, which does not conta.in aluminum, is never
weathered to gibhsite, and a nepheline crystal, which
normaUy does not contain iron, is ne\'cr weathered to
goethite. U' sucb incompatiblities are nevertheless
encountered, a case of absolute accumulaLion of
allochthonous material must bt~ suspected.
The original structures inherited from the pri-
mary minerals arc generally well preserved in altero-
morphs of Ule first generation. The later degradation of
the secondary minerals aod uleir replacement by sec-
ondary rninerah of a second generation tend. in coo-
trast, to completely destroy these i.nherited structures
in U1e mudified al teromof[)hs. Where the proc<:sses of
degradation and replacement have destroyed the
large$t part of UH" original altcl'Omorphs in a given
le\'e1 or a profile, the isalterite is converted to an allo-
terite.
Logical infere.nces based on likely and unlikely
gcochemical arfinities, the tracing of particular charac-
teristics, and of persistent signatures wiulin the altera-
Illorphs, ,md repeated comparison with the reFerence
matelia! (the parent rock) aO lead to, in most cases, the
identillcation or
Ule origin of the altl-romorphs, the
study of their development in lime and space, and even
a prediction of Ule pattern of' their Further alteration.
Th,' classification of alterom()rplt~, such as it ha~
been described above, has been established with the
aim of Simplifying the descriptive work of the
observer. Some new lerms coined from Greek and
Latin roots commonlv used in Earth Sciences have
been Prol)oscd. The use of this new tuminology does
not introduce unexpected difFi,ulty, because the new
terms art' simple ancl generally sclf-explanatory. The
clas.sification is not exhaustive; more kinds of specific
a.lteromorphs will be discovered in the Future, and new
term, will lw required to describe them.
Depending upon the aim of the observer, and the
need for condensed descriptions, in order to avoid
repeliti\"(~, long descriptions, completely developed
alteJ-omorl)hs can be classiFied and succinctly described
by using the following different criter-ia.
• Geometrical criteria are purely descriptive, and
based on the extent of conservation of the
shapes and volumes of the primary minerals being
replaced. These criteria give rise to a Simple clas-
sification into iso-, meso- and kata-alteromorphs.
to which can be added some specific cases, such
as pseudomorphs. echino-. phanto- and crypto-
alteromorphs.
• Microtextural criteria, which concern the internal
distribution of the secondary products within the
alteromorphs, are based on the lack of residual
pores or of the secondary solid phase. The "end
members" are holo- and koilo-alteromorphs,
respeerively. Between these two extreme cases is
the very widespread and diversified group of the
"poro"-alteromorphs. The complementary distri-
bution of the solid and porous residual volumes is
used as the basis for a more accurate classifica-
tion. On the one hand, alveoporo-, centroporo-,
phylloporo- and retiporo-aJteromorphs result
where the pore volume is characteristically dis-
tributed and completely embedded within the
solid phase. On the other hand. botryo-, glomero-
and septo-alteromorphs result where the pore
volume is important, and where the solid phase is
344
characteristically textured. Complex poro-altero-
morphs can be described by the combination of
two or more prefixes or by the introduction of
new additional roots, as in the case of acantho-
septo-alteromorphs.
• Genetic criteria, which concern the internal dis-
tribution of distiner secondary minerals and the
history of their development before. during and
after the formation of alteromorphs. are mainly
used to describe and classify composite a1tero-
morphs. These are polygenetic and polyphase
alteromorphs. Most common alteromorphs are
monophase and monogenetic. Alteromorphs
whose pore volumes are modified, after their
development, by invading allogenic materials are
cumulo-alteromorphs, whereas alteromorphs
whose unstable alteroplasmas are modified by later
degradation or weathering are meta-alteromorphs.
[n tJw isalteritic part of the profile, all weatherable
primary minerals have been replaced by complete
alteromorpm whose inrernal textw-aJ pattents and
mineralogic<ll compositiom are commonly characteris-
tic and closely related to the composition and texture
of tJ1e parent rock and to the geochemicaJ conditions
w1der which these minerals have been weathered. [n
U1e alloteritic part of the profile, these alteromorphs
may become transformed or replaced by other aItera-
morphs (or other textural entities) whose size, sbape,
internal texture and mim~ral contents are progressively
destroyed as the physical and geochemical conditions
become modified. Contrasted cases of modified altero·
morphs are observed, particularly within the levels in
which processes of accumulation prevaLI.
Fragments of the original rock, primal')' minerals
and alteromorphs in soils, colluviums, duricrusts and
other nea,·-surfacc horizons may reach such upper le'·-
el5 as unclisturbcd tmir.s. Their fate ,,·ill depend on their
weatherabili t)' and on the physical (erosion, transport,
sedimentation) and geochemica! (dissolution, replace-
ment, cortifkation, induration) conditions to which
theBe litho- 0]" altera-relics are subjected. These near-
surface processes generally cUffer strongly from the
rroccs,ses prevaHing during U1e earLer hi,tOl}· of <llter-
ation and weathering of the materia], at lower lel'els in
the pnJI'ile. These superlml)osed modifications and
transformations vvill be described and illustrated in the
nex t part of this book.
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 ' 11 J n,- '1\llll after cUnopyroxenite, who~e main con-

A . tituents are cJinopyfOxene and magnetite, has been

progressively replaced by ycllowish goethite (\\'ith sc\'cral

small patches of hematite), The neoformed minerals havl'

almost completely obliterated the alteromorphic textw-es of

the weathered grains of cllnopyroxene. The porous altero-

morph5 have been rt,:placed by a compact and uniform

matrix of goethite containing only minor pore-space. In con-

trast., the grains or magnetite Jre maintained within the

alterorelic. Their dislribution corresponds to the original

mstribution in tbe parent rock. nIl' replaced alteroreIic

has been later transported and incorporated into a red soil

S-man'ix*. An empty circum-nodular pore completely Sill-

rounds the aJrerorelic. For additional explanation, see pho-

tomicrograph 491.
 CHAPTER
Definitions
lITHOREUC
LirhoreliCs are residual fragments of unweath-
ered rock, a few millimeters to a few centimeters
across. identifiable petrographically by their min-
eralogical composition and their texture.
Lithorelics are embedded in a more evolved
ground mass, which can be an alterite, a soil, a col-
luvial or alluvial deposit. a ferruginous crust. ere.
Lithorelics are. by definition, composed of several
mineral grains, of identical or distinct species.
Most lithorelics have been displaced. and thus do
not occur in their original environment.
Where the mineral grains are isolated in the
ground mass, separated frum t'hcir original enl'iron-
ment, the~! arc no longer considered as lithorelics, but
rather as skeleton units: they are "\'esidual minerals" or
"skeletun grains". If they have a density greater than
2,89 g/on 3 (density of hea"~' liquids, bromoform or
tctrabromn-ethane. used for their separation), they arc
also c'llled "heav), minerals" (pyroxenc-, amphibolc-,
olivine-group minerals and man." other generally dark-
colored minerals); otherwise, the)' are considered
"light minerals" (mainl)' cob'less minerals, such as
quartz and the feldspars).
The associations of residual heavy minerals
obscf\'ed i.n alterites and soils, may, as with the
Jithorelies. be diagnostic of the original rock-t;rpe; the
identification of their paragencsis may be useful in min-
eral prospection and in cartography. They are also use-
ful in determining the degree of autuchthonous or
allochthonous character of a weathering profile for
pedological purposes, and in estimating the content of
mineral nutrients in near--sw'face horizons for agricul,
tunl pUl'poses_
13
The "ery weathcrable heavy minerals are rarely
observed in superficial loose materials. However.
where tbe)' are observed, they are parlieul;!rl)' valuahle
for the identificJ.tion of the parent rock. In contrast,
the ubiquitous minerals, commonly very resistant to
weathering, generally are less useful.
A'terore/;CS are residual fragments of weathered
rocks. or relict assemblages of weathered miner-
als. isolated in a more evolved matrix. They are
recogniUlble by their original petrographiC tex-
tures and by the compOSition of their altero-
morphs. These can. in many cases. be associated
with less weatherable primary minerals. The
alterorelics correspond either to previously
formed lithorelics whose content, and eventually
texture, have been modified by weathering
processes, or to relics of alterites (or of altero-
plasmas) now isolated within a matrix that results
from the progressive replacement of the alterite
by a newly formed plasma of pedological origin
(pedoplasma). Note that grains of weathered min-
erals, now isolated within a more recently devel-
oped matrix. must be considered as relict
alteromorphs and not as alterorelics.
In the first category, two main types of alterorelics
must he cJjstinguished: thuse that have been weathered
before their cJjsplacernellt, rleposition and incorpora-
tion, and t.hose that have heen displaced as lithorelies
and weathered ,ife-er t.heir deposition. If unweatherable,
or not yet weathereel, the remnants of primary miner-
als are disregarded; u1e alterorelies arc composed of
variollsly textured alteromorphs as they were defined
and described in the previous chapters.

PEUOR1UC
PedoreliCS are. according to the definition in the
glossary, "either features formed by erosion,
transport and deposition of nodules of an older
soil material, or pedological features from it. or by
preservation of some part of a previously existing
soli horizon within a newly formed horizon"
(Brewer 1976). Especially if they have been trans-
ported, these pedorelics commonly consist of
more-or-Iess indurated solid material, such as
papules*, concretions or fragments of crust.
In the termjnolog)' use.cl in surficial geology and
geomorphology, all these relics are vcr)' commonly
c1as~lIed as "gravels", owing to their gnin size, their
hardncss and their obyiom transport and deposition.
Thcse gra\'eb are generally hard and resistant, multi-
millimetric residual features that have been displaced
and redepositcd within a horizon that is not their orig-
inal environment. Their mineralogical nature can var),;
thc)" include litho-, altero- and pedorelics, large-size
(]uartz grains, miscell.meous concretions, fragments of
bauxite and iron-nust, charcoal residues, eec. The con-
cept of tlleir ilisp!acement and deposition is implicitly
included iu the definition of gravels; they are detrital
materials. In many lateritk near-surrace mantles, all
these deo'ital units can later be surrounded by regular
curtices (see below), which give them a more rOWlded
and smooth shape,
P edologists generally use the term concretion co
describe the volumes formed by local concentra-
tions of compounds that cement the pre-existing
mineral grains. Most cementing materials have an
iron-rich composition, but manganiferous, calcare-
ous, siliceous and. less commonly, gibbsite-rich
concretions also occur, They commonly are
rounded, mammillate, palmate or botryoidal, with
a sharp boundary and properties that contrast
with their matrix.
348
The mineralogic-al compositIOn and the internal
textures of these concretions ~-ary according to the
geochemical properties of the hOl-izon in wruch they
formed, or of the horizon in which they \vere
depOSited after their displacement. They can be erys-
ti~llillc or o'yptocrystalline features. They can he homo-
geneous features from the stimdpoint of both their
internal texture and composition. They may be com-
posed of an assemblage of newly formed particles of
plasma that cement the pre-existing skeleton elements.
They may show a central part (nucleus) devoid or
any
tl:xtUH: or cor tifl cation , surrounded by a banded, or
mio-olaminated, continuous and concentric texture
(correx) ,
Dnhic and anonhic concretions are usually distin-
guished. In the former, the base material of t.he con-
cretion is identical to that of the surrounding man-ix in
wwch they are embedded. In the case of anorthic con-
cretions, the base material of the concretion and that of
the matrix differ, The frequency of occurrence of anor-
thic concretions is generally much higher t1l<Ul would
normally be expected. Indeed, the concn:tion-formjng
process exh.ibits a I'ea] tendcnc): to operate in areas or
matrix that ha\'e a different composition, or v.ithin or
around allochthonous featurc~ that have been intro-
duced within this matrix (lithorelics and alterorelics,
for example).
T he term pisolith (from the Latin pisum = pea
and from che Greek I\d30~ = stone) designates a
concentrically textured, generally spherically
shaped nodule, some millimeters in diameter,
composed of an untexrured nucleus surrounded
by a microlaminated cortex, Both nucleus and
cortex commonly are indurated or. at least, are
rather harder than the surrounding matrix in
which they are embedded,
This term will be used to designate the spherical
nodules that characterize a particular facies of hauxite,
caUed pisolitic bauxite,
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 CHAPTER
Composition, Origin and Morphology
LITHOR'1. S ence of the gra\Cir:'. The rock fragments that are i.sobted
C mpn, ition
Litlwrelics are, hy definjtion. undisnlrbed assem-
blage" of wlaItercd primary minerals. Nevertheless, for
pedologicaJ purposes, this definition must be extended
to include the fragment.s of relict rock whose mineral
constituents have heen, at least part.ially, replaceJ by
secondary minerals as a result of h)vogene alteration.
They arc, for examples. relics composed of tremolitt:.
actinolite, cpidote, serpentine. chlorite and other nun-
erals of hydrothermal or metamorphic origin. These
minerals are much more resistant. to processes of
supergene weathering t.han the primary minerals. As a
result, they typically persist for a long time in the
weathered or soil horizons. These relic's must. be con-
sidereJ, From a pedogenetic standpoint, as Iithorelics
and not as alterorclics.
Point ifori17in
Lithorelic' can be formed at different levels of the
profile. At outcrop level, they can I'orm directly by
removal of rock Fragments from outcmps exposed at
the soil surlace. In this case, the lithorelics commonly
do not ex.hibit traces of weathering. In n-opical regions,
ho"vever, the lithorelics of malic or ultramallc origin
generally ex.hibit e\idence of near-surface ferruginous
weathering, or irnpregnatiuns that would not occur if
they had a different point of origin, within tl1E' lower
parL<; of the profile, for example. Where isolated from
tile outcrop. the lithorelics arc scattered down dl\:'
slopes and arc progressively incorporated into tIle
near-surface ho,-izon of soil, in which they Illa) repre-
sent a Sih'llificant ri'action of the coarse skeleton grain~.
This first kind of Lithorclics commonly exJlibits an
irregular and angular outline.
At the wCQlherin8Ironc, Iithorelics also can form by
the fragmentation and removal of unweat.hered or
irregularly weathered rock. This occurs at the base of
shallow profiles, in which the soil horizons are sub-
14
jected to sluw creep c1o""n the slopes under the inllu-
at thjs level are preferential I~' concentrateJ at the base
of tJle pedological hOI-izons. in which they can form a
coarse-grained deposit very similar to a stone l:i.ne*.
The lithorl'lics are commonly associated with coarse
fragments of quartz rele.lsed by tJle dismantling of
quartz veins that run across the parent rock.
A Iterorelics may be associated with IithoreJics of sirni-
lar origin. but they are soon Jc,tro)'ed by creep-related
movement, and their mineral content is incorporated
into the $Oil material; their identification then is nu
longer possible. Such Iithorclics commonl), ex.hibit a
more rounded shape than tile Iithorelics of the first cat-
egory.
Lithorclic.' can still be formed within the alterires
themsel\'es, mainly where the parent rock is heteroge-
neous. The most weatherable part of the rock forms
alt.erites ancl soil materiab, whereas its most resistant
parts (e'9" veins, metamorphosed layers) remain
ullweathered aml suspended within the alterites or
even within the soil horizons. There, the} arc progres-
sively reduced to small fragments, ancl quickJy incor-
porated ill the groundrnass of the alloterites and soil,.
In this case, thE" mineralogical composition and t.he tex-
tures of the lithorelics differ from those of the main
rock from which tllC' isalterites ancl soils were devel-
oped.
Rock fragments that are. temporarily maintained
within isalteritic horizons of identical origin cannot be
consided as true lithorelics because they wjJl "soon" be
weathered, in a normal manner, and rendered unrec-
ognizable as separate entities once integrated into their
surrowHliTlg isalteromorphic matrix. In contrast,
where the weathered layen are perturbed a.nd trans-
fonnC'd intu alluteritic horizons, the unweathercd
relics can be considered as true lithorelics, since they
are now observed within a modi tied matrix that is not
their O\o\1l original matrix. Tlus third kind of alterordic
exhibits ill some cases a katamorphous texture, \~ith
cracks, irregular outlines, protruding parts <\Ild embay-
menh.
III u r r iw JOil}
The boundaries of the Uthorelics generaUy follow
inter mineral contact planes and transmineral Hssures
and cracks. Th.is explains their sinuous and angular
habit. which can persist as long as these relics have not
suffered appreciable displacemcnt or weathering. The
Iithorelics, where they occur in a near-surface horizon
with whic'h they have not necessarily a direct affinity,
are generally of' allochthonous origin. Their outlines
arc then more or less abrupt or rounded, according to
the processes of transport (colluvial or alluvial) to
which the lithorelics wert' subjected, and according to
the extent of their displacement.
The sharpness of their outlines depends also Oil
the gr,lin size of th(' original rock, on the hardness of
iLs mineral constituents, and on their physicaJ proper-
ties. Fine-grained rocks usually give, at a macroscale,
more rounded liulordics hav'ing a smoother outline
than the coarse-grained ones. The general shJpe of the
lithorelic also depends on the texture of the rock and
on the orient.ation of its mineral grJin~. Uthorelics
from mica schists and gneisscs tend to be elJipticoll,
whereas basalt.>, granites and oUier lUloriented igneous
rocks give uneven lithorelics, without any particular
shapes. The smoothness of u]eir outline depends on the
size of the mineral grains in the parent rock,
Among the most common rocks, basic and ultra-
basic rocks, owing to their intermediate grain-size and
to their equant textw-e, and gncisses and amp!liboJites,
owing to their layered and oriented textures, arc the
rocks that most easily gi,'e rise to lithorelics. GrJnites,
in contrast, do not easily give rise to Jithorelics for
tllree main reasons: (i) the relatively coarse grain-size
of most granites does not allow smaU polymineralic
relics to be formed (boulders and pebbles an" more
usually eneow1tered), (ij) the slow and progressi"e
weathering of the feldspar-group minerals does not
allow the formation of a sharp \oveathering fronl and of
polymineralic relics with sharp margins, and (iii) ule
mineralogical composition of products of their w\"ath-
ering does not allow the eve.ntuaJly formed alterorelics
to be maintained for a long time as distinct and identi-
fiable uniL~.
ALTEROREUCS AFTER GRANITIC ROCKS
The identification in thin section of
alterorelics after granitic rocks is not always easy
because they are essentially composed of quara
grains cemented by loose and poorly resistant
argilliplasmas (alteroplasmas), whose composition
and textures may be confused with the composi-
tion and textures of the sUITounding pedoplas-
350
mas. Moreover, these brittle or unstable argilll-
plasmas promote the rapid disaggregation of the
granitic relic. The alteroplasmas are easily inte-
grated with, or confused with, the surrounding
pedoplasma.s; the residual quartz grains, com-
monly isolated in the original granitic rock.. are
then considered as skeleton grains and not as
fragments of alterorelics.
Gneisses, with their wcll-imbricated and linked
quartz grains, readjly give lithorelics whose elliptical
shape is promoted by the oriented texture of the orig-
inal rock. Schists and other fine-grained rocks, such as
volcanic tuffs derived from a volcano-sedimentJl\'
basement, arc easily impregnated and induratcd by
iron oxyhydroxides derived from the weathering of the
sWTounding rocks; the)' commonJy givc sufflcientl),
resistant lithordics, or even alterorelics, to be maUl-
tained w;thin the near-surface horizons.
According to the horizon in wbich they Jre urigi-
nally embedded (autochthonous relics) or in which
they were depOSited (aUochthonous relics), the
lithorelics (which, by definition, are lU1weathered frag-
ments of rock) may undergo rather different evolu·
tionary sequences.
Where the lithorelic~ are observed rI"irhin PQIl~f
Jel'e.!oped isalrerir,es, the normal evolution of the neces-
sarily autochtllOnous lithorelics leads to their complete
weathering aocl to their textural integration in the
alterite, In tllis way, if the prevailing conditions of
weathering are not modified, uley will no longer be
distinguishable from the ptedously formed surround-
ing alteromorphs.
These hthorelics, which merely represent a locaUy
delayed stage of weJthering owing to a slightly differ-
ent mineralogical composition or to Jvoidance by the
weathering front, generally do not exhibit a sharp and
distinct margin, because the grains located at their
periphery have undergone incipient weathering.
Observed at tht' level of the isalterite, these ephemeral
lithorelic.s have evidently not been displaced, and they
are embedded in their original matrix.
Where tllC' lithorelics an:~. obser vcd al the level cif
allol-erires, the)' are only temporarily "avoided" units
that llave been slightly displaced by gravity or by collu-
viation along the slopes. They undergo the same fate as
the relics that were maintained in the lower isalteritic
leveJ on the short term, but witll some delay.
Subjected in Uie upper levels to weathering
processes different From those prevailing in the lower
levels, these relics react differentially, in such a way
that different secondary minerals may appear as <l
ATlAS Of MICRor10RPHoLOGl OF MINEf\Al ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
result of weathering of tbe primary residues they con-
tain. Tbe primary minerals of such alterorelics can in
this way produce two or more seconcLal-y minerals, and
they give rise to polyphase alteromorphs.
Whatever the isalteritic or alloteritic level in
which they are encountered, these particular types of
lithorelics will not be considered further in the
remainder of this chapter.
Vlhere soiJs and weathered hOl-izons are locally
cleared away by erosion, outcrops of unweathered rock
Illay become exposed at the surface. Under these ne\v
conditions, nwnerous lithoTelics are released (ram the
rocks by physical disaggregation, and are mixed
together, vvithin the upper-slope colluvium or within
the lower-slope alluvium, witb gravels, sands, altero-
plasmas and pedoplasmas. New pedogenetic processes
operate, and produce. new soil horizons in the upper
part of these colluvial or allm-ial materials.
This process of lithorelic formation is certainly the
most emcient and the most vvidespread. All lithorelics
have been displaced, and the distinctness of their
shapes largely depends on the distances travelled from
their Sl.>urce to the final site of deposition. The
recorded variations in the petrographic nature of the
Iithorelics are rather representatiyc of the petrographic
diversity in the watershed, but the)' do not corTespond
necessarily to the rock type obseryed at tbe base of the-
proflle studied_
In petrographically heterogeneous protlles, the
lowering of the weathering front can also avoid, well
above the weathering front and up to the pedological
horizons, at least on the short tenn, rock fragments or
rock layers that are mor(' resistant to the weathering
processes. These are generally rocks of ditJercnt min-
eralogical composition or of dJllcrent grain-size, such
as, for example, mineral veins, metamorphosed wall-
rocks, and microgranular beds. These more resistant
rocks, if tbey survive to become incorporated into the
near-surface horizons, are subjected to processes of
physical disaggregation. Small volumes of rocks are
progressively isolated from therr mab'ix by the devel-
PART 4: LITl-lORELlCS.ALTEROREUcs. NODULES AND PISOLITHS
opment of an irregular but interconnected network of
tlssw-es, often coated by illuviatJon clItans, which
finally completely surround them.
Under the influence of (i) surficial movements
along the slopes, (ii) biological processes (roots, soil
rnacro- and microfauna), and (iii) processes of erosion,
these fragments are released from their original matrLx
and are mixed ,vith the sandy or clayey matrices of the
upper hod-lOns, from which they differ in their texture
and in their mineralogical composition.
Lithorelic$ are common not onlv in thick latcritic
co\'ers developed under humid conditions, but also in
regions characterized by a rehltively dry climate. in
which alterites and soils are rather thin, and where
olltcrops of unwcathered rock are common.
Where they occur near the surface, Iithordics
yery commonly give c\cidence or either a lateral or H'r-
tic.al transport, because their mtnel-alogical composi-
tion may be distillct from that of the ~urrounding
matlix. Also, there may be important variations in
dIeir original mineralogical composition.
Lateral transport is the result of a mechanical
process under whose influence lithoreLics of miscella-
neous origins arc laterally transported, mt:xed
together, and deposited in the lower le\'c!s of the Land-
scape. Such lithorelics gCllcraUy exhibit rounded
shapes and a smooth outline.
Vertical transport results from differential ero-
sion, which concentrates the lithorelics. in relative
terms, in some levcls of the profile, by selective
removal of the small particles from the alteroplasma.~
or pedopla.~mas that were cementing them. In this last
case, the mineralogical composition of the lithorelics is
commonly much more homogeneous, and the varia-
tions recorded are strictly local, within the thickness of
the profile, in tbe parent rocks and the mineral veins
that cut them. The lithorelics generally correspond to a
less weatherable petrogr'lph.ic facies that is, to some
ex"tent, different from the overall petrographiC lacies of
the enclosing rock. Their shapes are uneven, with a.n
ilTegular and angular outline.
351
liTHORELICS
illus-
T trate' the formation 01 several
lithorelics at the expense 01' a highly
resistant rock. The original rock,
composed or c1inup)'l"oxene grains,
is now com'erted to a \-ery compacr
assemblage of tremnlitc and actino-
lire under th" influence 01'
Iwdrothc:rmal alteration. The chem-
ically resistant rock can be pre-
sen-ed until it reaches the shallow
len,ls of the alterite, where it is sub-
jected to fracruring. An irreguJar
network of curved a.nd intercon-
352
nected Fractures dhides tJ1e rock
into irregular but undisturbed frag-
ments. Most Fractures are open and
coated 1)\· thin deposits of clay min-
erals, deeply colored by oxyhydrox-
ides of iron. Thin ilJtramineral
nacb, which also are colored by
compounds of iron, cross all frag-
ments of rock; they promote fw'-
ther di\lsions of tJ1e lithorelic.
vVben subjected to erosional or to
colluvial processes, these rock frag-
ments become "eparated From each
other and, mixed within tbe pedo-
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
448,449
llTHOREL/C
FORMATION
ON ULTRABASIC ROCK
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Deprh: 2.8 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL
1.0
0.0 mm
logical S-m~ltrix, they form isolated
lithorelics, which lose their original
orientation. They are then subjected
to t.he weathering processes pn~\·a.il­
ing within the upper horizons. In
most cases, these are very ditTcrcnr
from the conditions of weathering
within the lower horizons. Frac-
tures and cracks do not necessadJy
rollow the intcrmineraJ boundaries:
mineral grains may he cut in two or
more parts (B4), when~as groups of
grains may be maintained together
without cracks (D4).
 LITHORELlCS

A B C D
450
lITHORELlC
FORMATION ON
ULTRABAS1C ROCK
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.4 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1,0

0.0 mm

451
lITHORELlC
FORMATION ON
ULTRABASIC ROCK
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.4 m
Objective: x 2,5
PPL

'I I 1 taken
from the same upper level of t.he
profile, show tvvo steps of formation
of isolated altero-lithoreJic~ formed
from an ultrabasic rock, mainly
composed of clinopyroxene, mag-
netite and mjJl0r amowHs of horn-
blende and mica. Most p)TOXene
grains are partly weathered to a
smecritic clay mineral. The rock is
li'actun~d by many cW'ved and anas-
tomosing cracks, which mainly 1'01-
low the contact between grains. The tions of the rem.nant~ of primary
first photograph shows a slightly mineral and of me secondary min-
disturbed rock whose cracks are erals within the rock fragments are
mostly coated by dark red clayey practically eqillvaJent. For this rea-
deposits. The second one shows mat son, such relics are better described
the separated altero-lithorelics as altero-lithorelics.
begin to move differentially relative
to one another and to be mixed
with the pcdological S-matrix of the
upper horizons. Biotite-vcrmiculite
crystals are visible in both illustra-
tions <It Cl. The relative propor-

PART 4: Lrn-lORalcs.ALTERORfUCS. NODULES AND PISOUTHS

353
liTHO RELICS

A c
452,453
FORMATION
OF L1THORELlC
OF GRANITIC ROCK
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 4.6 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

0.0 mm

" of microcline
~ includes ,cv'eral small cuhe-dral
crystals of pJagiodase and anhedral
crystals
;
of biotitc. ll\t' microclim>
host is chemically unv\'eathcred,
whereas t.he grains of plagioclasc
were largely replaced by very Hnc
particles of "sericite" (appearing
pale grey in PPL); the "sericitc"
formed during an early stage of
hydrothermal alteration. The grains
of biQtitc were partly converted to
vermiculite meso-altcromorpbs
e.xb.ibiting intramineral depOSits of'
iron oxyhydroxidcs along some of
their phyllopores. These photomi-
crographs show the break-up of tbe
roek along a c1osel)' spaced net,\'ork
or interconnected fractures, which
gives rise to many small lithorelics.
It is obvious that such a intCI-con-
nected network, visible in the two
dimensions of the thin section, is
also interconnected in the third
dimension, and that all fragments of
the rock are actually separated from
each other. Most of the fractures
were initially accordant fractures;
however. the slovv internal move-
ments of the fractured '-ock result in
the relative displacements of the
fragments and in the obliteration or
their reguJar and accordant bound-
aries. Most fractures are open 'and
regularly coated by vcr)' well-ori-
ented coatings of clay. Each rock
fragment is composed of only one
or two mineral grains. TIlls explains
the difficulty, in the case of such
granites, to form true and durable
lithorelics wh.ich, by definition, are
polymineralic assemblages or
minerals.

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEML ALTERATlON AND WEATHERING

354
 LITHORELICS

A D
454,455
FORMATION
OF L1THOREUC
OF GRANITIC ROCK
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.8 m

Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL

ro
0.0 mm

I I I I. '" I I"
trate another kind of lithorelic
of a calc-alkaline granite that was
previously subjected to hydrother-
mal alteration. Part of the plagio-
cJase has been transformed 10
epidote, which exhibits the cJlarac-
teristic- high in terrerencc-colors
under XP L (B2, C3). The more
resistant quartz and microcline have
not undergone any tra.nsformation.
The rock contains an appreciable
,,,, illus- amount of hornblende and biotite; expense of mica and amphibolc.
both minerals exhibit good cleav- Quartz, microcline and epidote,
ages, which allow the easy develop- three very resistant minerals, form
ment of Fractures and the isolatioo most of a polymineralic lithorelic,
of the less breakable components. In which may persist wlweathered for
these photographs, an important a long t.ime in the upper horiwns of
part or the peripheral Fracture fol- the soil profIle.
lows an alignment of the easily
cleavable grains of- biotite, whereas
the other parts are largel)' infilled by
clay deposits eroded from upper
alteromorpbs developed at the

4:
PART lITHOREUCS, ALTCRORElIC5. NODULES AND P1S0UTHS
355
lITHORELlCS
A c
ha~ been
weathered into a srnectitic
secondilT)' material near the base uf
the weathered profile, at more than
10 meters depth. Only a few islands
of partly weathered material are
stiU recognizable in the upper parr
of the prollle because, in slightly
metamorphosed parts of th.e rock,
large prismatic CTySW]S of clinop)'-
roxene commonly ilTe surrounded
by plagioclase grains, v.".hich have
undergone replacement by a high.ly
356
D
456,457
Lithorelic temporarily
preserved within
isaJteritic material
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.6 m
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
0.6
0.4
- 0.2
0.0 mm
resistant eridote-group mineral. naIlts of c1inop)'Toxene are identifi-
The epidote appears, lUldcr PPL, as able within the dark brown mater-
grey-colored are.1S, exhibiting a Hne ial. The alterorelic is distinguished
sieve texture; it partially surrounds from the normal a.lteromorphs of
the prismatic crystals and protC'(:ts the "'e'athered rock only by the fan
them from further weathering. that the secondary products are not
Within the upper horizons, the con- similar in the lo\'\'er and in the upper
clitions of weathering differ from parts of the pr06le.
those pTeYaili..ng in the lowel- parts
of the profile; th.e cLinopyroxene
crystals, although still protected,
begin to w(:'ather into iron oxyhy-
drox.ides. Many clenticulate rem-
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 LITHORELlCS

458,459
Lithorelic temporarily
preserved within
isalteritic material

CUNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

illll~­ ored iron-rich compounds, with mation of small inclusions of green

T .I

trate in greater detail the

weatbering of prismatic grains of
c1inopyroxcne. During a first stage
of weathering, the c1inopvroxene
has undergone incipient weathering.
It has belm pal·tially replaced by a
yellowish smeetitic argUliplasma
invading the crystal along th<:> main
transverSe fractures. At a later stage,
under conditions of weatheling pre-
\'aiung in the upper part of the pro-
Ille, the pyroxe.ne remnants become
partialJy weathered to brown-col-
formation of straight pl'ripheral
pores between the cJenticulate rem-
nants and the newlv formed mater-
ial (inter-plasma - mineral pore.s).
The iron oxyhydroxides produced
by the weathering of the pyroxcne
also calor the inner part of the
domail\S or the smcctitic secondaq'
mineral. The general conditions or
metamorphism are similar to those
in the previous example. Note that
the incipient metamorphism of the
rock is also responsible for the 1'01'-
hornblende within the prismatic
crystals of clinopyroxene. These
inclusions are much more resistant
to weathering than are the p)Toxene
residues. Once the pyroxenc rem-
nant.s are completely weathered, the
residues or hornblende would sug-
gest (erroneously) tbe replacement
of a prismatic crystal of hornblende
by both smectitic and ferruginous
materials.

-1:
PART lITHORELlCS. AlTERORUlCS. NODULES AND PISOllTHS
357
LITHO RELICS

460
SOIL ON
CUNOPYROXENITE
Middle part of the slope
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.6 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

0.0 mm

461
SOIL ON
CUNOPYROXENITE
Middle part of the slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'fvoire
Depth: 0.3 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

I I shows a
lithorelic exhibiting a poikilitic*
texture. A large oikocr)'st* of
greenish brown hornblende
encloses many chadacr)'sts* of
c1inopJToxene and some grains of
magnetite. All minerals of the
Iithorelic are unweathercd, and its
shape is ilTegular. not rounded. its
margins following tbe previous
inter mineral boundaries of the
rock-forming minerals. The
lithoTelic is partly surrounded by a
dark brown clayey coating. -Illree
well-rounded iTon oxyhydroxide
nodules are visible (/\2-3, E 4) in
the surrounding S-marrix. The sec-
ond photograph shows another
lithorelic that contains all the char-
acteristic primary minerals of the
ulLnbasic rock. Many small crystals
of well-cleaved c1inopyToxene,
some coarser-grained, poorly
cleaved crystals of orthop)TOXene
(BS). a few Cl"ysta Is of olivine
replaced by brownish "iddingsite",
and a few grains of magnetite, all
arc included in a poikiloblastic* pale
brown hornblende. The UthoreUc,
whose external boundary I'ollows
the sinuous edge of tlle mineral
grains, is emhedded in a soil mater-
ial tJlat contains dark-coloreJ clay
material (D I), rounded nodules
(A2). and delTital grains of quartz
(E 1). The S-matrix is separated
from the lithorelic by a thick,
empty, peripheral fissure. Grains of
the three primary minerals were
recently separated from tlle
]ithorelic (02), whe]"(~as two more
grains are already incorporated
within the sunounding matrix
(C2); they aTC now considered as
isolated grain:; of the sand fraction
of the soil.

358 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTeRATION AND WEATHERING

 LITHORELlCS

A B C D
461,463 :::r'~""'''=''':lI1:'' . . . . .~.~r--T~ -r-------.------"
...

LITHO RELIC OF
ULTRABASIC ROCK
Alluvial deposit
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.2 m

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

weathered the persistence of such a lithorclic the hornblende host-crystal. A gra-

T ill , , I 11 l
lithorelic is mainly composed 01'
a large oikocryst* of hornblende in
which pyroxcne and magnetite are
randomly distributed. The high
resist,1l1Cl? of both hornblende and
magnetite to weathering explains
within the allmial depOSits of the
Tare River, which drail1S the ultra-
nostriated b-fabric is largely devel-
oped in the surrowlding S-miltrix.
mark ino·usion. fncludeJ grains of
pyroxene are [Jartly weathered to
iron oxyhydroxidcs, which pene-
trate also thl' parallel clea\'ages of

PART 4: lITHOREUC5.ALTEROREUCS. NODULES AND PiSOUTHS

359
LITHORELlCS

A B c o
464,465
LITHORElIC OF
GRANITIC ROCK
buried in soil
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.\ m

Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL

r- 0.0 mm

"I' of granitic origin con-
L ·taining many mineral grains:
guartz, plagiodase converted to
fine--grained wILite mica. microcline
and hornblende. The Iithorelic is oxide. Note the peripheraJ open fis-
embeddeo in a soli material; there,
it is associated with many grains of
sure, which continuously surrounds
bot.h alterorelic and nodule.
delTitaJ guartz 'lnd nodules of iron

ATLAS Of MICI\OMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

360

A alterites. Once completely weathered, their mineral
Among dll the types of alterordics that can be
observed in the soil horizons, ;:l1terorelics of aJ10chtbo-
nous origin, which have been displaced either as
lithorelics, or as mechanically, resistant altemrelic; '
must be distinguished frorn the alterorebcs of
autochthonous origin, which are isolated residual frao-
ments of' an in 5ill~ alterite that has progressively be~
invaded and replaced by a newly formed plasma of
pedological origin.
AJlaeh thonou . alceroTeJics
Alterorelics that were displaced after their devel-
opment as weathen:d units generally exhibit a rounded
shape and a sharp border if they have survi "cd the
tTansport process. In contrast, aheroreHcs can still
exhibit a sharply defined border and an angular outline
if they arc weathered after their o'ansport and deposi-
tion as unweathered UthareHes. The alteroreUcs of the
first type are relatively uncommon, whereas those of'
the second tvpe can be very abundant within the near-
surface covers located downslope of rock outcrops.
This rather subtle distinction, \vhich could seem rather
pointless and academic, is commonly useful for
chronological reconstruction of regional geomorpho-
logical events.
Alterorclics now observed as weathered entities
within the upper horizons, after displacement and con-
centration as Iithorelics, do not necessarily exhibit the
same mineralogic-<I1 composition nor the same micro-
textures as the in situ alterites within the lower levels
of the profile. AJtcrorelic; rich in iron hydroxide are
predominant within the upper levels, whereas the nor-
maJ weathering of the rock within the lower levels gen-
erally favors alteJ'Omorphs containing smectitic clays.
The partly weathered alterorelics after coarse-grained
minerals may exhibit both types of aJteroplasmas
(polyphase alteromorphs) if the primal)' residues, asso-
ciated with the first-formed secondary mineral (e ..q.,
smectite-group phase), have been subsequently weath-
ered within the upper levels to other secondary prod-
ucts (e.g., oxides and hydroxides).
Litho relics , which by definition consist onlv of
unweathered fragments of rock, are mechanicallYI ~"cry
~
resistant to transport processes. Once redeposited,
they may evolve in turn into brittle alterorelics that
could quickly be destroyed, by dispersion of their clay
content, if they were subsequently transported.
Lithorelics may become buried in tllick covers of
collU\-iuffi, ,vhere their further weatherinob may~ be very~
PART 4: LITHOREUCS. ALTEROREUCi. NODULES AND f'lSOUTHS
similar to that normally developed in the deep-seated
content is c.ommonly composed of smectite-I-jch and
mechanically brittle argilli-alteroplasmas. This fact
allows the soil scientist to determine that these
alterorelics were originaJly displaced as unweathered
solid lithorelics and not as brittle alterorelics. The
slightest transport would necessarily destroy the latter
by dispersing the clay content before deposition in a
new environmenr. This assertion is all the more
peremptory where the alterorelic is irre~larJv shaped
and exhibi;s important angular or protr~ding'parts. '
Not all alterorehcs are so brittle. Some of them,
by their mineral compositions or by their internal tex-
tures, may resist for long time despite late raj transport
or vertical displacement. /\mong these resistant
altcrorelics, one can distinguish: (i) the relics altered
under hypogene processes, which can be justly consid-
ered as lithorelics since their mineral constituents and
their textures are already observed in the parent mate-
rial of the pedologicaJ materials, (ii) the alterorelics
that are protected by an epigenetic or accretion cortex,
and (iii) those composed of ferruginous or gibbsitc-
rich crystalliplasmas, which are chemically stable,
mechanically resistant, and disposed in septo-altero-
morphs, such as can develop in alterites under ferral-
litic condition.s.
Autoel1tllOoOU altcrorc1ics
AJteroreLics observed in soils do not always have
an a.\lochthonous origin. Most of them are mai~tained
in siw, and without anv displacement. This occurs by
insulation of relict vol~mes of aJterites within a ped;-
logic-al maO-ix formed relatively recently. The pc-doge-
netic processes at work completely modify the
inherited structures and textures of the alteroplasmas,
replacing them by pedoplasmas whose mineral con-
tents can differ quite significantly from those of tile
lower alterites.
The alterite. is then replaced, along a network of
fissures, by a neoplasma, generaJly more argillaceous,
"ith which it contrasts strongly in color, porosity and
microtexture. Digitate textures are progressively
extended, widened, and interconnected; variously
shaped and sized alterorelics are progressively individ-~
uaJized within this neoplasma, whose \'olume becomes
more and more sit,rniucant. The replacement seems to
take place at a constant volume, and the alterorelics so
created mai11tain, within the neoplasma, the position
aDd orientation that they originally exhibited witllln
the continuous alterite. The alterorelics are irregularly
shaped or cavernOus, with lllany embayments and
361
internal islands of pedoplilsm~. In addition, the)' are
commonly strikingly fissured, ilnd consequently arc
quickly reduced to JJ1 assemblage of smaller and
smaller alterorelics.
Part of the iron content, which was originally
homogeneously distributed \\ithin ule isaltcrite, may
be mobilized during contraction of tbe a1terorelic~.
J.ron is more and more concentrated in the residual
parts of the a.lterite, and tlnall)' forms indurated cor·
tices according to a process of peripheral and cen-
tripetal cortincation (see beklw). Once a certain
threshold is reached, the alteroreUc is su.lTicicut.ly
enriched in iron to be indurated, wh.ich slows and ulti-
mately stops it, perloplasmation. It forms a solid and
resistant nodule, against whicb internal pressures oper-
ate. These pressures are progressive.!), developed within
a more and more abundant pla.sma. The pressures
arowld the indurated nodules arc ultimately expressed
by the anisotropic reorientation of clay particles paral-
lel to the walls of tht· resistant hard nodule (granostri-
ated b-Fabrics*). The reorientation of Ule plasma
around the nodule mar be responsible for further
thickening of its indurated cortex.
Such horizons, composed of a continuous network
of argillaceous neoplasma surrounding more or less
indurated and dispbced alterorelics, may be main-
tained ({)r a long time in tht' upper levels of the old fer-
ruginous or FerraJUtic protiles. J.n such cases, the
further cortillcation of the aherorelics aDd the further
indw'ation of" the neoplasma, with the usual mineralog-
ical and textttral modifications, lead to the develop-
ment of "pseudo-conglomeratic", "pseudo-gravel-
. " " pseu d o-pu dd'"
I)carlllg, Illg or pseu cl 0- b·
U . . d"
recClate
iron crusts. In these, the visible Features, in essence the
previously formed alteroreJics, usually strongly con-
t.rast, in calor, s.hape and hardness, Vlith the continuous
and more homogeneous matrLx that now cements
them.
The autochthonous nature of such Iron
crusts can in some cases be proven by the conti-
nuity and uniformity of the structural features
that appear in all alterorelics. The maintenance of
362
original orientations is especially eloquent in the
case of alterorelics formed at the expense of
schisrs and other strongly foliated and lineated
rocks.
Once these textures and compositions arc
acquired, both types of alteroreiics, whatever t.I1eir ori-
gin, autochthonous or aUochthonous, exh.ibit similar
patterns of behavior and further evolution.
Weathered grains of a mineral (alteromorphs) or
polymineralic assemblages of weat.llered minerah
lalterorelks) may persist for a long time in soiJ hori·
zons or in surncial mantles. Persistence is la.l"ored
where their te"..t ure is sufficiently resistant to internal
movement such as creep, or where their chc-mical
composit.ion is closel); in equ.ilibriwll with the geo-
chemical conditions prevailing in t.hese near-surface
horizons. Iron·rich phanto-aJteromorphs after biotite
may persist in iwn-rich o·usts, whereas Ule less resis·
tant quartz grains may be progreSSively alveolized and
finally dissolved in such environments. In ferrallitic
soils 'or even in vertisolic soils, alteromorphs may also
persist without perceptible modification of their shape,
texture or mineral composition.
Pedorelics generall)' consist of compact, more-or-
less indurated materials, sucb as papules*, miscella-
neous concretions and fragments of o·usts, especially if
they have been transported. The state of their preser-
vation depends, 011 the one hand, on their compactness
and on their mechanical resistance tl) the processes that
have promoted their release and displacement. On the
other, it depends on their chemical and mineralogical
compositions relati\·c to Ull" geochemical equilibrium
prevai.ling i.n the environment of their deposition. The
pedorelics form an important chapter of the micro-
morphology of soils sensu stricto. More information
about them is very well presented in books on Pedol-
ogy. The topic is not discussed further in this chapter,
which focusses on the miLTomorphology of weathered
minerals and alterorel;cs.
Arw OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHI'RING
 CHAPTER
Evolution
on the properties of the horizon
11'1. I d· I:
D in wllien they are observed, lithorelics, and
especially alteroreLics, will face a miscella-
neous array: of fates. These include mechan-
ical disaggregation resulting from physicaJ processes,
complete tl-ansformation of the wcatJlerable minerals
under the iniluence of chemkaJ weathering, replace-
ment of the previous compositions and textures by
neoplasma under the influence of centripetal processes
of replacement, and miscellaneous cortifications under
the influence of geocheroical processes of centrifugal
accumulations.
Pro e' )f di.wourenotioll
The internal movements of the pedoplasmas, the
cyclic constraints of pressure, which varies according
to the rhythm of the seasons, the internal process of
erosion along pedorubules and other cracks, all these
processes promote the gradual release of the mineraJ
grains that are located at the periphery of the
lithorelics, as weil as those of the unweatherecl miner-
als of the aJterorel.ics. by selective remm'aJ of the finest
particles of the alteroplasmas. TIlese mineral grains,
released and isolated from their original assemblages.
are gradually integrated into the pedoplasmas, in
which they henceforth form a part of the skeleton
units. These scattered minerals may be weatherable or
unweatherable.
Weath ~rabj/it.Y
Not all primary mineraJs a.re easily reduced to iso-
lated residual grains capable of persistence until the
surficial horizon is attained. Very weatherable minerals.
such as olivine- and pjToxene-group minerals, are
commonly completel)' \veatJlered in the lower part of
the profiles. Thus they ha\T little likelihood of persist-
ing in an unweatJlered state in the upper horizons of
soil. Only very active processes of erosion, acting on
15
tJlin alterites, will promote a local inLTease in t11e pro-
portion of such minerals in the soil horizons. Never-
theless, these minerals may occur if, at an early stage of
hypogcne alteration, they were surrounded by a pro-
tective layer of a resistant secondary mineral (e'8"
amphibole, serpentine, "iddingsite''), which protected
tJlem from further weatJlering. They are in tius case
"armored" gTains. These very weatherable minerals
may also be observed in the special case of andosoils
and aJterites developed from deposits of recent vol-
canic ash. There, euhedral crystals of oLivine and augite
may be deposited together with particles of volcanic
glass, and they Illay thus persist in ao unweathered state
for somt' time after their deposition.
The most commonly observed minerals to occur
as isolated grains within the pedoplasmas are minerals
of intermediate weatherability, sucb as members of the
amphibole and epidote groups (of metamorphic or
hydrothermal origins, usuaJly), and the h.igbl}
unweatherablt' minerals, of miscelJaneous origin, such
as quartz, tourmaline, rutile, zircon, staurolite, kyanite
and, for some compositions, spine! and garnet.
Directly derivecl from the disaggregation or the
lithorelics, these minerals exhibit sizes, shapes and out-
lines comparable or very si.milar to those that they
exhibited in the original rock.
In contrast, the weatherable minerals derived
from the disaggregation of alterites and alteroreLics are
genera.lly finer grained and exhibit shapes and outlines
that they did not exhibit in the original rock. Their out-
lines are generally cavernous (feld.spars) or denticulate
(pjTOXene, ampllibole), their cleavages are emphasized
(micas), their mechanical resistance has strongly
decreased. and they disintegrate, contributing to the
finer grain-sizes. Thei.r particular sbape, tJleir habit, and
the presence of traces of iron oxyhydrox.ides, and or
alteroplasma~ in the fissures, pores and cleavages.
clearly distinguish them from the residual minerals
directly derived by disaggregation of lithorel.ics or of
unweathered parent rock (denticulate or cavernous
residues rersus cleaved or angular fragments).

CH I:M H.': L WEATHER] G
In most cases, the lithorelics are completely
weathered bdore being disaggregated. -nle conditions
ot" weathering being what they are in the upper hori-
zons, the lithoreJics arc generally transformed into
H'r)' porous and relatively iron-Jich alterorelic.s (septa-
alteromorphs), wh.ich constnst by their mineralogical
composition and their texture with the smeetite-ridl
alteromorphs (holo-alteromorphs) that can be enCOWl-
tereel in the lower levels of the weathering profile.
ln the alterorelics that still contain large rcsidues
of weatheTabJe minerals, the respective influences of
the. successive episodes of weathering arc expressed by
the jlLxtaposition, in these residue-s, or two or more
secondary products that normally do not coex..ist
within alteromorphs.
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOlOGY OF MlNERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
364
AlTERORElICS AFTER PYROXENITE
Composite "aJtero-Uthorelics" after pyroxene-
bearing rocks, origina.lly composed of pyroxene-
rich residues surrounded by their smectitic
secondary producLS (formed in the lower levels
of the profile). have their content of secondary
minerals modified by the development of iron
oxyhydroxides (formed by weathering of the
remnants of pyroxene). These producLS rim the
internal fringe of the banded network of smectite.
This smectite finally disappears to give neoformed
iron oxyhydroxides.The composite origin (pyrox-
ene. smectite) of the two types of iron-rich sec-
ondary products is generally distingUished only
with difficulty if no intermediate stages of weath-
ering are available. In some cases, iron compounds
directly derived from the pyroxene remnants, for
example. exhibit a regular orientation of their
optical features, which does not appear in the iron
compounds derived from the later degradation of
the smectite-bearing producLS.
 ALTERORELlCS

A c
466,467 :--'_I:Il""lI_

AlTEROREUC OF
UlTRABA.5IC ROCK
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.4 m
Objective: x 2,5
PPL and XPL

1.0

- 0.0 mm

11' of clinopyroxenite, next page). During a later step of colors here. The alterorelic is
A
I

. with most of the primary grains
of c!inopyroxene partially weath-
ered to a smectitic clay in a phyllo-
poro-alteromorph. All the particles
of clay, which are formed from the.
same pyroxene grain, exhibit the
same' crystaJlographic direction.
oriented parallel to the Z axis of the
c1inopyroxe.ne. Small denticulate
fra.gments of c1inopyroxene arc still
emhedded and visible in the clay-
rich alteromorph (see the more
detailed pbotomicrograph on the
near-surface weathering, almost all
remnants of clinopyToxene \,y-ere
weathered to iron oxyhydroxides,
which now giw the brownish col or
to the inner boundary of the smec-
titic secondary product. A fC'w large
crystals of c!inopyroxene are very
slightly weathered, and they appear
as bright \-vhite patches under XPL.
The thickness of the thin section is
well below normal, which is ""hy
thes(' highly bi,·efj·ingent minerals
exhibit such low interrerence-
now embedded in a dark broV\'l1
S-matrix, which shows important
porosity and appreciable amounts of
sand- and silt-sized grains of quartz
and other resistant primary miner-
als. A peripheral IIssure irregularly
follows the outer limit of the
alteroreLic.

PARr 4: UTHORfUcs,Am:RoREUcS, NODULES AND PISOLITHS

365
ALTERORELlCS
A c
ill' lill\' I'll"!' ·,l!II.'oo 11 I'll of
T the same altcrorelic shows, at
higher magnification, some textural
and mineralogical details of the late
stage of weathering of the alter-
orclic. During a first step of weath-
ering, when the primary mineral~
were reached by the weathering
front, the chnopyroxene grains
werc partially replaced by oriented
argilUpJasmas of srnectitic charac-
ter. Many denticulate remnants 01'
c1inopyroxene were preserved
within these argilliplasmas. As lISU-
ally observed in similar cases, the.re
is a strong relation in orientation
366
o
468
ALTERORElIC OF
ULTRABASIC ROCK
Koua Boeea, Cote d'!voire
Depth: 1.4 m
Objective: x 6.3
PPL
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0 mm
between the denticulation of the Part of the previously formed
remnants and the orientation of the
secondary argilliplasma. The
argilliplasmas are also colored by
iron oxyhydroxides, derived from
aherorelic, after having been iso- the weathering of pyroxene rem-
lated from the parent material and nants. The brownish part of the
incorporated into the upper soil argilliplasma is thus always contigu-
materials, has continued its weath- ous to the denticulate remnants; it is
ering, but by a diffcrent process, not related, or very seldom so, to
which leads to the development of the original intennincral bound-
iron oxyhydroxides from the rem- aries.
nants of pyroxene. A thin brownish
rim is formed around each denticu-
late remnant. Most original chemi-
cal elements are leached away,
which determines the formation of
an inter-plasma - mineral pore.
ATLAS Of MICl\OMOf\PHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 ALTERORELlCS

469,470
SOIL ON
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Lower part of the slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

- 02

0.0 mm

containing several iron oxybydroxides exhibiting a usual matrix of soils developed in

L I

grains of quartz surrounding a

grain of feldspar (C2-3) that is par-
tiall~' weathered and replaced by
deep brown i!"On oxyhyJroxides.
The blTains, several of wbich exhibit
the characteristic unduJatorv.
extinction of' deformed quartz, arc
not chen:lically weathered, but sev-
cI'al of them are fractured. The
intnmineral fissures and the
intramineral cracks are Filled by
similar aspect and composition to
those incl ucled in the fe Jdspar grain.
the lower parts of the slope. In these
lower parts, the original material is
This pattern is due to an earlier composed of detrital material origi·
episode of weathering, operating nating from a mixture of weathered
"vhen the lithorelic was still embed- uJtrabasic rocks and granitic rocks.
ded in soils of' the upper part of the The granitic rocks occur as vein~ or
slope, The lithorelic, originating surround the ultrabasic intrusion.
fTom granitic veins, has been trans-
ported along the slo[Jc, and it is now
sUIToundcrt by smcctitic material
and detrital minerals that form the

4:
PART UTHOREUCS. ALTffiOR.B.ICS. NODULES AND f'lSOlfTHS
367
ALTERORELlCS
A c
' . contains large
T
I t ) 11
alterorelics of partly weathered
ultrabasic rock, now mainly com-
posed of crystals of tremohte
formed at the expense of pyroxene,
and ver), small interstitial grains of
magnetite. The original texture is
perfectly recognizable in most of
the nucleus. All needles of tremolite
are surrounded by a thin rim of iron
oxyhydroxides forming a boxwork
texture (septo-alterol1lorphs), in
the cells of which denticuJate rem-
funts of tremoJite are recognizable
368
D
under XPL. Part of the n.ucleus is
Fringed by an irregular, more or less
continuous area of compact iron
oxyhydroKides (02-4). This j-im
corresponds to the inner centripetal
cortex formed by epigenetic
replacement. The external part of
the cortex, which is composed of
alternating, conceno'ic bands of
goethite and hematite, arises hy
centriFugal accretion of material
formed after the alteromorph has
been deposited in the near-surface
day-I'ich matrix. A second similar
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY 0; MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
471,472
IRON CRUST
DEVELOPED ON
TREMOLlTE-RICH ROCK
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled on soil surface
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL
1.0
- 0.0 mm
nucleus, rimmed by another cortex,
is just visible in the lower right cor-
ner of the photomicrograph. Small
bridges connect the external parL<;
of both rims, isolating small areas of
dark S-mab-ix. The colorless areas in
PPL (black areas under XPL) are
pores originating from the erosion
()F the S-matrix in the interstitial
parrs of the iron crust that are nDt
perfectly closed. Open concentric
fissures are still visible in the part of
the S- matrix that is trapped
between the two adjacent cortices.
 ALTERORELlCS

A c Cl
473,474
ALTERORELlCS OF AN
ULTRABASIC ROCK
Old ferrallitic soil
Koua Bocca, C6te d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m

Objective: x 2.5
and x 1.6
PPL

1.0

0.0 mm

' ", I of iron-enriched
L
11
kaolinite-rich isalterite, di\ided
into numerous smaLler alterorelics,
isolated within a reddish brown
pedopJasma. The pcdoplasma irreg-
ularly invades and replaces the
isalterite along numerous ret.icular
Gssurcs. Several fissw-es are more
recently formed, a.nd not yet sur-
rounded by the reddish brown
pedoplasma. The alterorelics are
progressively replaced along more
and more numerous fissures, and
their size decreases regularly from
right to left. In the leFt part of the
upper photomicrograph, the tex-
ture 01' the isaJtcrite has completely
disappeared. A detailed snldy, at a
h.igher magnilication, show, t.hat
most. of the open Ilssures arc coated
by a day-rich material whose grain
size is much smaller t.han t.hat of U1C
First-formed pedoplasma. The lower
photomicrograph, taken from the
same sample, shows that the
alteroreUc is progressivd~r replaced,
in siw, hy t.he pedoplasma withont
disturbing the original orientation
or t.he isalterite. All I'raf.,rments of t.he
isalterite have maintained their
original orientation, and Lbe dis-
tance between the center of all
the,e fragments has not been modi-
fled during the replacement of the
dark brown isa]terite by the scc-
ondary red pedoplasma. The replace-
ment takes place in sicu by an
iso\'olumctric process.

4:
PART LiTl-lORELlCS. ALTEROREJJCS. NODUlES AND I'lSOLlTHS
369
ALTERO RELI CS
, I I,! II \'iew of l.he con-
tact ar,'a alllong lour
altfrnrc!ics ,Hld their surroundin(1 ::,
rerldish hrown Ilcdopl.brna, at a
le"el in thc I)rulilc in which slight
inuur.1tion has o,'curred, The Ilrofik
is the same as that 01' tlw cJrlier
[)hotograph", A, goethitl'-riC'il concx
is ubscrved arouml the upper
altcrnrelic: that ,'ortex i, dC\'t'lu[lcd
h~· epigenetic rt'plaCl'mcnt at the
eXI)cnse of l.he altcrorclic itself. This
I-irst-formed indurated l:Jart acb as a
resistant body against which the
370
internal stn~'ss-relalc(1 1ll0\'t'lllenls
within the surrounding plasma and
regular peripheral opcn fissures
around ('.)Ch of the,"e hard nodules
arc dcvclopeo, The l:ontrJction 01'
the pla~'rna is also expressed hy tilt:
furmation of intercollnected, more
or less racliJ.1 fissures, along which
tlcin cla~'-rich oeposits are observed,
At tJlis higher Icvcl of the profile,
tilt' alkrorelics bcoinb
to be slowl\'.
oisplacerl by intemal crecp, ano the
pcclop[a"nlas llOW contain some
oetrital gl-ilin.s of qU<lrtz (which do
ATLAS OF MIC~OMORPHOl.OGY OF MINERAl. Al.TERATION AND WEATHERING
475,476
ALTERORElIC OF
ULTRABASIC ROCK
Old ferrallitic soil
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL
l'"
- 0,0 mm
not a[)pear within the alterorelics),
At a more advanc"d stagc, the inoi-
\'idual cortex will hecome thicker
and thicker, not only by tJle devel·
opment of the inner cor'tice's, but
also by the Formation of (external
microlaminatecl cortices. Finally,
the recl plasma itself will be
replaced by in ,iiw deposits of
hemaLil.c and gocthite, and a hard
iron crust \"ill be formed (not
.shown) if eXl.ernal processes of cro-
sirm allow its d,'\'elo[)ment,
 ALTERORELlCS

477
ALTERORELlCS OF
VOLCANO-SEDIMEN-
TARY ROCK
Akouekouadiokro,
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Depths: 1.8 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL

r"OO~
:

478
ALTEROREUC OF
VOLCANO-SEDIMEN-
TARY ROCK
Akouekouadiokro,
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.1 m
Objective; x 1.6
PPL

I I I I 11 • 1~ j I
taken in the same profile, devel-
oped on volcano-sedimentary
rocks, but at difTerent depths along
the profile. The first one, whieh cor-
responds to the deeper ~ample,
sho""5 the formation and the low-
yidualization of aIterorclics after the
development or
a pedological S-
matrix formed at the expense of the
isalterite. in the deepc,- horizons
(not shown), the isalterite is contin-
uous, aoct exhihits, in all its parts,
the:: constant orientation of the sedi-
mentary rock; a few meters above,
the alteritc is Fragmented by
.l~ \",-ere increasingly numerous and thicker
fissures, along which the [)cdo-
plasma dC\lelops at the expense of
the margins of the fragmented
residues ol alterite. These residues
progressively dew lop a more and
more rounded shape, a.nd they are
separated from each other b~: \lickr
and wider \'olumes or pedoplasma.
This n.'suJts in the formation or
islands or isalterite which, ulti-
mately, undergo dislJ]acemcnt
under the inHuencc of their creep
down the slol)e. Se\'(~ral alteron:lics
of different sizes, shapes and orien-
tations are shown in this first photo-
graph. In tbe second one, the
alterorelics have taken on a more
and more rounded shape, whereas
incipient induratioll affects their
external part. The partial induration
of the margins results in tJ)eir par-
tial opacil:)' and in the formatlon or
a cont.inuous peripheral fissure. The
pedoplasrna of the first sample is
soft, whereas the pedoplasma that
surrounds the altcrorelic in the
second photograph is slightly
indurated. A hard iron CTUS! (not
shO\\ll) is formed at the top of the
proHle.

PAIIT 4: LITHORELlCs.ALTEoRORElICS. NODULES AND PrSOLfTHS

371
ALTERORELlCS
show~
T the different][I1 behavior of the
physical arid pedogenetic processes
operating: in argiJlaccou~ and unin'
dllrated materials that surround
diversely indurated relict nodules.
In the (,Gntral area of' the photo-
graph, a reddish brown argillaccous
material represents the general
mab'ix 01" the colluvial horizon ~itu­
ated on the upper part of a deeply
wt:athered pl'ofile. To the right, an
indurated compact nodule, formed
at the expense of an a1teroreLic of
ultrabasic rock, IS completely
indurakd and \'ery resistant to the
evolutionary processes. A periph-
eral fissure is formed in the contact
area between the hard and the sort
materiaL<, a.nd no internal fissures
or cracks appear within the nodule.
372
Tllis nodule has been inllerited from
an old and indurated FerralUtic hori-
zon that caps the top of the slope.
This nodule is similar to that shown
in photographs 493 and 494, for
example. To the left, an unindurated
alterorelic, similar to the altero-
relics sho",,-n in l)hotographs 473
and 474, is directly inherited from
the deeply weathered, isaltcritic or
alloteritic horizons 01' the profiles at
the upper part of the slope. The
alterorelic is largely impregnated by
dark red hematite-ricb material, but
it is not indurated. The internal
movemenb of the horizons along
the slope and the pedogenetic
processes that arc operating in this
material al'e responsihle for tht'
important development of fissures
in the soft alterorelic and For the
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINH\AL ALTERATION AND WE.A.THERING
479
ALTERORELlCS OF
CLlNOPYROXENITE
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
1.0
0.0 mm
replacement 01' its inherited mater-
ial by secondary plasmG.s of sUTular
mineralogical composition and tex-
tural appearance as i.n the surround-
ing matrix. The alterorelic is di\ided
into numerous fTagments, whose
volumc~ progressively decrease. The
textural inJleritance 01' the altcr-
orelic, more or less presened dur-
ing the first (isalteritic) and the
second (alloteritic) processes of
weathering, is now definitively lost.
 ALTERORELlCS

480
ALTERORELlC
OF GNEISSIC
CALC-ALKALlNE
GRANITE
Akuvikro, Dimbokro,
Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.8 m
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

OJ

; 0.2

~ 0.1
[

~ 0.0 mm

intercon- f()rmation, are much better pre- isalterites. The difTerence lies in tJle
M I.. r •

nected fissures, coated by yel-

lowish clay-rich material, cut a large
alterorclic originating From the
weathering of a mica- rich layer of a
gneissie cale-alkaline granite_ The
clay minerals originating from the
weathering of the Feldspars are !lOW
reeogni7.able only with difficulty
because they have become preferen-
tially iron-stained and, more
recently, cut by the network of
irregular fissures. In contrast, the
large crystab of kaolinite, originat-
ing From the weathedng of the orig-
inal crystaJs of biotite via an
intermediate step of vermiculite
sen·ed. Traces of the pre\-ious
expansions Juring the t\vO stages of
fact that her"" the r1ivision of the
alterite operates preferentially by
weathering are quite visibJe in a1l tJle opening of interconnected fis-
maeroLTystals of iron-stained boli- sures within the fine clay material.
nite, whose shape, cleavage and par- whereas the relatively coarse altero-
aJkl intramineral fissurl:s are morphs of kJolinite are avoided on
characteristic of the mcso-altero- clle short term.
morphs formed by weathering of
the mica. A quartz grain is just visi-
hie in the le!'t lower p.1rt of the pho-
tograph (B5). The replacement
process, which here promotes the
disaggregJtion of this alterite, is
similar to the process which, in the
prC\riOllS illustrations, progressively
destroys the continuously textured

4:
PART LrTHOREucS, ALTERORELlCS, NODULES AND PrSOUTHS
373
ALTERORELlCS

A. c D
481,482
IRON CRUST
ON GLlMMERITE
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

- 0.0 mm

is developed at
the cxpense of gJimmeritc, a
fJiotite-rich rock rhat is localh'
developed, in the Kaua Bocca ultra-
mark intrusion, in the contact areas
with the sw-rounding ~;ounger gran-
ite. NIt)Sl of tile original texture of
this mctaSOn1atic rock was obscured
duri ng the successive stages of
weat.hering and during the stage of
induration by imn OX)'lJydroxides as
a result of replacement. Ne\'crthe-
less, some phanto-altcromorplls
after biotitc: and \'cTmiculite are still
identifIable in this iron crust owing
to the persistence of their original
layered structure, which was well
preserved during the formation of
secondary goethite. Internal, irreg-
ular, dark red areas arc composed of
old hematite-rich, ferrallitic altero-
pedoplasmas, who.se precursor,
pyroxene or feldspar, or whose allo-
genic origin, cannot be clearly iden-
tified. Ma.ny large empty pan",; are
rillldomly distributed in the iron
crust, but most of them seem to be
preferentially associated with the
red-colored areas of pedoplasma.
Note the- good crystlUjnity of the
micropartides of goethite, mainly at
the mal-gins of each kaolinite mcso-
alteromorph.

374 ATlAS Of MICROMORfHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 ALTERORELlCS

483,484
QUARTZ GRAIN
IN OLD IRON CRUST
Akouekouadiokro,
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I m
Objective: x 1.5
PPL and XPL

10

0.0 mm

' illus- shape is now converted to d n~rl' iso!akd in thl' plane of the thin sec-
T
I 'I, I .

trate a monomineralic grain of
quartz embedded in hard iron crust.
The mineral seems "cry strongly
corroded by slow dissolubon. lts
originally smooth and dliptical
dissected one, \-\-ith numcrous irreg- tion, ,m:: l:l.'1'tainlv [inked in the tllinl
ular or dibTitatl' emba)'mcnts (beller dimension to other Cmbilynll'I1t>.
,'i,ible under XPL), [>anlv inllllcd
b)' iron oxyhydroxidcs. Inner i,l.:lI1cls
of dissulvl'd material, which Sl' 'm

PART 4: LITHORELlCS. AlTEROR8.ICS. NODULES AND PISOLlTHS

375
ALTERORELlCS
emhedded in the
J upper part of an old fcrrallitic
soil that capped the uPI)Cr parts of
the slope. This alterorelic contaim a
large grain of a partially "icldingsi-
tized" olivinc. Most of the grain ha,
been replaced hy compact and
homogeneous ~iddingsit~·" (Cl,
D3), whereas a residual part of the
olivine nystal \\'.,s cut by an irregu-
lar network 01' banded "iddingsite"
running along some of the orig1Jal
protoclastic Ij'actures (01-2, 05).
Some isolated ,llld unaltered rem-
376
485,486
RESIDUAL MINERAL
GRAIN
Old ferrallitic soil on
upper part of the slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
0.6
- 0.1
- 0.2
O.Omm
nants of olivine were maintained on alteromorph was replaced by a fer-
the short term \yithin llle banded ruginous altcromorph, which main-
network 01' "iddingsitc". During a tains all the previously inherited
later stage of weathering, these textural features. This altcrorclic is
remnants were transformed to a now associated \\-ith many other
thin rim of iron oxyhydroxides, pcdo-, altero- and lithore1ics (not
which coat the hands of''iddingsite'' shown in tllC photograph).
and which surround residual empty
pores, simulating a huxwork struc-
ture. During this stage of weather-
ing, the prniousl)' formed
"iddingsite" component has had all
hut its iron oxide content leached
awa:; as a result, the "iddingsite"
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY or MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 ALTERORELlCS

A c D

487,488
RESIDUAL MINERAL
GRAIN
Intermediate slope
Colluvial soil
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I m

Objective.; x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

0.0 mm

of weath- whicb invariably expand greatly iron oxvhvclroxides tbat obliterate

T I ,I I, '.
ered biutite - vermiculitc -
kaolinite was further replaced by
perpendicular to their sheet stJ"\IC-
ture, is clearly visible in the pho-
.. J

the previously preserved traces of

dark brown iron oxvhvdroxides.
j ,
The phylloporo-altcroTI1orpb aspect
of the me.so-alteromorph has been
well pre~cn'ed during the succes-
sive' stages of weathering. Its partial
incluration by the ferruginous com-
ponents has allowed the aitero-
morph to survive its transport and
deposition. The characteristic inter-
nal phyl!o-pores of the altera-
morphs after micaceous minerals,
the sheet structure of the micaceolls
tomicrograph taken under PPL. minerals. The margins tbat art' par-
Under XPL, two other features arc allel to the sheet structure arc not
rccof,rnizable. Firstly, some of the rimmed b:' tlle new generation of
phyllo-pores have been inflllcd with deposits, and seem to be more resis-
cluartz, individual crystals of wh.ich tant to the replacement,
grow peq)cndil'u larly to the layers
of the sheets. Secondly, the two
opposite margim of the altera-
morph, which arc oriented pel'pen-
rlicularly to the sheets, are partly
replaced by a new generation of

PART": UTHORElJG, ALTERORELlCS, NODULES AND f'l,OLlTHS

377

CENTRIPETAL CORnrlC TI
Praces oJ induration
and cc.\tural em/ution
AFter the First stage of weathering, or concur-
rently with it, a cortification of the alterorelie may
develop jn a centripetal manner. Compounds of iron,
generally gocthite, completely replace the entire
.1lterorelic, pores included. Tne alterorclie is gradually
rendered more and more compact and hard as the box-
works and porous textures formed by weathering are
ohscured and destroyed. first along its periphery, then
throughout the alterordie.
Thi~ l'irst centripctal proc<::'~ of internal cortiFica-
tion result~ in a compact, homoge-neous and generally
untextured hard material. The textw-es inherited From
the primary minerals, which have heen more or less
maintained in the altcromorphs, are delinitively lost. In
this way, the texhlred and recognizable altemyelics are
replaced by indurated and untextured nodules, whose
origin becomes less and less identillablc. Alteromorphs
of- different petrological origin can. as a result, be
re-placed by very similar nodules without any unique
distinguishing criterion. Only tbe ephemeral occur-
rence of (juartz grains or of ot.her resistant minel-als
allows the most important groups of rock to he distin-
guished frOJll onc another.
T his first cortification is internal with respect
to the border of the alterorelic, and it progresses
in a centripetal manner. No volume increase is
expected to be perceptible at the scale of the
optical microscope. The progre~ive replacement
of the weathered minerals and residual voids by a
compact and undifferentiated matrix promotes
the disappearance of the inherited textures,
which are completely obliterated and definitively
lost. The apparent density of the alterorellc has
greatly increased.
Per. j ·tcnt mineral,
within area. (>J wrt~fi arlon
Only specitlc primary or secondary minerals,
whose cum position is more closely in equilibrium with
the new geochemical conditions prevailing in the
378
upper horizons, can resist tltis cenb·ipetal process of
cortific:.atioll; the inherited te.xtures are thus partly
maintained. These resistant primal-) minerals form
protruding parts or isolated islands within the areas
enbrcly transformed by the. process of cortification.
In ultramaflc rocks. for example. residual
areas of "iddingsite" previously formed by hypo-
gene alteration of the olivine-group mineral. or
residual grains of hematite formed by replace·
ment of the original crystals of magnetite, are
common within alterorelics that are completely
replaced by iron oxyhydroxides.
Polymineralic or isolated grains of quartz
also can resist the processes of weathering bur.
now included within the iron-rich environments
of the newly fOt-med cortices. they progressively
disappear by breakage, alveolization and dissolu-
tion. They leave. within the ferruginous nodules,
only irregular pores whose size and shape corre·
spond to those of the original grains. It is note-
worthy that the dissolutJon of the quartz grains
begins much later than cortification. Once
formed. the late pores. which are well isolated
within the nodule or within its cortex, are not
infilled by further accumulations of iron oxyhy-
droxldes. and remain empty.
Some secondary silicates can also, at least tem-
pOl-ariJy, r-esist complete transformation to ferruginous
prodUCl5. Such is the case of some peJorelics and
alterorelics that are composed nf macrncrystalline
kaolinite after mic:.a.s or after \-crmiculite. Although
only partly replaced by goethite, they are perfectly rec-
ognii'..able as phanto-alteromorphs. )[. these chemically
resistant grain.s are located near the border of the
alterorclic, they form outward-protrucl.ing parts
within the pl'Tipheral cortex. In thin secrjon, the cor-
tex appears as a discontinuous concentric banded area.
Relics of materials of organic origin, such as Crag-
ments of charcoal, also can experience at least pdTtial
internal cortitlcation. The unaffected nucleus then
clearly maintains the cellular texture of the original
organic material.
Iron-rich sec0nJary minerals and aJteromorphs
also can resist subse(juent alteration, either because of
their original composition (as in the case of
"iddlngsitc'), or because of their late replacement in a
new environment (as for example iron-rich altern-
morphs of kaolinite after biotite). AltllOugh they arc
isolated as residual minerals, they behave as polymin-
eralie altcrorelics.
An..AS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

Whether entirely or partly replaced. the
alterorelic has its size preserved by this first
process of cortification. No perceptible modifIca-
tions in volume are observed at the optical scale.
The process of intemal cortification invades the
aJterorelic in an essentially centripetal way and
produces iron-rich indurated nodules. The inter-
nal cortification destroys the detail of the pre-
eXisting texture of the alteromorph.
P dopla mation f:!I rhe resiJual te,\'tures
In env'ironments in which absolute accwnulation
of iron is reduced or nonexistent, or where ferrugi.
nous alterorelics are in geochemical disequilibrium, an
inverse phenomenon may be observed. There is no
PART 4: LfTHORlliCS. ALTERORElJCS. NODULES AND PISOLlTHS
longer peripheral cenb-ipetal cortification, but rather
progressive and !,rradual replacement of the residual
textures by silicate-based pedoplasmas. The alterordic
tJlen becomes abundantly fissured, domains are
divided, and their volumes progressively dec.Tea-~e. A
pedopJasma appears that is similar to the surrounding
pedoplasma, except that it may temporarily maintain,
within the original perimeter of the alterorelic, some
portion of its more resistant minerab. Tbe nuclei and
conices that were developed during a previous step, or
\\ithin another en\·ironment. may be in disequilibrium
with the surrounding matrix. Under tJlese conditions,
they are gradually exfoliated and divided into many
fragments lhat are soon integrated into the sw-round-
ing pla~mas. Concentric fissw-es may also develop
witlUn the cortices, and also within the nucleus itself.
Combined with radiall)' arranged fissures, the)' gi\c
wa)' to isolation of polyhedral fragments, whidl are
guickJy displaced or integrated.
379
CENTRIPETAL CORTIFICATION

489
AlTERORELlC AFTER
TREMOLITE-RICH
META-UlTRABASIC
ROCK
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvolre
Iron crust sampled
at soil surface
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

0.0 mm

490
AlTERORELlC AFTER
TREMOLlTE-RICH
META-UlTRABASIC
ROCK
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Iron crust sampled
at soil surface
Objective: x 2,5
PPL

photomicro- ularlv rimmed bv it first internal

graphs focus on the intermedi-
ate <lrcas, whjch cLstinctlv show the
three main steps in d1E' formationor
the actual alterorclic. The central
part of the nucleus, whose original
texture is preserved, is composed of
a cryptomorphic assemblage of
al terorclics after clinopyroxene, in
which all primary grains were
weathered to a \'1'1)"' porous box-
\·vork of goethite. Small grains of
magnetite arc still visible. The
nucleus of the alternmorph is irreg-
- /
cortex, formed b~' a replacement
process that prOlnoted the retT)'S-
talhzation of the gocthite-rich septa
of the altcromorphs and the rhsap-
pearance of their secondary pores
by infilling by goethite. TIlis epige-
netic replacement process gave rise
to compact, nonporous areas in
wmch some small relics of altero-
morphs are maintained. This first
internal cortex is then surrounded
hy a further external complex cor-
tc:x formed by accretion of a sec-
ondary coating of gocthite ()'<:IIO\,-
undubting bnds) alternating with
discontinuous and irregular red-col-
orcd ~cales originating from the
incorporation of pcdop1.1sma mater-
ial. Remnants of the original pedo-
plasma, with large pores, are visibk
in a corner of each photomicro-
graph.

380 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 CENTRIPETAL CORTIFICATION

A c D
491
ALTERORELlC AFTER
ULTRABASIC IGNEOUS
ROCK
Old ferralliric red soil
Koua Bocca. Core d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL

[0
0.0 mm

491
ALTERORELlC AFTER
ULTRABASIC ROCK
Old ferrallitic red soil
Koua Bocca. Core d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

0.0 mm

,r 1 I 'I 'I I I shows a

very advanced stag'" in the
replacement of the nucleus of an
alteromorph by a very compact
inner cortex formed by a cen-
tripcral replacement process tbat
promoted the formation of homo-
geneously textured areas r<?placing
most of the nucleus. Some grains of
magnetite and some vcry porous
islands or the original septo·altero-
morphs are tempOl'ari I)" preserved
in this an,a. Irregular patches of
dark brown material, con.trasting
\vith the general yellowish calor of
the nodule, are traces of completely
resorhed alteromorphs; they arc
phanto-altcromorphs. The pl'rsis-
tence of such internal textural fea-
tures shows that this nodule is a
replaced alterorclic. The hardness of
the nodule. compa.red to the soft·
ness of the surrounding redo-
plasma, is such tbat a regular
peripheral fissure completeh- sur-
rounds the alterorelic.
The lower photograph, taken at
higher magnification, shows part of
a somewhat similar alterorelic in
which most or the components
were replaced by a secondary accu-
muJatiOri of goethitc. Only somc
small grains or magnetite and some
islands of aJterordics are still \'isible
in this compact nodule, nut these
,mall remnants are suffJcicntly char-
acteristic features to prove the
uJtramafic origin 01' the alterorelic.

PART 4: LITHORUICS. ALTtRORUlCS, NODULES AND f'lSOUTHS

381
CENTRIPETAL CORTIFICATION

491,494
POROUS NODULE
Superficial soil
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m

Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL

r
- 0.0 mm

I I of compact
iron oxyhydroxides containing
many small irregular empty pores.
In contrast to the primary or sec-
OndJTj; iron oxide (magnetite) that
is in cquilibriwn with the ncvvly
formed internal cortex, the quartz
grains al-e slolVl~' dissolved in such a
mater"ia]. Residual pores are formed
whose shape corresponds to the
shape of the grains removed.
Although no residual quartz. is visi-
ble in this concretion, it seems
highly probablc that these pores
correspond to \"oids formed by the
dissolution of quartz grains. Note,
in the photograph taken in XPL, the
similarity, of the induratcd booethite-
rich material to the corresponding
material of the two previous pho-
tognphs.

382 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERlNG


A 8
495
ALTERORElIC AFTER
OllVINE-BEARING
ROCK
included in an iron crust
Koua Bocca. Core d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 4
PPL
0.6
- 0.4
02
O.Omm
11.\ of the internal
O
1
centripetal cortex formed by
an epigenetic process at the expense
of a part of a nucleus composed of
many weathered minerals. The orig-
inal texture is easiJy recognizable in
the loweJ' part of the nucleus,
whereas in its upper part, all septo-
alteromorphs after pyroxene have
be("n obscured by the replacement
procese-, giving risc to a homoge.
neous compact goethite-rich area.
Only resistant primary (magnetite)
and secondary C'iddingsite") miner-
als, which are in closer geochemical
e<juilibrium with the ferruginous
portion, an~ well preserved and
appear as isolated remnaJJts \\ithin
the more homogeneous goethitt"
rich matrix. Thl" external dark red
plasma is indurated by hernatite,
which leads to a hard iron crust. The
large grain of "iddingsite" after
olivinf', \~~lich is now converted to
goethite b)' the leaching of its sili·
cate components, still exhibits the
inherited, homogeneously well-
oriented pattern of the original
"iddingsite", a~ well as the network
of protoclastic fractures that is very
characteristic of the original o;stal
of olivinc. The Ujddingsite" grain
PAAT 4: UTHORHICS.ALTEROREUCS. NODULES AND PISOUTHS
c o
strongly protrudes into the cortex.
This latter feature shows that the
goethite cortex was formed at the
ex.pense of the alterorelic, avoiding
the "iddingsite" and magnetite
grains, and not at the expense of the
surrounding matrix in which the
alterorelic is now (·mbeddcd. It
shows also that this cortex was
formed at an earLer stage. before
the deposition of the alterorelic in
the matTix. Were it not so, the pro-
truding very brittle grain of
"iddingsitc" certainly would have
been eroded during the transport of
the alterore\ic. This chronology is
also strengthened by the t:Kt that
tlle goethite-rich cortex .~cem5 to
have been partly eroded during its
displacement, as well as the
included grain of "iddingsite". In its
external part, it ex.hibits a curved
smooth outline, ill continuit), with
the similar habit of the external
shape of the cortex. In conclusion,
the chronological evolution of the
Iithorelic, as can be deducd from
careful micromorphological obser-
vations and From t.he logical deduc-
tions that they in\'()lve, I'
reconstituted as follo\\'s~ a) forma-
tion of an alterorelic exhibiting a
CENTRIPETAL CORTIFICATION
larger size tllan t.hat now exhibited,
b) formation of the epigenetic cor-
tex. preserving an important part of
the nucleus and also some isolated
grains of magnetite and a large
"iddingsite" pseudomorph, c) dis-
placement of the alteromorph, \\ith
partial peripheral erosion, which
promotes the format.ion of a
smoothly rounded shape along both
goethitc-rich cortex and protruding
"iddingsite", amI d) deposition or
the complex nodule in as-matrix,
later indw'atcd to an iron crust. The
gocthite-rich centripetal cortex
probably forrn"d cont.inuously at
the expense or the alterorelic dw'-
ing the last steps aJld even after the
last one.
383
CENTRIPETAL CORTIFICATION
-, , I I , composed
mainly or a grain of goethitC'
originating From the late evolution
or a grain or "iddingsite" arter
olivinC'. The "iddingsitc" grain is
accompanied by a Few remnants of
alteromorphs after c.linopyroxene
and by small grailJS or magnetite.
The alterorelic is now surrounded
by a complex accreted cortex
whose color and mineralogical
composition \'ary and alternate
from the center to the external
boundary. Most of the surrounding
perJoplasma is also indurated,
mainly by hematite-dominant micro-
384
crystalline materiaL In the upper
left corner or the photograph, the
more external cortex or the main
nodule forms a bridge with the cor-
responding external cortex of a
neighboring nodule. Both nodules
are now linked and, in the central
part of the bridge area, a residual
pore is rormed foJlowing the later
dissolution of a grain of detrital
quartz. In the upper right comer, an
elliptical area of gocthitc, com-
[)letely embedded within a triangu-
lar area of hematite, corresponds to
a "polar" cut ill the extemal part or
the cortex of another nodule tlut is
ATLAS Of MlcRoMORPHOLOG'l' Of MINERAL ALTElIATION AND WEATHffiJNG
496,497
IRON CRUST ON
UlTRABASIC ROCK
Koua Bocca, C6te d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL
- 0.6
0.4
02
0.0 mm
not included in the thickness of the
thi n section. A still undistu rbed and
porous area of pcdoplasma is visible
in the lower right part of the photo-
graph. It is noteworthy that the
main micromorphological features
of the "iddingsite" grain were per-
fectly maintained during all stages
of evolution of the nodule: homoge-
neous crysta1Jographic orientation
(a.s seen in XPL) and the network of
the protoclastic fractures that is a
characteristic fe4ture or all the pre-
cursor crystals of olivine observed
in the Koua. Bocca ul tram afic
intrusion.

A B
498
ALTERORELlC AFTER
UlTRABASIC ROCK
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.4 m
Objective: x 6.3
PPL
~ ::
lOI0.0 mm
I r, offers a
T detaikd ,ciew or an a\tcrorelic
after an ultrabasic rock in which the
opaque grains of primary magnetite
and the crypto-alteromorphs after
grains of pyroxene arc easilv recog-
nizable. Parts of' the altcromOI"phs,
in the external part of the
alterorelic, wwe replaced by yel-
lowish orange goethitc. The original
secondary pores have disappeared in
this first cortex, whereas in the cen-
tral area of the alterorelic. this pore
space is stiJl preserved. This first
step of replacement by goethite was
thcn rolluwed bv the formation of
an w1duJating nlicrolaminated cor-
tex, formed by accretion at tbe
expeml~ of the surrouncljng pedo-
plasma; such accumulation cortices
gi"c to thc alterorelic a progres-
sively smoother t-xternal shape as
the thickening of the external cor-
tex continues. This first microlami-
PART 4: lITHOAELlCs.ALTHIORELlCS, NODULES AND PlSOLlTH5
CENTRIPETAL CORTIFICATION
c D
nated cortex is then followecl bv the buund tu the cortex. The next
)
more irregular accretion or external
scales of plasma. which appear as
deposit of goethite will coat these
crescents and shells, and the now
recl hematite-dominant bancls alter- isolated part of the plasma ",;11 later
nating ,.vith tbe ),ellow goethite- be replaced by hematite. The micro-
dominant ones. The proccss porosity of these shells of plasma is
responsible for the alternation of much smaller than the open poros-
yellow and red bands arises as fol- it)' or the peripheral nssure; anhy-
lows. Where the peripheral t1ssure drou~ iron oxide (hematite) is then
closely surrounds the previousl) preferentially formed in the plasma-
I"ormed lJmina of the ("ortex, the rich shells, whereas the hydroxjde
precipitation or cr)'slallite~ of (goethite) is formed along the fis-
goethite occurs on top 01" this last sure.
lamina. The thickening of the cOI-tex
appears to be continuous, and the
microlaminJtion of the cortex of
goethite is only due to the sllcces-
si"e deposits of pure goethite. But it
may happen that the peripheral Fis-
sure dot'S not eXJctly follow the
last-formccl lamina of goethite. The
fissure then produces a cresccn[jc Or
a more or less thick shell of the sur-
ruunding pbsma material, strong I):
385
CENTRIPETAL CORTIFICATION
shows an
T in'~'gular altcrorelic, most of
which is composed of a \;lrgc grain
of magnetite including, in its exter-
nJ] border, some phanto-altero-
morphs at'ter pyroxcne and, in its
c.entral part, some small inclusions
of nuw wcathered green pJeonastc
lspinel). These magnetite and
plconaste cumulates ha\'<:.: I'ormed in
the lower part of the ultrabasic
intrusion, and thcy are conse-
quently \"Cry Widespread in all
weathering prollks and iron crusts
uf' the Koua Bocca.
386
The lower photograph shows a
highly fractured grain 01' den'ital
Cluartz originating !'t'orn a quartz
vein. In the old I'crralitic soils and
iron crusts, quart7.- grains are
weathl'rablc min~'raJs. After a first
stage of breaking, they are slowly
c1issoh'ed along their lTacks, leaVing
O"pf'n intTaminer;d fissures that .1re
cluickly iniilled by brownish
deposits of iron ox yhydroxides. The
quartz grain shown here is slightly
weatbered along its internal micro-
cracks. It is regularly SUITOtmclecl by
a thin continuous PCril)hcralllssure,
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
499
IRON CRUST ON
ULTRABASIC ROCK
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
10
0.0 mm
soo
GRAIN OF DETRITAl
QUARTZ
Old ferrallitic soil
Koua Bocca.. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
as is typical of all rigid bodies iu this
clay-rich material; the peripheral
llssure is interconnected with a net·
work of raclially ordered fissures.
The quartz grain was obviously sub-
jected to lTaDSport over J long clb-
tance, as is proved by it~ rounded
shape and by the: preservation,
within a deep cmbayment, of a
small part or a pre\'1ously formed
concentric cortex (B2).
 CENTRIPETAL CORTIFICATION

SO I, 502
PEDORELJC
Porous iron crust
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface

Objective: X 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

0.0 mm

red papule still recognizable in spite of the fact sponding laminae of the ncighbor-
L
'I' 11 1<

(C3) ""hose internal fabric is
formed by microlaminated clay
inftllings of a now -obli terated pre\1-
ou, void. Before its i.ncorporation
into the iron crust, the microlami-
nated clay coatings were concentri-
call y fissured, par tiall}' dissolved
and subsequently replaced by yel-
low gocdrite and black manganese
depOSits (C2, C4). This complex
pedorelic is stjll embedded in its
original isalteritic matrix, which is
that most of it has been replaced by ing nodules. A very porous iron
a gocrhitc-dominant matrix. The crust results in which residual,
papllle and its sllrrou.nding replaced urundurated and porous volumes of
matrix \verc later transported, plasma (D I, E3) are isolated in the
wruch resuJts in the well-rounded dosed spaces, entirely surrounded
shape of the nodule. Trus first cor- by the interconnected cortices.
tex ha.s later been surrolUlded bv a
more recent concentric cortex,
whose .Jlternating rcd- and yellow-
colored lami.nae are clearly seen.
The more external larninae of the
last cortex are bri.dged to the corre-

PART 4: LrrnoRELlcs. ALITRORElICS. NODULES AND PISOUTHS

387
CENTRIPETAL CORTIFICATION

A B c o
S01,S04
FRAGMENT
OF CHARCOAL
Upper soil horizon
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.5 m

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0,6

- 0,4

- 0,2

0,0 mm

' I'" I are fre- rounded just like grains of detrital rounded, is rimmed by all internal
C
I

. CJuently observed in the upper
horizons o[ tropical soils, mainly in
the savannah regions, where the
vegetal cover is regularly burned.
Burned veget:d fragments are regu-
larly incorporated into the soil
material, in which they can comti·
tute an appreciable part of the
coarse and sand v fractions. These
organic structures can resist pedo-
genetic and geomorphological
processes for a long time. They can
survive transport processes and be
minerals. The photographs ~how a
well-rounded elUptical fragment of
charcoal which, after a stage of
transport responsible for its round·
ness, has been buried to a depth of
half a meter. The organic texturt' is
"ery well presened, and the origin
of the fragment could certain I}' be
identified by a soil scientist special.
i7jng in the determination of plant
residues. Note that <1..' ill the case uf
the hardeT grains of detrital miner-
als, the plant residue is well
halo of impregnated iron oxyhy.
droxides (dark brown in XPL), and
is sUrJ'ollllded bv an external cortex
of goethite formed by accretion at
the expense of the surrounding
matrLx. The internal fabric is per-
fectly maintain.:-d, although the
original organic material ha~ been
partly replaced by iron bydroxides
(yel.low cellular structure undn
XPL).

388 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING


N within it.
Pro e..'\ ~r de,"elopmcnt (?I the peripheral
culans
stre~.·
Alterorelics completely replaced b~' ferruginous
material according to the process described abonc, and
alterorelics that maintain internal textures, gi\'e way to
indurated nodules that arc subjected to pressure COI1-
straints O\o\-ing to the s\yelling of the: internodlllar
plasma and [l) the higher quantitie.~ of circulating water
around each impermeable nodule. The pressure is not
isotTopicalJy distributed, and is not the same as the
hydrostatic pressure. It is largely direct"d and highest
nearest the rnargins of the hard and incompressible
nodules. Such pressure is responsible for the tangential
ol'ieotation of the particles of plasma with respect to
the periphery of these nodules. These pressurized areas
are ex.pressed in thin section and under crossed polar-
izers .1S a strongly birefringent halo, which contrasts.
by the preferred orientation of its constinlents, with
the unoriented plasma of the surrounding matrL"X. Such
halos form areas of granostriated b-fabric* (or sO'ess
clltan5*), \\+uch arc only recognizable under crossed
polari7.ers. Thes areas of gr,ll1ostriated b-fabric are
particuladl' well dneloped witf-tin the areas caught
bt:t"wecn two closely spaced nodules.
It is obvious that thjs process can be effecti\-c only
within the ;)rgiJliplasmas, mainly the smeetite-bearing
plasmas, and that it becomes ineffective within the vir-
tl.lalJy inert sandy horizons. There, a!t('rnating varia-
tion; of humid.i~- and dryness do not prod~ce any
variations in pressure and volume. As a result of shrink·
ae.e, as Juring the dn- season, a circum-nodular fissure
is~ developed al-ouno 'the nodu.le. along. which it is<ep-
arated from the surrounding mao·ix.
In nodule-rich horizons, the internodular plasrnas
become completely oriented. The circum-nodular fis-
sure is no longer so regular; instead, it veers away from
the nodules, and te_nds to develup preferentially in the
central parts or areas of plasma. \.vhich are torn to
pieces a~d whose frJgments are attached to neighhor-
ing nodules, simulating in this manner a "Lhironic Jiscri-
bution pauern "* (StoOI)S & Jongerius 197)).
If th ... \'olume of the plasma decreases to such an
extent that the nodules are \'er)" closely spaced, the vol-
umes of plasma are reduced to bridges or intertextic*
braces, which link ncighboring nodules. ;\ threshold
.1lso is reached when the nudules become nwnerous
and joined, and when the \'olume of the interstitial
argillaceous matrix is consequently rendered insuffi-
PART 4: LITHORELlCS, ALTERORElICS. NODULES AND PISOLlTHS
cient for cliffen:ntial changes in volume to be recorded
De e/(Ipmenr 11 an accretion COrll'~
"
In contrast, during periods or dryness, desiccation
promotes tJ1e de\'c.Iopment of open, peripheral, cir-
cum-nodular fissures, which faithfully 1'0110\\- the mar-
gins (If the alterorelics or nodules and rheir cortices.
Some irregularities may appear fortuitously during.
repeated alternation or swelling and shrinkage. The
peripheral II~sllre, instead of regularly foJlowing the
cortex, may penetrate into it and isolate fragments,
which are soon incOI-poratcd into the surrounding
maD'ix. In contrast, rhe fissure may progress away from
the cortex and incorporate into the nodule .small por-
tions of the surrounding matrix. These isolated vol-
umes of plasma, \vhich are furt.her incorporared into
the cortex by later superposition of new laminae of
goethitc, are expressed as hcmatite-rich intercalation.'>
\\'hich, by their red color, contrast slTongly ,,·ith the
homogeneous bright yellow calor of the goethite-rich
replacement ami accretion cortices,
These pressure-induced cutans (stress
cutans*). developed around each nodule, account
for a second ferruginous cortex, which forms, this
time, by a centrifugal process. The microlayer of
reoriented plasma that surrounds the nodule and
that adheres strongly to it is replaced by goethite.
This hard and geochemically st.,ble neoformed
microlayer is, in this way. incorporated into the
nodule. Each newly formed lamina of the cortex
attaches itself to the previous one; as a result, the
total volume of the nodule progressively
increases.
The nexr period of desiccation promotes the
opening of a ne\\" peripheral fissure, or contraction
crack, which completely envelops the outermost (t.he
most recent) lamina of the conex and promotes the
opening of radial and interconnected intraplasma
pores. This opening allows, by rl,e continuity or it, net-
work, circulation of water and the deposition of iIluvi-
ated materi.11 derived from thl' upper hurizons. A~ soon
as the rains resume, but befc)j-e the pores become
closed by the general .o;welling of the pt:doplasmas, this
peripheral contraction-induced pore-space is inJllled
with new illuviatioi1S or more precipirations of iron
oxyhydrox..ides. These cont.ribute, by their presence, to
389
an jncfeast> in internal pressure on the neoplasma once
the humid period resumes. The illuviation cutans in the
peripheral pore,< rest against the last-formed micro-
lamina of the cortex, become impregnated with iron
oxyhyclroxides, are indurated, and so contribute to the
progressive dlickening of the cortex, whid1 is, at least
in part, developed at the expense of the surrounding
peclophsma. Without these extt>rnal transfers, it is
highly likely that the cortilleation would stop qUickly,
because the quantity of internodular plasma would not
be suHlcient to respond to dle "ariations in internal
pressure and to support further stress cutans*.
These areas of higher pressure are not uniformly
or continuously rustributed around the lithorelics.
They are expected to be thicker in embayments and
thinner against the prorruding parts of the alterorehc.
In this "vay, the successive micro laminae of the cortex
tcnu to progressively subdue the irregularities of the
nodule margins. This tendenc~' explains the increas-
ingly regular and smoother cortices, whose external
maxgi.n becomes more Jnd more circular or elliptical.
After J. sulTicierrtly long period of time, alterorelics
with a subcircular, sguare or triangular section can thus
acquire <1 quasi-perfect circular shape.
Mineral contenc of the accrerion cortex
Grains of resistant minerals, such as magnetite and
"iddingsite", which may have sunived in the IIr5t-
formed epigenetic* repJacemen t cortex, are not
observed in the accretion cortex. Thb observation
prm-es that the aCLTetion is developed at the expense of
t.he surrounding plasmas, and not at the expense of the
alterorelic itself. The accretion cortex is generally
composed of very thin concentric layers of yellow
goethitc, in which continuous or discontinuous (cres-
cent-shaped) layers of red hematite-rich plasma arc in
some cases intercalated. These intercalations originate
Crom the local integration of parts of the internoclular
pedoplasma.
In conb'ast, the accretion cortices can incorporate
skeleton ltnits, mainly quartz grains, that belong to the
surrounding marrix, and that Ilave an ultimate origin
"cl-y dHTerent from that of U1C indurated alteroUlorphs.
Tht'sL; grains are progressively tl'apperJ and incorpo-
rated into the successive microlaminae of the cortex,
In disequilibrium with the iron-rich environment of
the surrounding cortex, these quartz grains commonly
are later completely dissoh-ed; this leaves empty pores
whose shapes arc the only cvidcllce of their former
390
presence. Their di,o-ibution in the cortex, and the fact
that the elongate residual pores commonly arc ori-
ented tangentially to the cortex lineation, prove the
existence of confining pressures around the alterorelics
and, consequently, the formation of the cortex at the
expense of the pedoplasma.
The distinction between the nucleus, which
results from the epigenetic replacement of the
alterorclic, and the accretion cortex, which results
from the incorporation or peripheral pedoplasma, is
relativety easy in the case of nodules derh'ed fTom
alterorelics developed at the expense of basic or ultra-
basic rocks. The fcn-uginous nucleus is compact and
homogeneous, ,,-hereas the surroundlng cortex can
contain skeleton grains of guartz originating from the
surrouncLllg pedoplasma<;, \vhose origin is generaUy
more heterogeneous.
In contrast. in landscapes developed O\-er ,1
granitic basement, this distinction becomes difficult,
because the skeleton grains, mainly quartz, are much
more abundant, and present within both alteroreJics
and pedoplasIllas. These skeleton grains are thus
observed in comparable quantities in both nuL"lei and
cortices. O\'ing to the abundance of the skeleton ele.-
ments and the relative in1poverishment of available fer-
ruginous argilliplasmas, these nuclei exhibit poorly
developed concentric microtextures of cortification,
which are indisti.nct and identifiable only v... ith diffi-
culty. In soils developed at the expense of granitiC
rocks, U1e abunda.nce of the ubiquitous quartz grains
wiulin both lluclei and poorly developed cortices does
not always allow the clear and unegwvocal distinction
between allochthonous cortiHed alterorelics and orulic
concretions formed in situ,
T he external shape of the alterorelic. whether
or not completely replaced by a first centripetal
cortex, is somewhat modified by the progressive
increase of the thickness of the accretion cortex,
whereas its volume increases considerably. The
external cortex that surrounds the alterorelic is
developed in a centrifugal manner. and its texture
is generally microlaminated. The external cortifi-
cation destroys most of the textures of the
internodular pedoplasma from which the cortex
developed, and only skeleton residues are gener-
ally preserved.
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION

SOS,S06
NODULES AND
S-MATRIX
in a soil developed at
an intermediate level
of a slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.8 m

Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

0.00101

T ' nodules
are .embedded in a smectite-
rich argiUaceous S-matrix of a soil
developl:d on ultTabasic rock at an
intermediate le,-d of a slope. The
matrix contains few grains of detri-
tal guartz 'lnd rare remlla.nts of
heavy mincrak This hori:wlI COII-
tains numerou~ noduiC's of variom
origin, but the nuclei formed at the
expense of ultrabasie rocks are
more numerous thall those formed
at the expense of gnnite.
Lithorelics of guartz and micro-
granite \'ein~, with or without ,Sur-
rounding l'ortcx, are very
ablUldant. All the nOlJules (and all
the largest lithorelics, not shown)
arc regularly surrounded b~' a \,,('11-
dc"elored granostriated bireh-in-
gence- rahric*, as shown in the
lower IJhotolllicrograph (XPL). nle
granostriation of the S-matTix is
much more wield} developed in the
volumes that are located betvveen
two adjacent nodules, ami mainl"
where the distance hetween them is
the shortest (13 3-4). II develops
only "ery slightly, or not at all,
around the sDUIJ grains of detrital
minerals. Peripheral flsSU]'l"S ,lre not
"er)" visible, and they exhibit, where
present, an irregular pattern 01' dis-
tribution (B-C I - 2).

PART 4: lITHORELlCS. ALTEROREUCS. NODUl£S AND PlSOUTHS

391
CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION
of the horizon in
I
I I I I I' ,!
which the nodules are ver)' abun-
dant and the \"01 ume of thl" S-
matrix is as a result much less
important, the granostriatC'd hire-
fringence.fabric may extend to all
parts of the mao-i.x, as shown i.n
thl~sc photomicrographs. In this
Case, the peripheral tlssures usually
observcd, which normally follow
the external margin of the nodules, .
392
507,508
NODULES AND
S·MATRIX
in a soil developed at an
intermediate level of a
slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvolre
Depth: 0.5 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL
['0
~ 0.0 mm
arc repla«:d by irregular interstitial scale, to the chiwnic* distribution
fissw'cs and elongate pores located usually observed in sous in \\'hich
within the matrix itself, al some- the COarSel" un.its are surrounded by
what equal distances between a rind of smaller wuts (Stoops &
neighboring nodules, \"vhere the Jongerius 197 5).
rnalTix is less compact. llle volume
of the interstitial matrix is then
c!juaIJy divided betwe["l1 the adja-
cent nodules. The related distribu-
tion of' coarse and line constituents
is somewhat similar, al a larger
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOlOGY OF MINEJ\Al AlTEflATlON AND WEATHEJ\ING
 CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION

A c D
S09,SIO
NODULES AND
S-MATRIX
in a soil developed at an
intermediate level of a
slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I m

Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

0.0 mm

T' fI 'I of
the interstitia.l IIssures and
pores, whose early stages of forma-
tion is illustrated in the previous
photomicrographs, results in the
appearance of large irregular pores,
principally distributed in the widest
volumes or matrix. This preferen-
tially distributed internal erosion
results in the preservation of' the
compacted parts of the matrix
located in the narrow spaces
between adjacent nodules. The nod-
ules are finally joined together b)'
braces or relict S-matrix, with sim-
rowlded and smoother ones, and a
hardening of the braces by ferrugi-
nous impregnations, the similarit)'
ulation of' J arjuric* cJistribution between the two textures wjll
(Stoops & Jongnius \ 975). The become very apparent.
resulting texture also <.;xhihits some
similarity to the textures observed
in some or the iwn crusb to be
descrihed later (sce photomicru-
graphs 548 and 549, for example).
If one inlagines a replacement of the
irregular interstitial pores by more

PART 4: LrrHOREl.ICS. ALTEWREUCS. NODum AND PISOLlTH5

393
CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION

A il c o
511,512
CORTIFIED NODULES
at an intermediate level.
in soil
Koua Bocca. Cote d'!voire
Depth: 1.1 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

0.0 mm

nodules fissures that are dearly seen arO\md cordant cortex in the nodule at B2,
contain a well-developed cor- each noduJe:nlese J)ssUJ"cs, without and by the isolated Fragment of cor-
toeX around their nucleus. These apr)reciable sinuosity, exactly sepa- tex at E2. Appareotly, peripheral lls-
nodules are embedded in a sur· rate the nodule from its surround- SlIlTS are not developed around the

rO\lnding argil1aceous S-matrix. ing matylx. The nodules are of smaller grains of detrital minerals.
with many graim of detrital guarV:. allochthunous origin, and have been
These photomicrograf)hs are meant triinsl)orted, partially eroded or
to illustT,ltl' the regular peripheral even broken, as shown bv the dis-

ATlAS Of MICJ\OMOJ\PHOLOGY Of MINEJ\AL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

394
 CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION

A B c D

S 13, S 14
CORTIFIED NODULES
in a soil developed at an
intermediate level of a
slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1,1 m

Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

1.0

0,0 mm

" corrified nod-
ules are embedded in rJ1C
argillaceous S-matrix of a soil devel-
oped at an intermediate part of a
slope, The outside of the nucleus
and rJle irreguJarities of the cortex
of ilie central nodule show that
these nodules were formed higher
on uw slope before being t-rans-
ported and deposi tecl at a lower
level. All the nodules pho-
tographed, as observed under PPL, separated and isolated from the
show a well-developed peripheral nodule by irregularities of the
fissure. which isolates mem from pcripheralllssure. The granostrialcd
the surroundino matrix, Careful birefringence-fabric, as observed
'"
obsen'ation of the nodule-man'ix under XPL, i,~ only slightly devel-
contact shows that. in contrast to oped around the nodult's.
ilie noduJes shown in both previous
photomicrographs. the peripheral
fissure is less regular. Furthermore,
thin scales of the mOIT cxt('rnal
laminae of the cortex mal' become

PART 4: UTHOREUCS. ALTEROREUC5. NODULES I,ND PtSOLiTHS

395
CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION
. show
the "deformed" texture of a
wdJ-formed cortex as it can appear
if it is cut, according to a polar sec-
tion, by lhe plane of' the thin sec-
tion. The regular and constant
thickness of the successin~ laminae
of thl: cortex, such as they normaJly
appear ill an equatorial section, are
apparently deformed in a more
excentric seL1:l0n: the mOre internal
the observed lamina, the thicker it
appear;; in the s('ction. Theoreti-
cally, only an equatorial section will
be able to show cortex laminae with
their true thickness, and the nucleus
396
should be ,'isible in the c('ntraJ part
of the section. The central circuJar
portion of this concl-etion, as shown
by this photograph, doe.s not corre-
spond to a section across its
nucleus, but to a tangential section
at the level of an internal lamina of
the cortex. This may he proved by
the homogeneity ,111(1 absence of
texture in that central part. The
concentric distribution of the
bernatite-rich scales, which origi-
nate (r0111 the incorporation of
plasma material, is clearly seen. The
SL-ales form thin crescents of dark-
colot-ed material alternating with
ATLAS OF MICRO~loRrHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
515,516
POLAR SECTION
OF A CORTIFIED
NODULE
Lowest colluvial material
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 3.2 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL
1.0
0.0 mm
yellowish brown goethite-rich
materiaJ. The successively formed
crescents are randomly rl.i.stributed,
and they appear in any angular posi-
tion. The thick cortices are com-
monly fractured by very thin radial
fissures, which cut them into irreg-
ltlar pyramidal volumes. The net-
work of these thin fissures is dearly
seen in most of the section. The
lower photomicrogJ-aph shows the
regubr orientation of the goethite
crvstalJites, as expressed by their
birefringence and their extinction ill
a crossed pattern.
 CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION

A B c D
517
ACCRETION CORTEX
DEVELOPED ON
ALTERORElIC
Buried iron crust
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.8 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

- 0.0 mm

518
ACCRETION CORTEX
DEVELOPED ON
ALTERORElIC
Buried iron crust
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

B I1 ·' show
ho\-v alterol-elics, exhibiting
either a rcgu lar or an irregular
shape, can be surrounded by succes-
sive laminae of the cortex, which
are progressively more and more
circular in section. The first pho-
tomicrograph shows a subequant
nucleus consisting of an ultrabasic
alterorelic surrounded by the regu-
larly concentric laminae of a thick
accretion (centrifugal) cortex. Only
the few first laminae closely folio,,"
the small external irregularities of
the cortex, the laminae become as
rounded as is the corte..x of the lirst
the nucleus; additional laminae arc example. 'vVhatever the shape of the
more and more regular and circular nucleus, the external shape of the
(as seen in the plane uf the thin sec- composite noduJe seems to be cir-
tion). The laminae of most of the cular, or ver)' nearl): so, in the phne
external cortex are regularly con- of the section.
centric, and do not modify the gen-
eraJ shape of the nodule. The second
photomicrograph, 111 contrast,
shows a triangular altcroreJic. AFter
the formation of the inner part of

4: LJTHORELlCS. At TERORfllCS, NODULES AND PISOllTHS

PART
397
CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION
A c
that exhibit an ori-
ented petrographic texture and
fabric, as well as alterorelics that are
den::loped From elongate lithorelics,
have a tendency to be surrounded
by a regularly elliptical cortex, as
shown here. The ellipsoidal ;:lItero-
relic, as tn the first 01' the previous
two IJhotomicrographs, exhibits a
good sphericity, but with a some-
what irregular and rough external
bonkr. The detail of the sinuosity of
tlle border is followed by the first-
formed laminae of the cortex but,
quickly, these irregularities become
398
D
subdued, and the laminae tend to be
progressively less and less undulat-
ing and to sbow an increasingly
smooth and elliptical shape out-
wanL The alteron:lic, deri\Td from
an ullnbasic rock, is composed of
many crypto-alteromorphs after
clinopyroxcne (appearing brownish
under PPL, reddish under X[JL) ,
and sewral mcso-alteromorphs of
kaolinite after biotite - verrniculite
(pale in PPL, bright white under
XPL), with some interstitial grains
of residual magnetite. The accretion
cortex i~ composed mainJy or lami-
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL At.HRATION AND WEATHERING
519,520
ACCRETION CORTEX
DEVELOPED ON
ALTERORELlC
Indurated iron crust
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil sUlface
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL
1.0
0.0 mm
nae of goethite, but tl1e most exter·
naJ part of the cortex is abruptly
composed 01' IDany laminae of
hematite, the result of incorpor.1-
lion of scale.s orplasma within the
cortex dw-ing its accretion phase. As
in the otl1er examples of iron crusts
descTibed in this chapter, the nod-
ules are tangentially linked by
bridges of indurated material, and
relics of original plasma are isolated
in the textural gaps maintained
between the nodules.
 CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION

521
ACCRETION CORTEX
OF GOETHITE
Iron crust
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 10
PPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

522
COMPOUND CORTEX
OF GOETHITE AND
HEMATITE
Iron crust
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 10
PPL

shO\r\" detailed view shows that the m.iero- appear nearly at extinction under
B
1
Pili 1 '1 tl'

the m.icrolam inated texture of laminations, some micrometers in XPL.

the accretion cortex formed aruund
alterorelic nodules in an old
indurated iron crust. The first one,
at high magn.ification and wlder
PPL, clearly shows t.he microlami-
nated t",,,lure of a goethit.e-rich cor-
tex developed around a rdict
nucleus, partly visible in the upper
leh c"rner. In t'he km'-cr right cor-
ner, th.ick laminae of hematite arc
due to the incorporation of shells of
plaslll;) near the matrix. The
truckness, arc regularly paralld,
without any incorporation of grains
of detrita.l mineraJ. The gre~' parts,
which appear as slightly shaded
areas in the right part and to the
lower left. are due to the diffCrence
of orientation of the microJam.inac,
wh.ich makes t.I1C hircfringence of
the goetllite more pronounced in
those parts that arc more closely
parallel to the optic planes of the
microscope. These areas should
The second photnmicrograpl1
shuws the thin and undulating
microlaminations 01" goethite that
are irregularly interstratiFieo be-
tween thick macro laminations 01"
hematite, wluch origin;)tc From the
incorporation of shcUs of plasma
from th", sur1-ounding matrix.

PART 4: urnoREuCS,ALTEROREUCS. NODULES AND PISOllTHS

399
CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION

A c D
523
ACCRETION CORTEX
DEVELOPED ON
ALTEROREUC
Indurated iron crust
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface

Objective: x 4
PPL

0.6

0.4

.- 0.2

0.0 mm

. 1 11 shows d ules. The existence of such a brittle. cortex., ,md that their cortex was
T
II'

grain of guartz that was trapped bridge, which joins together two f"rmed in siru by the progressive
by and partially incorporated, large nodules, also proves that these replacement of the surrounding
simultaneously, into the cortex. of two nodules have not been dis- S-rlJJtrix.
two nearly tangential adjacent nod- placed after tht' fonnation of their

ATlAS OF MICRO~IORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATl-<ERING

400
 CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION

A B c D
524
ACCRETION CORTEX
DEVELOPED ON
ALTERORELlC
Indurated iron crust
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface

Objective: x 1.6
PPL

r 10

[ 0.0 mm

shows a compressibk matrix. The quartz dissolution of the lluartz. grains,

T II'III ,.,'" I' ,;

\'ery thick cortex which, during

its development, incorporated
many grains of quartz originally
included in rhe surrounding S-
matrix. Tht' quartz grains seem to
be more numerous at certain levels
of the growing cortex, and the
morc elongate grains seem to have
been rotated in a such a way that
they are now preferentially OJ'iented
parallel to the general Luninatjon of
tbe cortex. That rotation is due to
the directed pressures that develop
in the contact areas between the
hard resistant nodule and the soft
grains were incorporated in situ
within the cortex, without any
with respect to the time of cortex
formation, is pro\'cd by the fact that
appreciable displacement; they no gQethite laminae enter the resid-
were maintained where they were ual pores or coat the;l' internal
embedded in the S-matrix, whereas walls. Some air bubbles were artifI-
the fmnt of cnrti!lcation progres- cially trapped in some pores during
sively im'adt'd the matrix by an the preparation of the u1in section.
accretion pmcess. The qUilrtz grains
an: no longer chemically stable in
this olrl iron-rich crust. Se\TraJ or
them have been completely dis-
solved, '-111<1 have given risc to resid-
ual pores whose shape exactly
corresponds to the shape of' the dis-
solved grains. The late timing or the

PART 4: UTHOREUC>. ALTEROREUCS, NODULES AND PISOLlTHS

401
CENTRIFUGAL CORTIFICATION
A c
T .' I I of different
origin Jre \'i~ble in this pho-
tomicrograph. The right-hand one is
comlJosed of a nucleus formed at
the expense of an ultrabJsic rock,
whereas the one on the left formed
at the expense of a granitic rock.
'vVithin tbe first one. the alteromor-
phic texture is still evident, with it.'i
opaque grains of magnet;te and its
phylloporo-alteromorpbs after
oh \'ine and c1inopyroxene now
replaced hy iron oxyh.vdroxides.
The original textwT of th.is first
alterorelic is not modified by the
weathering process, \\'hich has
replaced the secondary silicate min-
erals by iron oxyb~'droxides. The
402
D
S2S
ALTERORELlCS IN
COLLUVIAL MATERIAL
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 2.4 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
1.0
0.0 mm
second alternrelic is composed of
many grains of quartz embedded in
an iron-rich matrix in which the
\\"eU-formed cortex, whereas the
external pJrt of th~ cortex, which
formed more recently at a lower
original texture is no longer idenl;- part or the slope (developed on
liable. Both altcrorclics arc now granitic rocb) and which is com-
completely surrounded by a micro- mon to both alterorclics, formed in
laminated cortex, hut the cortex situ after the meeting of the
around the ultrabasic nucleus is altel-ordics in their colluvial
much thicker than the cortex on the deposit.
oranitic
b
nucleus. Both cortices are
joined by a common bridge that
probably formed more recently,
after the depOSition of the
alterorelics. Indeed, it is highly
prohahle that the first nucleus, orig-
inating from the upper paT!: of the
slope (de\'e1oped on u ltl'ahasic
rock), was deposited with its own
ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY Of MINE1\.AL ALTE1\.AnON AND WEATHElUNG

Textu1'O/ modifi otion
in transported nodll/'
Where surrounded by their double COI-tex (inter-
nal epigenetic- cortex and external accretion cortex),
these resistant nodules can be exhumed by erosion,
transported along slopes, and deposited lower, in an
environment whose physicochemical characteristics
will determine Uleir future behavior. The conified
nodlJes may becl)mc subjected to possible remcn'al of
iron, disaggregation, and progressive destruction of the
cortices and of the residual nuclei. Note, however, that
additional accretion of material may occur, to increase
the thickness of the external cortex.
DUring their transport along the slopes.
cortex-covered nodules may have been eroded,
fractured or weathered; in this case, the new cor-
tices developed on these fragments are discor-
dant with respect to the accretion cortex of the
first generation.
At the same time, different lithorelics, altcrorcJics
;lIld ('\'en pedorcJics, derinod from slopes of the water-
shed and with possible different ultimate origins, may
become mixed and concentrated in the lower parts of
the landscape. These can include cortex-covaed
quartz-li'ce nodules derived from ultTabasic rocks,
quartz-bearing nodules derived from granitic rocks,
H:ry finely textured and iron-rich nodu.les derivcd
from ,dusts, and nodules constituted of rnis 'cllaneoLls
papules* cO\'ered by a later cortex. The occurrence of
nodules of mixed origin, of fragmented nodules, uf
cortex-covered resistant ol-ganic residue>, charcoal for
example, and an abundance of skekton* grains and of
graycls of a similar size as the nodules, all may be
encou.ntered in the lower parts of the landscapes.
These mixtures offer clear evidence of the
allochthonous character and of the reworking of
these materials and, in many cases, of their
particle-size distribution owing [0 sedimentary
processes. according to the steepness of the
slope and the distances travelled.
PART": UTHOREUCS, ALTEROREUCS, NODULES AND PISOUTHS
InterwnneClec.l ond bridged nodule
The thickness of the cortices is related to the clay-
mineral content (mainly the content of smectitic clay)
of the surrou.nding internoduJar matTix. [I) the soils of
the upper part of the toposequences*, where kaolinite
predominates, or in the yer)' porous or very sandy
near-surface horizons, pressure constraints are minor
around the nodules, and the cortices are rdatively thin,
or ilTegular, or even nonexiste.nt. [n the more compact
lower horizons, with h.igher proportions of swelling
clays, the constraint cutans and the derived cortices arc
uhiquitous and l11uch trucker.
The thickn",s of these stress cutans* and cortices
is also inversely proportional to the distJ.nce bet>veen
two neighboring nodules. The oriented plasmas, \yb.ich
UJ)iformly sWTound the nodules (granostTiatcd b-fab-
ric*), arc cxtensi\'ely thickened in the .u·eas where th.::
nodules are close together. In this way, both cutam
acqujre ovoid shapes whose apicl:'s are ultimately joined
togethc:.:r. A continuous envelope common to both nod-
ules de\·c1ops. The induratioD starts preferentially in
these areas of high stTess; as a result, both adjacent noc1-
ules may bt' surroUJlded, after developmcnt of a certain
thickness of discrete indi\·idu.al cortex, b}' a single,
common cortex, which is 8-shaped where observed in
Ulin section. The stress is gradually higher, and the cor-
tex thicker, as boul nodules involved are doser one to
the other.
I n this way. two or more nodules can be joined
together by indurated bridges. The local coexis-
tence of several bridges can promote the com-
plete isolation of volumes of Intemodular plasma.
Cvni./1wtion anJ lheIormativn
of concretions
[n additiun to nodules of allochthonous origin,
whose nucleus consists of a more-or-Iess replaced
alterorclic, autochUlOnous nodules also can develop in
siw. Their constituents are derived directly rrom the
pedoplasma and as a result of its incorpOl-ation in the
concretion. This process of concretion formation is
very ditTerent from the prou:ss of cortification
described abo\'c. Concretions do not result from the
deveJo[Hnent of successive microlaycrs around a
nucleus. Rather, thev develop by irregular enlargement
of a tiny concretion, whose volume imTcases by incor-
403
pnrat..iol1 of \'olum~s of pedoplasma and skeleton
grains. The distribution of the.'ic skdetoIJ grains ,dthin
the concretionary nodule is similar to that observed in
the pedoplasma. They are onhic concretions. Differences
i.n extent of iron enrichment, which are expressed by
(ljlTercnces in opacit\", are common. Such concretions
sec m to be surrounded b.y a diHuse halo showing a
decreasing cootcnt of iron oxyhydroxides (depletion
halos). The concretions are more irregularly shaped
than are the cortex-covered altCn)relics described
above, although they abo have a tendency to be ciITU-
lar in cross-section. If tJle nodules are abuudant, the
true nature of the origi.nal malrix may be difficult to
idcntil"y. since most 01' the rnatrl.\ has been modified by
loss a.ml gain 01' iron oxide.
Where stt'ongly indurated, these nodules m,ly also
be surrounded eitller hy stress cutans showing a well-
oriented texture and birefringent fabric, or by illuvia-
tion cutans. The concretion may also develop around a
404
formerly den,]operl nodule of any composition and
origin. The newly formed concretion forms an exter-
nal rim a.round the older nucleus or nodulc.llw rlistri-
bution of the skeleton grains \,-ithin the concretion's
rim is similar to tllat of tlle internodular plasma, but it
may be different from Ulat of the central nucleus. Thes('
concretions of pedological origin are also possibly sub-
jected to processes of degradation, involving tlle dcvel-
opment of rarually or concentrically arranged Assures
and cracks. Loss or iron around the rim and along the
inncl' network of fissure.'i may occur at an advanced stage.
In envirorunents rich in smectitc-group minerals
along the lower slopes, small, spherical, millimetric
concretions of' manganese oxides and hydroxides also
may develop. These Mn-rich concretions may eventu-
ally be sunow1ded by a cortex showing accTetion of
ferruginous material. Witllin t.hese lower pranks, they
may be associated with variously sized and shaped nod-
ules and concretions of calcite.
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTtRATION AND WEATHERING
 FURTHER EVOLUTION

526
NODULE
DESTRUCTION IN AN
INTERMEDIATE SOIL
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

- 0.0 mm

527
NODULE
DESTRUCTION IN AN
INTERMEDIATE SOIL
Koua Bocca, COte d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

, I taken b'jbuted fissures (upper photo- be encountered arow1d such

of the same sample, show the
beginning of the destruction of the
noduJes. The process begins by the
formation and th(, opening of con-
centric curved internal fissul'es.
which divide the nodule into suc-
cessive shells and sepJratt' the
nucleus from its external cortex,
The cortex itself commonl)'
becomes broken up into sC\'eral
relics by the opening of radially dis-
gTaph). Thin scales and shells of the residues. The largest nodule in each
cortex may also be progrc-ssi\'cly photograph has already lost pan of
incorporated within the S·marrix by its cortex during a previous step of
the irregular penetration uf the degraJation, when displaced a.long
r)eripheral fissures inside of the the slope,
noduk (I0Wl:], photograph). The
separated parts are progressively
assimilated in the man-ix by dissolu-
tion of their iron content and bv
softening or their indurated mater·
ial. DiHuse fl'rruginous halos may

PART 4: lrrHORELlCS. ALTEROREl.ICS, NODULES AND f'JSOlITHS

405
FURTHER EVOLUTION

A c o
518
DISCORDANT CORTEX
ON DISPLACED
NODULE
Fragment of iron crust
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvolre
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

0.0 mm

519
DISCORDANT CORTEX
ON DISPLACED
NODULE
Colluvial lower slopes
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.3 m
Objective: x 2.5
XPL

to the pre,-ious case,
these two nodules underwent an
important displacement after their
cortex hold formed. They were bro-
ken, and their surfaces were eroded
before being again incorporated in a
lower calluvial matrix. In the first
photogrJ.ph, the broken nodule is
incorporated into the coIJu\'ial
matrix of thl:' middle part of the
lower slope, where the geocbemical
conditions promoted the formJ.tion
of a ne\v cortex, which is now dis-
corda.nt with respect to the earlier
cortt:x on the nodule. Residual
pores after quartz are similar to the
pores previously described.
In the second photograph, the
second cortex, cJiscordant un the
first-formed one, also has been
eroded during a further step of dis-
placement to the lowest parts of the
slopes. During the translocJ.tion of
the nodule, both generJ.tions of cor-
tex, as well as the included quartz
grJ.ins, 'vere eruded in a such a way
t.hat the final shape of the complex
nodule has become smooth and
elliptical. The very sandy smround-
ino-
D
matrix does not J.llow J. third
cortex to form, and the nudule
maintains the volume that it had J.t
the time of its deposition.

ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAl. ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

406
 FURTHER EVOLUTION

530,531
BROKEN NODULES
IN A LOWER
COLLUVIAL SOIL
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: I m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

- 1.0

0.0 mm

and broken nod-
B 11 I1
ules were deposited in the col-
IU\'ial material of the lo\\'cr slope,
on which recent soils developed.
The surrounding matrix contains
many uru;orted detrital grains at'
CJuartz. A granosrriated birefrin-
gence-fabric is clearly seen around
the spherical nodules (02), around
the broken nodules (A-B2), and
around the fragment.,; of cortex cortex developed around the largest
(0 I, C3). The presence of these
broken nodules and fragments of
nodule sho"'.', some discordances
bet\vc-cn its i.nternal microJarninae
cortex and, to a lesser extent, of the (05), wh.ich alsu prol"t~s its
unsorted CJuartz grains, proves that ,1!1ochthonous origin.
the complete spht'riLal nodules are
also displaced allochthonous nod-
ules. and thus not autochthonous
pedologiC'al features, formed in situ.
More careful observation on the

PART 4: UTHORELICS,ALTERORElIC5. NODULES AND P150LiTHS

407
FURTHER EVOLUTION
A c
of
quartz grJins in which some
grains exhibit the undulatory
extinction Ch<lr<lcterist ic of guartz
graiJ1s originating from veins or
from metamurphic intercalations.
The ,:xtemal shape of the quartz
part is very irregular, and exhibits
large embayments, which arc filled
hy a discontinuous cortex. Thi5 cor-
tex probahly' formed, at lea.st in
part, at the expense of altero-
408
D
532, 533
QUARTZ-BEARING
L1THORELIC
Superficial soil
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depch:O.3 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL
- /,0
0.0 mm
morph:> after feJdspars, whose very porous. The P<lrt <ldjacent to
external shape appears as a very the nodule exhibits the usuallY
smooth and regularly rounded sur- observed gTaDostriated birefrin-
1:1ce. During the prey-ious displace- gence-fabric. Detrital graim of
ment of this complex nodule, part bornblende, PFoxcnc and guartz
of the cortex was erodeo, wltich are widespread in the sw-rounding
resulted in the slight protrusion of S·m<ltrix.
the hard guartz graillS beyond the
generJl rounded envelope of the
nodule, 'lIld in the subseguent
roundness of the pronudillg guartz
grains. The pedulogical S-matrix is
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 FURTHER EVOLUTION

S14,SlS
SANDY COLLUVlUM
Lowest part of the slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.7 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPl

[" 0.0 mm

11' ofa soil developed (E4). and several coarse grain:> of coa.rse grains are uniformly SlU'-
C
l 11. \1

on sandy colluvial-alluvial
material on the lowest part of the
slope, in the vicinil')' of the Tare
River. The coarse fi-action of the
area photographed contains an
alterorehc after clinopyroxen..ittC
(C3), reeognizabl(" by its porous,
brown septo-aJt("rbmorphs after
clinop)TOXene, with a few opaque
grains of magnetite. se\'er-aI morc-
or-less rounded cortit-led nodules
quartz (E I). The fine sandy material rounded by a thin cover of well-ori-
is mainly composed of irregular or ented argilJaceous material. This
rounded grains 01 quartz mixed particular feature of the soil mater,
vvitll some detrital heav\' minerals: ial corresponds to a c:-pical chitonic*
clinopyroxene (A3, and to the right distrihution (Stoops & Jongerius
or the central alterorelic), horn- 1975).
blende (yello\\rish or brownish
grains at 03 and BI) and a curved
crystal of vermiculite (yellow elon-
gate en'stal to the lower right of the
central alteromorph). All these

PART 4: lITHOREUCS,ALTEROREllCS. NODULES AND PISOUTHS

409
FURTHER EVOLUTION

536
ACCRETION CORTEX
DEVELOPED ON
ALTERORELlC
Buried iron crust
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m

Objective: x 1.6
PPL

["
- "mm

537
ACCRETION CORTEX
DEVELOPED ON
ALTERORELlC
Buried iron crust
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m

Objective: X 2.5
PPL

1.0

0.0 mm

1 I. 'I 11' I 11 show
several alterorelics whose accre-
tion cortex has become sufflciently
thick to be linked by bridges. These
are formed, firstly, by the jWKtion
at points of contact bet\·n~eD two
adjacent nodules, and later, by se\"-
eral junctions with mon~ distant
nodules while the first-formed
bridges arc progressively widened. what more detai I, the contact area
On the short term, the curved gaps between two adjacent cortices and
between tJ1e bridged nodules are the eur\'(~d shape of the more exter-
occupied b)1 the original S-matrix nal laminae of the common cortex
,"vhieh, step by step, un.dergoes (B3).
simultaneolls induration by epige-
netic process'5 and formation of
residual pores by material loss. The
second illustration shows, in some-

ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAl ALTERAnON AND WEATHERING

410
 FURTHER EVOLUTION

538,539
AUTHIGENIC
CONCRETION
Lowest part of the slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.5 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

- 1.0

- 0.0 mm

T' n J JI iI' <111 1 pedological fea-

ture shown in these illustrations
is an autochthonous orrhic* concre-
tion formed by progressi\'e concen-
tntion of .iron oxyh)'drox.idt;"s in a
part of a qUJ.rt2-rich S-matrix
deposited in the lowest parts of the
landscape. In these colluv:ial sandy
soils, subrounded autochthonous
concretions art' commonly associ-
ated with well-rounded allochtho-
nous nodules CA2, AS), which
originate from the upper parts 01"
the slopes. The border- or the con-
cretion is irregular and sinuous, and
the general shape is largely ckpen-
dent on the abundance :lI1d size of
the sand grains, which are only par-
tially trapped in its external part.
The smaller the quarr-J: grains. the
smoother the external envelope of
the conc.retion. Once loo.'cned
from their matrix, such concretions
exhibit a very rough shape owing to
the great nwnber or partially pro-
truding quartz grains. The level of
the ind ur<ltion is Wlewn, because
ferruginous components are not
equally distributed in all parts of the
concretion. The upper left sector of
the concretion photographed is
much less indurated than its lower
rigbt part. A granostriated bireh'in-
gence-Fabric and hypocoatings are
observed in the matrix that sur-
rounds the concretion or along the
peripheral llssures. The indurated
parts of the concretion exhibit,
lmacr XPL, the birdringencl> usu-
ally observed in well-Clptallized
materials.

PART 4: UTHOREUCS,AlTl'ROREUCS. NODULES AND f'JSOLlTHS

411
FURTHER EVOLUTION
A c
ill lIS-
tr<lte concentric rims of newly
indl.lralcJ u(thi(* material around
early-k1rmed al1ochdlOll0US 17no(-
cI1ir;* nodules. TIle nucleus, which is
clearly rbtingui,hpd in the cClltrul
part of the mixed concretions, is, in
the noduil' on the leh. composed of
an irregularly cortitkd alt 'n,rclic
conraining large quart.z grains. The
nudcu, of the l1lJdule on the right is
412
o
540,541
MIXED CONCRETIONS
Lowest part of the slope
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0,3 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL
[' 0.0 mm
l'omposed or a very opaque m'lterial external limit of the iron-enriched
l'l.Jlltaining few \'eT" small grains of areas. III contrast tu the prelrious
quarlZ. The'se more-or-less well- CJst:(see 538 and 539), sharp
rounded nuclei ,1I'e SlIlTOllnded by a houndaries are observed all around
corona 01' more recentl" inrluraterl t.hl' t I\'(I concretions.
material in which the distribution of
\Jl(' quartz grains is obviously very
similar to thci r rlistribution in the
slLrrounding S-lllJtrix. Many quartz
grains, panially trapped by the con-
cretions, protrude hevolld the
Arw Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MIN'R.~l AlTERATlON AND WEATHERING
 FURTHER EVOLUTION

542,543
DESTRUCTION OF
INDURATED
FERRUGINOUS
CONCRETION
in old upper soils
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.2 m

Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

- 0.6

0.4

- 0.2

- 0.0 mm

T ' illus-
trate a ferruginous concretion
that t'ormed in ancient soils, now
eroded in the upper part of the
landscape. The luosened concretion
WilS recenthr embeJJed in the
upper mantle uf colluviurn, which
covers the soils and alteritcs formed
at U1C expense of ultrabasic rocks, at
a somewhat lower Inel of the
toposcquence.The limits of the con-
cretion arc irregular ;lnd poh'gonal.
A peripheral fissure completely sur-
rounds the main part of thl' concre-
tion. whneas some relics of
partially' iron-depleted material
(DE), CS) Jre [)rogrC'ssively incor-
porated into tl1(' surroundinc:
matrix. Quartz grains now protrud-
ing beyond the cuncrdiun werl'
prub;lbly entirely within the concre-
tion when its \'olume was more
extensivc. Enlbrionic internal con-
centric ,1nd radial fissures run
aruund the center of the concre·
tion; they ccrtainly will contribute
to it.s further disaggregation.

PAR, 4: L1THO!\ELlCS,AlTERORElICS, NODUliS AND P,SOUTHS

413
FURTHER EVOLUTION
illustrates
a spherical manganese.rich
concretion, regularly surroundeu by
a thin l'elTuginnus cortex. The opti-
cally opaque part of the nodule.
which can be likeneu to a nucleus,
exhibits the characteristic rounded
shape of most manganese-rich con·
actions formed ",irhjn the smec-
tite-rich soils clen:loped on ba~;jc
and ultrabasie rocks, in the lower
p.lrts of the landscapes. Usua'lly,
basic and ultrabasic rocks have man·
4/4
ganese contents higher than do sed-
imentary or granitic rocks. The
alterites and derived soi Is may show
relatively high contents of man-
ganese oxicles, commonly expressed
as smal.l spherical concretions. The
concretions at a given level are all of
equal size, and usually cia not
exceed a few millimeters, as in this
illustration. These concretions are
usually completely opaque, and they
clo not sho\v ally internal texture. In
most cases, these concretions are
ATlAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERJNG
544
MANGANESE
CONCRETION
Smeetite-rich soil on
lower part of the slope
Koua Boeea, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.5 m
Objective: x 4
PPL
0.6
0,4
0.2
- 0,0 mm
surrow1ded by a smooth iron-rich
cortex. whose orange calor sharply
contrasts witJ1 the black centrall)art
of the nodule. These nodules may he
"cry abundant and regularly distrib·
uted at some !cl'els of the IOpO'
sequences, a.nd they arc cOlllmonly
a.~sociated "",ith or within nodules of
micritic or sparinc calcite.
 C H.I
Bridged Nodules and the Development of Iron Crust
FTHE BHIDGF.D T -XnlRES
The phenomena that promote the development of
brjdge~ between neighboring cortex-covered nodules
can extend to most of the nodules of the horizon; by
the extension of such an intertextic* texture, a tru~
iron crust is progressively developed. All indurated
alterorelics and pedorelics, surrounded by their own
cortices, are linked together by indurated bridges that
exhibit a more-or,le~s banded interoal texhlrc. Inter-
connected I)ridges and nodules dhide the origina.lly
continuous pedoplasma or matrix into small isobted
Volwlles,
Before the induration of the nodules is complete,
the development of stress cutans is observed in tbe
pedoplasma areas located between two closely spaced
nodules. The..se cutans not only completely surround
the periphery' of the contiguous nodules, but they
become thicker and enlarged, by increased pressure,
within the narrow gap between them. These stress
cutans are expressed, in optical microscopy with
lTosse.d polarizers, as stTongly birefringent an'as. These
areas are the most suitable for further induration. As a
result, indur<lted bridges will form to weld the closest
relics. Mon: and morc relics are progressively linked
together owing to indurated bridges. In this way, vol-
umes of plasma arc ultimately isolated each from other.
Their further evolution can thus be arrested or
delayed. The cortification that devell)ps at their
expense locally b arrested, and can I)roceed on 1;-'
"vi thin the volumes of matrix Ulat <Ire still intercon-
nected, in wh.ich the quantities of argillac:eous pedo-
pbsmas and illuviations are sufficient to promote
pressure constraints.
MI ROMORPHOLO ,Y
Ln a detailed study <It <I seak- available by optical
microscop)', the c:ortification of bridges seems to be
still more complex. At the contact between two small,
sized nodules, the common cortex exhibits, in the area
of the joining bridge, a sufficiently reduced \-vidtll to
P T£ R 16
allow its complete, regular and uniform induration.
The bridge is induratcd throughout all its thickness, In
contrast, at the contact between two coarse-sized nod,
ules, the bridge Ulat contains the compres~ed plasma is
rather longer and larger. Consequently, its induration
caD proceed only at the rims of the bridge, which iso-
lates in it.s central area ~mall volumes of interstitial
plasma. These volumes are completely isolated, and
they normally cannot evolve fw,ther. Reconstructed iJl
three dimensions, these large bridges appe<lr as h:1)er-
boloid volumes, or as double cones opposed at their
apices, with indurated peripherall-ims, but whose ccn-
n'al part maintains an unindurated \'olume of plasma.
These volumes of plasm<l belong to the first genera-
tion. i.e., that plasma whidl, until this st<lge, sWTounds
the entire nodule.
Vv'ith aging, most volumes of plasma th<lt are iso-
lated within the bridges will become eru'iched in
hematitc.. will be indw'ated and will strenothen
0
the
pre\1ously formed and partly consolidated bridge.
Under some circumstances, in contrast, these volurncs
of plasma ",-ill disappear and will be replaced by pores.
The intertextic bridge is then reduced, if observed iD
thin section, to a kind of a "double tombolo*". Within
the external parts of these bridges, the intcrnodubr
areas of plasma, until now interconnected, continue
their evolution, on one lland, by progressive tJlickening
of the bridges and cortices that sU1Towld them and 1 on
the other, by dissolution and slow clearing of the con-
stituent clay miner<lls. A relative concentration of the
skeleton grains, which were originally included in
tJlcse volumes of plasma, is progressively· developed.
These gradually indurated horizons may be shal-
lowly buried, near the soil surface; <IS long as most
areas of pl<t>ma remain soft and interconnected, root
sections, charcoal fragments and coprolites may be
observed within them. \,yherc subjected to processes
of superfici<ll weathering, these volumes of plasma may
become exc<lvated and completely emptied. A low-
density iron-rich crust is then formed in which inter-
conn(·cte<.l. alveolar, amoeboid elllpt y pores are
observed. Under conditions of normal burial, how-
ever, these \'ollm1es of plasmJ are !lot removed. \\fith
aging, these residual \'olumes of plasmJ of the first
generation are replaced by skell'tal, sandy and porous
mJteri.us that form a second generation of' pedo-
pla"ma. This latter pedoplJsma exhibits a comp03ition
and a texture \'Cry cliilerent from those in pedoplasma
of the first generation, such as it can still be observed
in the Ct:ntnl part of the bridges.
Around these evoh-ing areas of pedoplasma, the
[Jrocess of cortincation continues. The nodular concen-
tric cortices and the lnnded cortices of the intertextjc
bridges are gradually thickened. The volumes of the
internodular plasma progreSSively decrease wltil they
become ultinutcly isolated and disconnected by the
thickening of the banded cortices and by the obstruc-
tion of the connections; they stop their evolution, and
become fossilized at \-arious st,lges of thcir degrada-
tion. Tbe last elementary microlayers of the banded
cortices form by accretion upon the previous ones.
The)' are thus microlayers of cennifugal cortiikation
(with respect to the nodules), although the progressive
decrease of the central \Tllwne of plasma, at the
expense of which the thickening of' the cortex takes
place, rJther sugg<:,sts a centripetal process of cortifica-
tion (\vith respect to the \'olume of plasma).
111e \'olumes of plasma mJy also be indurated
without any obseJ'\'able cortification. They then
become distinguishable from indurJted alterorelics,
from which they are separated by regularly concentric
or distorted handed cortices, on]v by their cliJTerent
colors, hardne;;s, porosity or mic.Totextun:.
A first generation of iron crust is formed
which, later, will evolve, according to its own rules
under the repeated and alternating conditions of
dissolution, of internal displacements and trans-
fers of material, and of recrystalliution, to pro-
duce indurated iron crusts such as they are
observed today.
Ultimately, the protonoclular iron crust, at the end
of its evolution, contains four mineralocrlcallv
'=' • Jnd tex-
turally distinct parts.
416
The nu ]'i
The nuclei of all nodules are indurated altcrorelics
of lruscellaneous original rocks, especially in the case
of a Imver-slope deposit, whose internal fabric is gen-
erally obscured or desnoyed. Most relics have been
disl.llaced before their weathering and before their
induration. They ,lre commonly goethitc-, hematite-
or, in some instances, mmganese-rich nodules. They'
may contain grains of qUJ.rtz and other n:sicluJ] miner-
als if their origin allows it. These nuclei also contain the
internal part of the cortex, which results from partial,
[.leripheral and centripetal qJigenetic replacement. In
many cases, this internal cortex is composed only of
goethitc, ill which the SJme residual minerals as those
obsen'ed in the nucleus CJn perhaps be included.
The con enlric and interconnected cortice.'i
The ,'oncentric cortices t.hat surround the al terordics
Jnd the handed cortices thJt join them do not exhibit any
signi6cant differences of composition or mic:rotexture.
Both have evolved directly from cllt' internodular pedo-
plasmas. The concentric cortices commonly c0nsist of
goethite without hematite, whereas the banded cor-
tices commonly. consist of discontinuous lavers of
.
hematite alternJting with continuous layers of
goecl1ite. The residual minerals that may occur within
these cortices are essentiaLly clHJSe that are observed in
)
the intcrnodular plasma. After their incorporation
within the accretion cortex, minerals such as quartz, in
geochemical disequilibrium with tl1eir iron-rich en\"i-
ronment, may be completely dissolved, yielding empty
pores.
fhe 1ClraC I' lumc? ofpla -ma
The laraE l'Olumcs ~rplasma, in man)' cases, rich in
skeleton grains oC quartz, correspond to more-or-Iess
isolated relics of the pedoplasmas, in which the
alterorelics were embedded before- their cortiflcJtion
began. The composition of the internodular pl<L~mas is
highly variable. it depends on the petrographic and
mineralogkalnature of the parent rocks, on the pedo-
logical processes, and on miscellaneous processes of
near-surface origin. They may be argillaccoLls or rich in
skeleton grains; the clay minerals may consist of kaolin-
ite or a member of the smectite group; their content of
iron and of organic matter strongly depends on their
location at the proI1le and landscape scales. These pbs-
mas may lose their clay-mineral content, either by
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
dissolution or by mechanical tr.msfer. Very porous vol-
umes are the only result, and residual skeleton grains
arc freely distriouted in them.
The mall ,"olumes vI plasma
The small l'olllmC.I ~r plasma, of U1C same origin as
the larger \'olurncs out isolated in tl1e bridges and cut
ofT from an)' external transfer, "re not involved in tlle
general evolution of the progressively indurated hori-
zon. At the beginning, their composition is similar to
that or the slllTounding pedoplasma. Subsequently,
within the cortified bridges, their composition evoh-es
very 510\" I)', either by alveolization and by formation of
practically closed empty pores, or by addition or iron
and enrichment in hematite. Both types of plasmas, the
~Jrst one fossilized wiUlin the bridges, We second more
or less c\'olved \\ithin the large internodular volumes,
can be observed together in the same sample at the
scale of a thin section.
DlSClI, SI
The \'arious textures of the plasmas commonly
observed in the most widespread iron crusts do not
necessarily result from successive steps of replacement
of the ground mass by v.1rious generations of plasmas
(due to pedoturbation, epigenetic replacement.';, disso-
lution, displacements of materi"l, intern<ll erosion and
infilling). These processes, although often invoked, do
not account for the variations in color, induration,
porosity, microtextures, geocnemical content and min-
eral assemblages of the different parts of the Iron
crusts, as observed in U1in sections, Instead, U1C appar-
PART 4: LlTHORB.ICS, ALTIRORElICS. NODULES AND PISOUTHS
cnt successive step~ of formatioo or replacement of the
plasmas may simply be due to differential evolution of
the original plasma. Domains of plasma may still be
interconnected (and thus subject to Further evolutioo),
or they may be' isolated by surrounding cortices and
bridges, in which case they are temporarily fossilized,
without fw·thef evolution.
T he observation of a given area of iron crust
in thin section corresponds only to the "instanta-
neous" observation of a domain of a complex
material whose various parts are each evolving at
very different rates.
The intermediate steps of e\'olution are only rarely
obscrvable in a single thin section. as it is representa-
tive of a very small vol'ume of the material. The
chronology of these intermediate steps can be deduced
only' by careful and o'itical obsenation of large-sized
thin sections, prepared from a series of samples regu-
larly and closely spaced iJl tbe profile. Such observa-
tions, at a microscale, usually cannot be performed by
c\i.'eel: observations in the field. Patterns of spatial dis-
tribution and genetic relationships cannot be easily
deduced from observations of the profile at the
macroscale. Furthermore, the charactcr of a given
area, either interconnected or isolated, is not obviously
detectable in thin sections, even in the largest-sized
sections. because the interconnections or the separa-
tions are vcry complicated, intricate and, in most
cases, perceptible ollly ill the third dimension.
417
CORTICES AND BRIDGES
r I phow-
micrograph shows a fragment
of iron crust transporteu dnJ now
bllried in colluyial material. The
fr'lgmcnt of crust i~ slightly
inuuratlxl, and it~ cohesion is due
only to the num",rol1S indl1rat",d
bridges to the aUjaccnt cortilleJ
nodules. These arc spherical, and
they exh..ibit a cortex whose thick-
ness is related to the period of time
during which the lithorelics were
embeddeJ wiUlin a matri.x fin·orable
to their cortifiCJtion. That cortifica-
tion has continued at the expense of
the S-matrix, and the last-formed
laminae have bridged. one after the
other, nearly all the nodules
obsC'rved here; the first-formed
bridges (A 1-2) arc slightly wider
than are the more recent bridges
(( I, (4), and several nodu les do
not seem bonded together (E4). In
th..is last case, the contact may be
beyond the plane of the th..in sce·
418
tion l but the neighboring volumes
or interstitiul plusma arc stjll inter-
connected. The- residual i.nterstitial
volumes of plasma are Widely inter-
connected during the first steps of
the cartiIlcatian. Gradually, as the
cortices grow, the residual volumes
uf pla.sma become smaller and
smaller, and uJtimatel~' more and
more isolate-d . .As long as they are
connected and as long as free circu-
lation llf water allows the cortex tll
grow ut the expense of the plasma,
its evolution is supported, and the
\'olume of plasma progressi\'t'\Y and
proportionally decreJses. The guan-
titics of \vater percolating among
the nodules bccome proportionally
more and more important, and
many volumes or plasma lose their
clay content and leave a very porous
n:,~iduc composed of sand pJrticles.
As soon as these residual volumes
are completely iSlllated, their evolu·
tion fol!m·\·, a different path, which
ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WfATHERING
S4S
EVOLUTION OF THE
RESIDUAL VOLUMES OF
PLASMA IN INDURATED
IRON CRUSTS
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL
ro
0.0 mm
consists of their slllw replacement
by hematite. The H,r)' small resirlual
volumes, which appear in the cen-
tral area of dle briJges, are guick\y
and completely isolated from the
general cI'olution of the residual S·
matrix. As soon as they arc isolated,
they are repbcC'd by hematite with-
out passing through a step of ICuch-
ing. This photograph cxhihits many
residual \'olumes of S·matrix, most
of ",·hich are probably intercon-
nected in the third dimension. Most
exhibit the initial aspect of the
ulltTafL~rormerl matrix.

546
EVOLUTION OF THE
RESIDUAL VOLUMES OF
PLASMAININDURATED
IRON CRUSTS
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
10
0.0 mm
and th("
next one, show, in sOllle detail,
the mi<::romorphology of the
bridges that bind adjacent nodules.
In particular, they illustrate the
morphology of the residual volumes
of plasma trapped with.in them.
This photograph shows \vide
bridges interconnecting at least four
nodules (1\1, B3, El and E4). The
largc'st nodule, on the left, appears
(in the plane of the thin section) as a
polar section of a still ,vider nodule;
only the external hematitc- and
goethite-rich laminae of its cortex
are. \isible, whereas its nucleus lies
beyond the thin section. The brgest
PART 4: UTHORELlCS. ALrE.~ORWCS. NODULES AND P'SOUTHS
one on the right is an eguatorial sec-
tion of a nodule, in which both
nucleus and cortex are distinctly
\isible. The external part of the
main bridge, which binds together
the nodules at B3 and E4, consists of
a continuous thick lamina of
goethite-rich material, which is in
textural continuity with the e.xter-
nal part of both adjacent cortices.
This lamina alternately follows nod-
ules and bridges, and it probably b
continuous o\'er long distances. The
inner part ot the main bridge COI1-
sists of a volume of interstitial S·
matrix, which was quickly trapped,
and which was later rCI)laced by
CORTICES AND BRIDGES
hematite. Traces of the former gra-
nostriated birefringcncc-fabric are
still distinguishable where hematite-
rich and goetJlitc-rich bands alter-
nate. Scales of red plasma were aJ~o
irregularly incorporated into the
nodule during the' formation of its
yellow cortex. Umnodilied residual
voltmH~s of interstitial S-matrL.x are
visible as dark aDd porous amoeboid
island~, at C2 and CS.
419
CORTICES AND BRIDGES
A c
T . I I I I shows a
complex bridge that binds two
main nodules (BI and ABCOES) to
a third ant" (02), which is just dsi-
blc- as a polar section in its external
cortex. The large triarlsJUlar bridge
shows the diJferent steps in the
incorpOl'ation and induration of the
interstitial matrix. At B3, scales of
420
D
547
EVOLUTION OF THE
RESIDUAL VOLUMES OF
PLASMA IN INDURATED
IRON CRUSTS
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil suriace
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
1.0
0.0 mm
red plasma malTix are incorporated
within the goethite-rich laminae of
the cortex. At C2, indurated yel-
tajne.d beyond the nodules and the
bridges. The partial leaching of their
cIa: content pl"Omotes the forma-
lowish and reJdjsh plasma contains tion of sandy and very porous
some quartz, grains. At 03, in an residues.
incipiently replaceJ, reddish brown
\'o[wne, the original textural fabric
is maintained. At B I and E2, vol,
wncs of S-matrix plasma are main-
ATlAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATlON AND WEATHER.ING

548
EVOLUTION OF THE
RESIDUAL VOLUMES OF
PLASMAININDURATED
IRON CRUSTS
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 1.6
PPL
[" O,Omm
and the
T
I I III " I "I I I
next one, show the marromor-
phology of a \'ery porous iron crust
formed at the expense of an S-
matrix that originally contained
many small allochthonous altero-
relics. Parts of the concentric lami-
nae of the cortex that den·loped
arOlmd the altcrorclics may have
formed before deposition of the
nodules in the S-matrix. The small
size of the noduJes allows the pho-
tographs to show proportionally
wider parts of the iron crust, to
understand the dl/'onology of it5
formation, and to better \isualize
the succes,;ve inheritances and the
evolutionary steps or its compo-
nents. At the begirming, the S·
matrix occupied all the a~'ailablc
volume among the alteTorclics. The
Jocation or the geometric center of
all these alterorelics has probably
not heen modified during all the
PART 4: LITHOREUCI, ALTIROREUC5. NODULES AND P150UTHI
further steps in the transformation.
It is an isovolumctric transForma-
tion ~\ithin an Ulldi.sturbed material.
The photomicrograph clearl.v
shows tJle chrono)ogy of the evolu-
tion of the indurated iron crust. In
the Il.rst step, all tJle alterordics are
progressively surrounded by a fur-
ther cortex, which dc\'Clops either
at the expense of the volume of the
surrounding matrix or by cOllcen-
tric juxtaposition or thin laminae
formed by crystallization of
goethit(· in th(' peripheral fissures.
In tJle second step, as th", size of the
nodules gradually increases, some
of them hecome sufficiently close to
eal·h other to allow bridges to form.
Small volumes of S-Djao'ix that ar",
trapped within the bridges (B4. E2)
are slowly indurated by replace-
ment by hel11atite. In the th.ird step,
the first-formed bridges are pro-
grC"ssively widened, and some of
CORTICES AND BRIDGES
them may Link several nodules (C3).
Concomitantly, the tota'l volume of
the residual S-mat:rix progressi vel)'
decreases. In the fourth step, as
soon as large bridges that join many
adjacent nodules are formed, the
residues of plasma, which up to this
point were interconnected, sud-
denjy a.Te isolated (D3), and their
further evolution is suppressed. The
volumes thilt arc still intercon-
nected are suhjected to a leaching
process, b:, proportional increase in
the \'otume of percolating water,
and dley lose most of their day con-
tent (CDEl, D5).
421
CORTICES AND BRIDGES
A c
I Oill that these volumes really origi-
of the: same sample of iron crust
as in photomicrograph 548 shows
better t.be \'ery porous sandy
residucs after the S-tnatrix has lost
its clay component~. It seems obvi-
422
D
549
EVOLUTION OF THE
RESIDUAL VOLUMES OF
PLASMA IN INDURATED
IRON CRUSTS
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
- 1.0
0.0 mm
certainly would exhibit a conccnO-ic
nate from the original S-matrix, and or a crescentic texture:, similar to
not from the jnfjl ling of <l.lIochtho- that usually observed in clay
nous material into previously deposits, either in open pores and
lormed empty coonected pores. In Cissures or in biopedotubules.
this latter case, indeed, the inflllings
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEI\AL ALTEI\ATION AND WEATHERING
 CORTICES AND BRIDGES

A c D
sso
EVOLUTION OF THE
RESIDUAL VOLUMES OF
PLASMA IN A NODULE-
POOR, BURIED IRON
CRUST
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL

[' 0.0 mm

ss.
EVOLUTION OF THE
RESIDUAL VOLUMES OF
PLASMA IN A NODULE-
POOR, BURIED IRON
CRUST
Koua Bocca. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL

show
the evolution of remnants of the
S-matrix where nodules and mab'ix
exhjbit an open porphyric* distribu-
tion. The matrix can evolve over
long periods of time before being
d.ivided into isolated volumes hy the
growth of cortices and bridges,
formed around the included nod-
ules. A cortex lint cle\'elops around
each nodule, and grows until the
distance between adjacent nodules
becomes sufficiently small to pro-
mote the (ormation of a bridge. A
common and continuous cortex is
then formed around the bridged
noc:Jules. Such a cortex is formed at
the expense of remnants of the
mab·ix. Each contorted or sinuous
cortex progressi\Tly becomes more
and morc circular in shape as the
thickness of the cortex gradually
increases, and as the volumc of
rcsic:Jual matrix decreases. The
matrix is progressively repJaced in a
centripetal process of cortification.
All the concentric microlaminae
result from a progressive cortillca-
tion of the surrounding nodu les
v"'hich, previously isolated from
each other, now form a complex
macronodule. From a genetic point
of view, all cortices arise by true
centrifugal accretion arowHJ nod-
ules, and not hy centripetal replace-
menLThe pattern of evolution of
the remnants of matrix, once com-
pletely isolated, is developed as pre-
\'iollsl} describeu.

PART 4: UTHORELICS. AUERORELlCS. NODULES AND PISOLrTHS

423
 CH.UTE R
Pisoli ths in Ba uxi te
Beneath laterilic plateaus, whose bau;<itk cover
cmibits isalteritic or alloteritic textures, a different
type of bauxitic crust is commonly observed. It
exhibits a very dlaracteristic pisolitic tex.ture, and a
practic<lll~· constant habit. This kind of bauxitic mater-
ial is mainly characterized by the abunda.uce of
pisoliths, which are spherical nodules, typicaUy lour to
eight millimeters in diameter, composed of an untex-
rured and homogeneous nucleus uniformly sur-
rounded by a more-or-Iess regular cortex. The
interstitial \"olume between the pisoliths consists of a
very fme-sized, indurated and generally featureless
matrix. The pisolitic bauxite,;, where they have not
underg0l1e further degradation, are compact, and vary
from red to re<ldish browo, the nuclei of the pisoliths
generally showing a slighuy darker co·lor ulan the inkr-
stitial matrix. In a given sample of induratecl bauxitic
crust, most of the pisoliths arc equally sized, exhibit a
cortex of constant thickness, and are homogeneously
djstributed. ~ "
Most examples of pisolitic bauxite are strongly
indurated. Their mineralogical composition is rela-
tively uniform; they consist of an intimatc mixture of
bohmite and hematite. Gibb:iite and goetrute are rarely
encountered in undegracled pisolitic bauxites, and
residual OlLnerals (kaolirute and quartz) are practically
never encountered. Pisoliu\S can be so abundant that
where observed on a cut sample of rock or in thin sec-
tions, the hau;xitc seems to be composed of closely
spaced, practically joined pisoliulS separated from each
other hya minor amow1t of interstitial matrix. Never-
theless, even in the case of very closely spaced pisolihs,
polygonal sections of pisoliths and common cortices
joining neighboTing pisoliths are never observed. These
textmes and compOSitions are typical facies of the
pisohtic bauxjtes.
Detailed field and labor(ltory studies have pro-
duced pertinent data about ule mechanisms involved in
17
the formation of pisolitic bauxhe (Boulange J 970,
1984, 130cquier el af 1983). These mechanisms of
formation are determined by the reciprocal and ,)\'er-
lapping intlue_nces of micrornorphologica.\, mineralog-
ical and geochemical processes. In subsccluent
discussions, the geochemical processes responsible will
be only alluded to brieHy, (lncl the description of the
mechanisms involvcd ,,,ill be reduced to the minimum
necessary for an easy understanding of the micromor-
phology of both undisturbed or degraded pisolitic
bauxites and of their lateral distribution in the land-
scapes.
Residual latel"itic bauxite, which caps the highest
plateaus, is characterized by relatively uniform and
macroporous crystalliplasmas of gibbsite and hemalite,
in some cases associated with minor amowlts of
goethite. In the opinion of the abO\·e-menlioned
autl10rs, tbe formation of pisolitic bauxite results from
the late in siw transformation of isalteritic or alloteritic
ferruginous bauxite by geochernical processes, variable
in terms of time and space, and which ilre responsible
for alternations of LnCI'Casc and decrease of ule iron
content of the residual bauxjte.
In a first step, relict nodules of lateritic bauxite are
formed by Ule progressi\"C replacement of the macro-
porous gibbsitc"rich crystalUplasma* by an internodular
blihmite- and hematite-bearing plasma wbose micro-
Porosity" has favored the destabilization of the b9ibbsite
and its replacement by ule relatively less hydrated
bOhmite. In u1is way, residual nodules are formed from
a residual aluminous and ferruginous bauxitic crust, by
centripetal concentntion of iron. These reJiC1 nodules
thus become completely surrounded by a bohmite-
bearing and iron-rich internodular pla~ma. Note that
this progressi\·e transformation is performed in situ
without any crumbling or decrease in the hardness and
compactness of the bauxitic O"ust. AIJ parts of the rdict
nodules m.1Y finally disappear in favor of the inter"
nodular plasma, which progressively extenJs through-
out the' entire volume of the original bauxite.
During a second step, wruch can be synchronous
with the first one, new nodules if plasma are formed by
internal diff"Tentiation within this bohmite- and
hematite-I-ich internoduJar plasma. -nlese nodules are
roundish and ex.hibit the habit and ~ize of we nuclei of
the later-formed pisoliths. They are slightly more iron-
rich than the internodular plasma.
During a third step, a new pr()ces~ of nodule for-
mation leads to the redistribution of the iron and to all
In(mnodular d!fJerwrimion by centrifugal concentration
of iron. If the centnJ part 01' the nodule is completely
iron-depleted, the bohmitc itself ca.n be destabiJized
and replaced by new crystallipJasmas of gibbsite. mtel··
nally zoned nodules an:: formed, around which a peri.
nodular void is progressively den~l()ped. This void may
be responsible for Jater destabilizalion of the inter-
nodular plasma aDu later transf'ormation of its bolmlite
content into new generatiom of gibbsite. Iron-rich
perinodular c()rtices are progressively formed around
the nuclei of the nodules of plasma, and true charac-
teristic pisoliths are flnally formed.
FORMATION OF PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE
(AFTER BOULANGE 1984)
PisOlitiC bauxfte may form at the expense of
either isalteritic or alloteritk baUXite. In either
case, the transformation involves the degradation
of bauxite in a fluctuating geochemical environ-
ment, in which iron is in some instances added,
whereas in others, it is lost. The transformation
influences, at the same time, geochemical, miner-
alogical and structural aspects of the assemblage.
In parallel, there are adjustments concerning the
nature of the hydroxide of aluminum.A transfor-
mation of gibbsite to bohmite accompanies the
net addition of iron, whereas the converse trans-
formation accompanies the net loss of iron. Inas-
much as migration of iron and modifications of
minerals are important, the formation of pisolitic
bauxite also has a structural dimension. Nodules
and concretions are degraded in a centripetal
fashion in an environment of iron loss, whereas
nodules form and accretion on the cortex occurs,
with centrifugal migration of iron, in an environ-
ment in which iron is added. The formation of
pisolitic baUXite, therefore, is the result of a
degradation, accompanied by the formacion and
evolution of glaebules*, at the expense of either
isalteritic or alloteritic baUXite.
426
01."'1 RlBLJTTO IN THI; L NDSCAPE
The mode 01' formation of the corti fled pisoliths
shows some analogies with the themes developed in
previous chapters concerning the formation of the cor-
tifled nodules and their evolution in the pedoplasmas.
In light of the discussion that came before, explanations
can novv be given abollt the formation of pisolitic
bauxjte.
The chronological development of the successive
steps involved in the formation of pisoliths and pisolitic
bauxites, and of their specific distribution in the land-
scapes, is given below to aliow the reader to get a bet-
ter understanding of the geomorphological and
mio'omorphological processes involved, both at the
scale of the landscape and of the thin section.
Geomorphological and sedimentary processes are
described here as being the dominant controls on the
chronology of the events involved in the formation of
pisolitic bauxite, even though geochemical processes
also are J'esponsible for details of the formation and
developme.nt of the observed microtext1.lres.
This short section will be \Hitten with fewer'
details than the former ones. Geomllrphological obser-
vations !ieem sufl-lcic-nt to provide the general basis of
the origin of these pisolitic bauxites.
Remark The proposed explanations result
from careful observations of thin sections of the
author's own collection, and of many additional
thin sections of pisolicic bauxices from Coce
d'lvoire, kindly placed at his disposal by B.
Boulange.
n ion oj th..: bau.\ir-ic prujiles
Beneath the lateritic bauxitic crusts that cover the
tops of the plateaus, developed in some cases Over a
thickness of ten to fifteen meters or more, a very thick
and poorly indurated alloteritic or isalteritic weathered
mantle is generally observed. It developed by the
weathering of' schists and various metabasic rocks that
constitute the volcano-sedimentary basement of most
bauxitic plateaus of the Cote d'lvoire. Diabase also was
observed, for example. in the complex basement of the
Ol'Umbo Bocca (Boulangc J 984-). Subjected since the
early Tertiary to strong weathering and p1"Ocesscs of
erosion, such areas of bauxite have been progressively
reduced to the stlte of residual plateaus. On their
slopes, and under a more recent cover of colluv·ium,
trunc<lted isaltelitic horizons are observed. whereas
near the top of the slopes, the very thick bauxitic crust
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MfNEI\AL ALTEI\ATlON AND WEATHERING
forms a subvertical and subcontinuous cJiff, some tcn
meters high.
Deposition C?I" clayey material
Oll the: slope.
Processes of erosion are responsible For the
removal of enormous volumes of subjacent loose allo-
teritic and isalteritic mateliaJ.s, originally protected by
the indurated baLLxitic cOI·er. These materials were
spread out on the slopes of the residual plateaus. Sev-
eral successive pedogenetic processes have acted upon
these materials. The resulting kaol.i.n.ite-rich colluvium
has the dark red coloration characteristic of soils anel
near-surface materials developed under humid tropical
conrntions.
Si.milar processes of progressive and continuous
erosion have led to similar results over very long peri-
oels of time. Red materials, more recently cleared off
from the level just below the indurated bauxite (and
thus not indurated), are now visible in proximity to
some cliff of bauxite near the summit. Tbese reworked
materials are actively used either as pottery material
for their high clay content, or as support for cacao
plantations owing to their fertility and favorable tex-
ture. These red kaolinite-rich materials are generally
very homogeneous and well sorted. Tbey only contain
very small red papules* and small bauxitic or ferrugi-
nous relics. The sand fraction of this material, derived
from the weathering of schistose volcano-sedimentary
rocks, is very minor or nonexistent. Some horizons, at
a depth of one to two meters, although not indurated,
are not used for pottery because they contain abundant
pisohtic nodules.
These spherical nodules have formed in variable
quantities depending upon the local conditions of
drainage, the composition or texture of the colluvial
material, and the depth of the Don-eroded subjacent
autochthonous material. It is likely that similar clayey
deposits, \vith similar pisolitic nodules, have formed
during the Tertiary along all the slopes around the pro-
gressively diminishing near-summit bauxite. Over this
long period of time. these deposits have progressively
disappeared by erosion either before or after their
induratiou. Only residual indurated blocks are noW
scattered on these old surfaces.
Within a given volunle of the slope cover, the
argillaceous red material is uniformly textured, and its
composition and properties are very constant. This is
the reason why, upon appearance of nodules in the
material, the distribution, the size and the shape of the
nodules are similar. Nodule formation starts w'ith a
PAFO" 4 ; LITHOREUCS. ALTEAORELIC-S, NODULES AND P1S0LlTl-tS
small centripetal increase of the iron content at the
expense of the iron contained in the internodular
malJ'ix \vhich, as a result. becomes slightly iron-
depleted. Since the average iron content of the original
material is relatively high, the threshold of induration
is quickly rea.ched. All newly formed nodules are small
and equal in size, and the difference in calor is small
between the slightly Fe-enriched nodules and the
slightly Fe-depleted internoduJar material.
As soon as tillS induration threshold is reached,
regular cortices fonll all around the previously formed
nodules. As is the case with the residual nodules
described earlier, accretion cortices have developed
around these indurated noduJes at the expense of the
red and unindurated interstitial matrix. As the material
and the process involved are similar, the thickncss of
the cortices developed around all the indurated nod-
ules is similar. A first type of indurated pisoliul, each
one containing a distinct nucleus and a cortex, has been
formed during this first step of formation of the future
pisolitic baLLxite. Tbe indurated pisoliths are regularly
disb'ibuted vvitllin an unindurated clayey malJ-ix.
THE CLAYEY PARENT MATERIAL
Thin sections of such a clayey matriX, from
the author's own collection. were recemly swd-
ied by R. Boulet. a pedologist with ORSTOM, who
has given the follOWing micromorphological
descriptions.
Arrangement: The arrangement varies
from agglomeroplasmic, or micro-aggregated. to
porphyroskelic\ with all possible intermediates.
The micro-aggregated domains consist of roundish
elementary aggregates (50 ~m across) commonly
grouped in larger and more angular aggregates
(250 ~m across). The porphyroskelic domains are
criss·crossed by numerous thin polyconcave
fissures.
Skeleton; It is a very componem minor and
composed of a few quarcz grains (10 to 500 ~m
across). part of which is commonly corroded.
Plasma: The red-colored plasma is very
finely granular in PPL, with ortho-bimasepic* ori-
emations in XPL. Plasma separations (oriented
striations) are Widespread within the plasma and
also (they are the most distinctly observed) around
the micro-aggregates. Within the porphyroskelic
domains. the plasma separations delimit circular
domains whose diameters vary from 50 to
150 ~m.
PedoJosicaJ featuJ'es; (a) Orange-colored
argillans. well oriemed in XPL, with a rolling extinc-
tion. are mainly concemrated in few domains.
427
 some of which have a biological origin. (b) Rare
gibbsite-rich pedorelics appear with opaque
plasma in PPL. which appears dark red in XPL
(with condenser lens). Some opaque grains (mag-
netite) are observed. (c) Ferruginous concentra-
tions occur. locally with diffuse margins in the
vicinity of voids (quasiferrans*). Hydromorphic
characters are weakly and locally developed.
Voids: An interaggregate porosity is well
developed in the micro-aggregated domains.
whereas in the porphyroskelic domains. the
porosity is much less developed and reduced to
fissural polyconcave voids.
b' IUfion o(the clayey material
Both pisoliths and matrix in these old, soft, nod-
ule-conta..i.n.ing, near-sw-facc materials can later bc
completely Lndurated (to give piwlitic ba\L'Xite of the
first generation); in contrast, they may have been
newly eroded, transported downward and deposited
on thl" lo\",,-c'l' part~ of the slopes, After having been
indurated, they fm'm pisolitic bauxite of a secund gen-
crJtion. During this later process of erosion, pisolitk
nodules arc "cleaned" and separated from thei.r soft
matrix, the-y are transported, eroded, they may be bro-
ken into pieces. and mixed together with other
pedol-eHcs or other fragments of baux..i.te. Many
pisoliths, when denuded and exposed to surncial
processes, arl" cut by radjally or conceotrically
arranged fissures tbJt facilitate their later fragmenta-
tion. All bave lost their surroundi.ng soft matri x. The
mJteriJI that is deposited down-slope may be enriched
or depleted in pisoliths reldtive to the original mater-
ial. The pisolitic hauxites of the second generation
seem to be much more widespread in the landscapes
than the pisoliLic materials of the nrst generation,
whose occurrence is restricted to small areas irregu-
larly distributed around the bauxitic cliffs of the sum-
mital plateaus.
Pro e, s '?f induration and development
<?lpisoJitic ballxit(·
The fw"ther induration of the internodular matrix,
i.n the pisolitic material of either first or second gener-
ation, gi\'es way to piSOUlic bauxite by weathering of
the kaoli.nitc content of tbl" material and its replace-
ment by bi:ihmite, in these finely porous and practically
anhydrous media. The iron hydroxides are converted to
hematite. The i.l1durated pisolitic bauxite of the first
generation and that ot' the second generation are not
identical. Whereas all the pisoLths are of equal size,
428
closcl)1 spaced and uniformly distributed i.n ba\Lxite of
the first generation, the pisolitb observed in bauxite of
the second generation are heterometric, and most of
them exhihit broken cortices and even broken nuclei.
These fragments are sUI-rounded by a new aggradatiol1
cortex, which is now discordant on the relics of the
cortices of first generation that were spared during the
b-ansport of the individual pisolith. The pisoliths may
also be mixed \·vith indurated relics of different mate-
dais. In some cases, large munded fragments of
pisolitic ha\Lxite of the- nrst generation have been
observed within pisolitic bauxite of the second gener-
ation. In pisolilic bauxite of the first generation, the
pisoliths ma), be more nwnerOllS, as the)' are closely
spaced or even touching each other, whereas t11eir dis-
tribution is generally more dispersed and irreguLu i.n
pisolitic bauxjte of till" second generation. Regularly
shaped pisoliths newly formed in .lieu may develop
\vith:i.n t.he secondary material before its latel- i.ndura-
tion. These are mixed with previously formed pisoliths
and pedorelics. Two similar familie.~ of pisoliths thus cm
be encountered in bauxite of the second generation.
Regardless of their nature, thl: pisoljths of the flrst
generation, once they are embedded in bauxite of the
second generation, never exhibit n"aces or relics of the
original interstitial matrix attached to their cortex.
This observation shows that at the lime of their erosion
from the l'irst-pisolith-bearing horizon, the interstitial
matrix was soft and unindurated. This propert),
allowed the cleaning of the external surfaces of the
transported pisoljths. It is only much later that the
pisolitic horizons of the fi.rst generation (th0se not
removed by erosion), and those of the second genera-
tion (which were formed at the expense of tbe first-
generation piso[iths), become well induraterI by
replacement of the kaolinite content of' the interstitial
matrix by a b6hmite-rich material a.ssociated with uni-
formly distributed hematite. This hematite gi.ves the
bauxite its characteristic red coloration.
Pnifile of the pisoJitic bauxite
All OCCUITences of pisolitic bauxite, which a.re
essentially dc\'eloped from collu\'ial materials, are now
observed as d..i.scordant bodies re$ting upon subjacent
alterites and rocks. A gap generally exists between
these lower in siw materials and the allochthonous
pisoUtic bauxit.e. at the top of the profile. Transitional
borizons between the $aprolite and the pisoLitic baux-
ite are never observed. The gap corresponds to a phase
of erosion that has notched the basement headward and
that preceded the deposition of materials derived
upstream.
A1l.AS OF MIC~OMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTffiAnON AND WEATHERING
 Most of these occurrences of pisolitic balLxite are
now dismantled. Blocks and boulders of more or less
degraded pisolitic bauxite arc scattered on the upper
parts of the slopes developed around the remaining
plateaus of latcritic bauxite. The pisolitic bauxite,
which is also a very old near-surface formation, has
been actively eroded since the Tertiary. New erosional
glacis* have been formed beneath and downs lope of
the pisolitic horizons, whose relics are now scattencd
either on the slopes of the main baUXite-bearing
plateaus or on the top of the surrounding residual small
hills that tbe pisoljtic bauxite has protected from ero-
sion on tbe short term. A gap always exists benveen
residual lateritic bau,"-.ite and pisolitic bauxite, either
laterally in the landscape or verticaUy in the profile.
The author has never observed tralIsitional bauxite
whose texture, composition and mineralogy could be
directly understood without the external and succes-
sive interventions of geomorphologicaJ processes.
Ml'RQMORPH
The microtextures of undegraded pisolitic baux-
ite, of either the first or the second generation. are rel-
atively simple and constant. The hematite content of
the pisoliths and of the interstitial matrix is commonJy
so high, about 20% Fe10j for the whole bauxite
(Boulangc 1984), that the bauxite appears practically
opaguc in thin secrion. It is necessary to greatly reduce
their thickness to enable the obsen'ation of the textural
details of both pisoliths and internocltdar matrix.
In contrast. these tex.tures are clearly observed in
iron-depleted bauxite (sce below), in which the F('10j
content decreases to about 4%.The Al 1 0 3 contents arc
50 and 65% in original and iron- depleted baLL'Lites.
respectively. The rotal SiOl contents, which arc related
to the amounts of primary and secondary minerals that
have survived the formation of b6hmite and the degra-
dation of gibbsite, are less than 4 and I %, respectively
(BouJangc 1984).
M icromorphological observations indicate
that the pisolith normally consists of an untex-
tured spherical nucleus surrounded by a continu-
ous. regular. microlaminated cortex.
Th nucleus
The nucleus is generally opague and apparently
homogeneous at the scale of observation a\'a.ilable in
optical microscopy. It is strongly inclurated, ancl its
PART 4: l..JTHO~ElICS. ALTE~ORElICS. NODULES AND P,SOllTHS
hematite content is high. Most nuclei arc compact and
unRssured. N e\'ertheless, in the case of pisn!itic baux-
ite of the second generation, many nuclej are cut by an
irregular netvvork of radialllssures, in some cases com-
bined with incomplete concentric fissures, in which
thin crystalliplasm<l.s of gibbsite may be observed. The
minerals present, as determined by X-ray-diffraction
analyst'S. are bi.ihrrute and hematite. No residual min-
erals or alteromorphic textures are observed.
Thin sections of pisolitic bauxite are com-
monly incompletely impregnated by synthetic
products because (a) the nuclei are protected by
the practically impermeable cortex, and (b) the
interstitial volumes of matrix are protected by the
numerous closely spaced pisoliths. A second
impregnation is always necessary before grinding
the surface of the slices_
The corr-ex
The (orte.\ t.hat surrounds the nucleus is regular,
and very finely laminated. All pisoliths of a given bed of
pisolitic bauxite of the first generation generally
exhibit a cortex of comparable thickness, \yhereas the
pisoliths of bauxite of the second generation can
exhibit a COl11lJound cortex of variable thickness. The
cortex also is composed of !J6hmite and hematite, but
with a small proportion of goethite, which gives the
cortex a more brownish or yellowish brown hue than
either the nucleus or the matrix. Gibbsite is onJy
observed as an ilJllling of radiall)' or concentrically
arranged fIssures, which develop by degTadation of the
originally compact pisoJiths. In contrast to the cortices
developt'd around the nodules dt'scribed in a previous
chapter, the cortices of pisoliths do not contain any dis-
tin.guishabJe feature originating from the internodular
matrices. The cortices that surround a radiall)' fissured
nucleus are not necessarilv Il.ssured themst'1ves unless
they arc surrounded by a more recellt cortex of the
seconu generation. In this case, the fissuring is concor-
dant and continuous through the nucleus and the resid-
ual internal cortex. Fissures Seem to have dey-e1oped
before the formation of the aggradation cortex of the
second generat.ion.
The inlernoclular matr;.
The internoJular matrix commonly exhibits a
microtexturc ver} similar (coJor and degree of indura-
tion excepted) [Q that of the nuclei of pisoliths. It is
bomogeneously colored ill shades of reddish brown; it
has a lov,- porosity, and is not fissured, [t does Ilot con-
tain other features than pisoliths. Only the matrix of
pisolitic bauxite of tbe second generation possibly
429
contains some different features, such as relics of iron-
rich or baux.itic crust.~ and ferruginous or gibbsite-
bearing phaotomorpbic residues. There is no trace of a
gl'anoso'iated b-fabric*, The matrix also is bohmite-
rich, hut the hematite content is generally lower than
in the nucleus.
The detail of the microtextures of both pisoliths
and internodular matrix can only be clearly observed,
by optical microscopy and with thin sections of usual
430
thickness, in the samples that have begun degrading by
selective leaching of their opaque components (i,e"
iron-bearing minerals such as goethjte and hernatite).
The colorless and o'ansparent bohmite-rich fabric
allows the details of the Ilucrotextmes, fissures, infill-
iugs and micro laminated textures to be clearly
observed. All these textures are not affected or modi-
fied during the general bleaching of the bauxite, at least
during the first steps of it.~ evolution.
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTThATlON AND WEATHE1\ING
 PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE

A B c o
552,553
RED ARGILLACEOUS
MATERIAL
sampled near the hill top
Diedka Bocca, Cote
d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m

Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL

0,2

0,1

0.0 mm

first generation. The thin section is

T ill' ",r "I material was
sampled near the summit of the
plateau, downstream from the
autochthonous bauxite at the sum-
mit, and upstream with respect to
the (lrst observed outcrops of
allochthonous pisoLtic bauxite,
which occurs on tJle slopes. Its
topographic location, grain size,
mineralogical composition and
color arc such that this material can
be reasonably considered, before its
later induration, as the parent mate-
rial of the pisolitic bauxite of the
shown to demonstrate the similarity
of this material \vith the material of
the next illustration of pisolitic
bauxite. In the lower part of this
profile, at a depth near 1.5 m, a
nodular horizon appears in which
many autochthonous rounded
pisoliths al'l;' developed. At the
beginning of their formation. these
pisoliths do not contain a cortex,
and they exhibit only the inner part
(nucleus) of the later-formed
pisoliths, Once better developed,
they get a progressively thicker
microlaminated cortex. Samples of
that nodular horizon were taken,
but unfortw13tely, o\\iog to their
lack of consistency, they crumbled
during their transport, and no thin
section could be made. More
detailed explanations of this argilla-
ceou~ material are given in the main
text.

AiTEJlORElICS,
PART 4 : UTHORELlCS, NODULES AND P'SOUTHS
431
PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE
11 Illr I .Ilr I and the
next onc, show a typical
pisolitb, of tbe type commonly
encowltcred in the bauxitic crusts
that cov<'r the lower part of the
slopes around isalteritic or allo-
teritic bauxite near the summit. In
t.he same way as a cortex may
develop around hard indurated nod-
ules in hol'izons of loose clay-lich
soil (sec t.he previous photographs),
a cortex may also develop aroW1d
nuclei in the fe!Tallitic and soft red
material, at the e""pense of which
pisolitic bauxite is fOT·med. A typical
pisoJith is composed of a rowld
nucleus that is reguJarly surrounded
by a microlaminated cortex. The
pisoliths are included in a continu-
ous and homogeneous mab-ix. In
undisturbed pisolitic bauxite, all
components, fluclei, cortices and
matrix are densely colored by
hematite impregnations, and very
thin sections must hl" prepared to
432
make them sufficiently transpal-ent
for opticaJ examination. The alumi-
nous support is generally b6lunite.
The cliameter of the pisolith.s usually
observed is around 5 mm, but
larger ones may occur.
The inner nucleus, whose
internal fabric is generally obscured
hy the opacity of the dark rcd mat... -
rial that composes it, is generally
dilrided into polygonal vo]ume~ by a
radial network of interconnected
open fissures. The densit), of this
network is commonly greater in the
peripheral area of the nucleus than
in its centnl area. 1n undisturbed
pisoliths, concentric fissures gener-
ally are flOt developed. The radial
fissures may have become infilled by
microc,ystalline gibbsite_ The cor-
tex is generally thick, and its thick-
ness is generany slightly less than
tile radius of the nucleus. The cor-
tex. is not fractured, either by radial
or bl' concentric fissures. It is
J
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
SS4
PISOLlTIC BAUXITE
Lakota, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
1.0
0.0 mm
micro laminated and generally
homogeneously textured all across
its thickness. Double or tripk cor-
tices of slightly different coJor are
obsened in some instances, as in
the present case. In the typical
pisoliric bauxite, the nonporous
interstitiaJ matrix is homogeneous,
does not contain grains of den'ital
minerals, and is not separated from
the pisoliths by a peripheral fissure.
The matrix also is indurated, as are
the pisoliths. A1I these general
descriptions may have a number of
loca! exceptions.

A c
sss
PISOLlTIC BAUXITE
Lower slopes of the
Diedka Bocca.
Toumodi. Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 1.6
PPL
l"
:: 0.0 mm
11 '11 I I shows the first
steps of the slow degradation of
a sample of pisolltic bauxite. Tbe
degradation may follow one of three
different pathways but, in most
cases, all three operate together: (I)
(Lscoloration by removal of the iron
content of the bohmite-bearina
material, (2) alveollzation of the'"
matrix by removal of loosened solid
material, and (3) crystallization of
gibbsite at the expense of the bohm-
ire. The degradation is generally
more advanced in the interstitial
matrix than in the inner part of the
pisoLths. At the right edge of the
photograph, part of the dark red
PART 4: LrrHOREUCS, ALTEl\OREUCS. NODULES AND PISOLlTHS
bohmite-rich matrix has been dis-
colored and replaced by very
porous iron-free b6hmite. That
transformation does not affect the
pisolith. The nucleus of the pisolith
has not undergone any tr<msfonna·
tion, and its opacity <md its network
of Ilssures are not (ljsturbed. 1111"
rnicrolaminateci cortex is only I)ar-
tially disjointed by a discontinuous
concentric open fissure, which
divides it in irregular scales. In most
cases, the development of the dis-
coloration process is strongly inllu-
eneed bv textural distributions.
Matrix material is preferentially dis-
coloreo; consequently, dark red
PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE
D
pisoJiths may be maintained within a
whitish cliscolored matrix. Samples
of bJuxite in which pisoliths are
preferentially ciiscolored arc much
rarer. The cortex that surroLmds
them probably offers resistance and
an effective protection against the
internal discoloration of the
nucleus.
433
PISOUTHS IN BAUXITE

A c o
556
PARTIALLY
DISCOLORED
PISOLlTIC BAUXITE
L.ower slopes of
Kokumbo,
South-central Cote
d'lvolre
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange
Width of the label: 2 cm

557
PARTIALLY
DISCOLORED
PlSOLlTIC BAUXITE
Lower slopes of the
Dietka Bocca,
Toumodi, C6te d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 1.6
PPL

[" 0.0 mm

is a become completely discolored, coloration, whereas part of its cor-

T macrophoto of a polished slice
of a sample of partially discolored
pisolitic bauxite. It shows theirreg-
ular distribution of the discolored
areas. The original bauxite was uni-
formly dark red in col or, and the
slightly darker pisoliths were- barely
distinguishable from their sur-
rounding matrix (C3, D5). Most of
the bauxite has been discolored; in
these areas, both pisoliths and
matrix are equally discolored. In the
transitional areas, the mab·ix may
whereas the pisoliths sti 1I exhihit
either their original coloration,
with hoth nucleus and cortex dark
red in color or with dark red nuclei
surrow1decJ by a discolon:d cortex.
A study of the slice shows that the
mab-ix is the most un.stable mater-
ial, \vhereas the nucle.i arc the most
stable components of the bauxite.
The lower illustration shows
the detail of tJ1e discoloration in a
transitional area: the nudeus of the
pisolith (C3) maintains its dark red
tex is discolored. The second
pisolith (A J) is not discolored. The
matrix is iron-free in most of the
field of view. In the lower right part
(E5). however, it has maintained its
original aspect. Note that the
nucleus of the partially discolored
pisolith has many newly formed
concenlTic and radial fissures.

434 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION ANO WEATl-IERING

 PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE

SS8,SS9
PARTIALLY
DISCOLORED
PISOLlTH
PISOLlTIC BAUXITE
Dagolilie. Lakota
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 0.8 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL

["~0.0 mm

of piso]itic
T I ""..
bamite does not ahvavs follow
the boundary between the. pisolith
and the man"ix. Here, the discol-
oration front is abrupt and without
ally tnnsition. Both nucleus and
cortex are cut, but the convex shape
of the colared part of the nucleus
seems to indicate that the nuckus is
somewhat more resistant than the
cortex. The general macrotextures
are wcll preserved, a.nd the external
margin of the whole pisolith can be
easily visuali7.cd, both in it~ colOt"ed
and in ib discolored parts. Even the ite and a concentric fissure filled
microtextures by which the nucleus
is easily distinguished from the cor-
with gibbsite arc seen, under XPL,
within the pisolith. The section is
tex are clearly maintained in both tllinner than usual, mahng it possi-
parts of the pisolith. The thinly lam- ble to sce the distribution of
inated texture of the cortex and the hematitc in the undiscolorcd part of
irregular network of flssures in the the nucleus. The conex, with its
nucleus are perfectly maintained. yellOWish hues, seems to be richer
The bohmitc' content of the pisolith in goethite.
is maintained w1disturbed in both
colored and discolored parts,
whereas in the matrix. the bohmite
is partly replaced by coarse crystals
of gibbsite. Small particles of gibbs-

PART 4: tlTHORllIC5, ALTEROREUCS, NODULES AND PISOLlTHS

435
PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE
A 8
T' I shows a
spherical pisolith that has been
completely discolorecl, yet main-
tains its original textw-e. The sur-
rounding matr"ix has been largely
replaced by a crystalliplasma of
gibbsite associated with residual
pores. The nucleus is small, and sur-
rounded by a vcry thick composite
cortex COInIJosed of several succes-
sive layers in wh.ich the radial fis-
sures are unequally distributed. The
outermost laminat~ are much less
fissured than the internal ones. The
436
c D
discoloration of the pisolith allows
the textural details of the internal
laminae to be clearly distinguish-
able. In contrast, in the original dark
red pisoliths, such details are com-
pletely masked by the opaLity of
both nucleus and cortex. The
unequal distribution of tJ1e tlssured
layers of the cortex suggests that
during its former history, the
pisolilh undenvent phase., of ero-
sion, transport and depOsition in
several successive matrixes. Possibly
only the last, unfissw-ed pan of the
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MIN~RAL ALTERATION AND WEATHE1\ING
560,56.
COMPLETELY
DISCOlORED
PISOUTIC BAUXITE
Lakota, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange
Objective: x 1.6
PPl and XPL
cortex formed ·.,vithin the matrix in
which the pisolith is now found.
Tht~se successive steps of erosion -
trans[Jort - deposition are corrobo-
rated by an examination of severa.l
of the foUowing photomicrographs.
Note that under XPL, some radial
fissw-es, and parts of the concentric
fIssures, arc filled by a newly
formed crystalliplasma of gibbsite.
 PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE

562
ALLOGENIC PISOLITHS
IN BAUXITE
Lower slopes of the
Dietka Bocca,
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Magnification: x 2

563
ALLOGENIC PISOllTHS
IN PISOllTIC BAUXITE
Lakota, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

0.0 mm

is a others are rounded fragments of rounded by a later cortex, which is

macropboto of a polished slice
of a sample of bauxite containing
allogenic pisoliths. The heterogene-
ity of the included nodules (1\3, 85,
E5), and the presence of a complex
residual rounded fragment of a true
and typical pisolitic bauxite (C3).
show that all the nodular compo-
nents have been transported before
being deposited in a soft matrix,
which Was later inclurated. The
dark-colored nodules are all well
rOlll1ded. Some of them are true
pisoliths with nucleus and cortex,
iron-enriched nodules and
alterorelics without a well-formed
cortex, which seems to prove that
the cortex around each true pisolith
also was formed before its transport
and deposition. A more careful
examination of the isolated pisoJiths
shows that in most cases, their cor-
tex has lost its round shalK by ero-
sion.
The lower photomicrograph,
and the following ones, show discol-
on~d pboUths that obviously have
been broken before being sur-
discordant both on the broken
nucleus and on its eroded previous
cortex. Even the last-formed cortex
has been partly eroded. The t:lCt that
the tlm~e broken pisllliths shown arc
in contact shows that they result
from the deposition of detrital
allochthonous pisoliu1s, and not
from the in siru degradation of the
balL'!:i te.

PART 4: UTHOI\.EUCS, ALTEROREUCS, NODULES AND PISOLfrnS

437
PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE
I I and the next
one shoV',- a subrounded pisolith
m which most or the external cor-
tex is obviouslv di~cordant with
respect to a previously formed com-
plex nodule, which is itself COl11-
posed of a broken nucleus
surrowlded by its own flnt cortex.
The external matrix is largely
degraded. The complexity of the
internal texture of the whole
pisolith corresponds to the com-
plexity of its e\'(Jlution during the
successive steps of the erosion -
transport - deposition processes.
The chronological history can be
reasonably reconstituted by careful
examination of the successive
shapes and of the unegual distribu-
tion of its micromorphological
feahJres.
438
564
DISCOLORED PISOLlTH
PISOLlTIC BAUXITE
DagoJiJie. Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: I m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
1.0
- 0.0 mm
( I) A Arst homogeneous and (4) One ol' these fragments,
unfractured nucleus is formed which is now in the central part of
within a soft matrix, now eroded. the photograph, is embedded in a
Both nucleus and matrix are dark sf'cond soft matrix and sLIrrOlmded
red, as is lISualJy observed in such by a second cortex. During the cor-
parental material for pisolitic tifiGltion, the nucleus and tJle Arst-
bauxite. formed cortex are abundantly
(2) This first well-rounded fractured by numerous radial and
nucleus is surrounded by a first cor- concentric fissures.
tex according to an accretion
process. During this first step of (to be continued on the next page)
cortiAcation, the nucleus, but not
(J1e cortex, is cut by a first network
of radially arranged fissures.
(3) The well-rounded IJiso!ith
is released from its erodable matrix
and transported, during which
period it is broken into several frag-
ments, each of them containing a
part of the nucleus and a part or the
cortex that surrounded it.
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

565
DISCOLOR.ED PISOLlTH
PISOLlTlC BAUXITE
Dagolilie, Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: I m
Objective: x 2.5
XPL
1.0
0.0 mm
(continued from the previous page)
(5) This complex pisolith i~
again released ['rom its matrix, is
displaced and broken, is eroded and
then redeposited in a third matrix,
in which a third cortex is formed.
During this last cor tilk.a tion , the
entire cOilllJJex composite "nucleus"
is microfractured by a Dew genera-
tion of radial fractUI-CS, which are
clearly \'isible, but less abwldant, in
the second-formed cortex.
(6) The last-formed cortex,
the third one, is continuous, sur-
rounds the entire broken pisolith,
and does not show an)' traces of ero-
sion and ITilnsport. The matri.x that
is now observed around it is the last
soFt matrix in which the pisolitb was
deposited.
4 : LITHORELlCS,
PART ALTERORElICS, NODULES AND PISOLlTHS
(7) A long period of time,
without erosion or displacement, is
then necessary to promote the pro-
gressive induration of the interstitial
matrix, which loses its silicate com-
ponents to newly formed bohmite.
The pisoJitic bauxite is formed, and
it will remain untransfonTIecl for
millions of years.
(8) Aher that long period of
geochemicaJ and geomorphological
stability, the matrix and the
included pisoliths ha",,' more
recently become discolored, which
allows one to interpret the details of
the previously formed microtex-
tures.
(9) The matrix is now
degraded, its content of bobmite b
replaced by peripheral crystallaria
or gibbsite (dearly ~isible under
PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE
XPL). and deposits of bohmite
micropartides that coat the internal
dissolution·induced pOt-cs. The
bohmite constituent of the first-
formed nucleus ,md uf its successive
cortices seems tu be more resistant
to that last degradation, and no
gi bbsi te crystallaria are formed
within the~e domains.
(10) More recently, this sample
of bauxite was cut; cl thin section
allows the chronological events of
its histoT)' to be reconstituted, at
least partially.
439
PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE
sho\\
fragmented cumplex nuclei
later surrounded by a cuntinuous,
unfissured cortex. The main charac-
teristics of their internal textures
are comparable to those that have
been previollsJ~ dcscribeo. The
internal composite nucleus, which
consists of a fragmented true
nucleus surruunded bv its own cor-
tex, is highJy fractured by an irregl.l-
440
566
ALLOGENIC PISOLlTHS
IN PISOLlTIC BAUXITE
Lakota, C6te d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange
Objective: x 2.5
PPL
1.0
- 0.0 mm
567
ALLOGENIC PISOLITHS
IN PISOLlTIC BAUXITE
Lakota, C6te d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange
Objective: x 1.6
PPL
Iar network of fissures, whereas the
r~ OOmm
interstitial matrix is more or less
more recently formed cortex is not degraded, with formation of resid-
fractured. A First layer 01" the com- ual pores and various deposiLs of
plete rounded cortex, which bohm..ite and gibbsite. The gibbsitc
appears, in the second photomicro- coating is clearly visible in the upper
graph, as a slightly frKturcd one, right corner uf the first photograph.
may indicate that this pisolith has
had a somewhal more complicated
history than the pisolith of the first
photom..icrograph. Both samples are
completely discoloreJ, and the
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOlOGY OF MIN.RAL ALTERATION AND W8\THERING
 PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE

568,569
ALLOGENIC PISOLlTHS
IN PfSOLlTIC BAUXITE
Lakot<l, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange

Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL

[10
0.0 mm

\ I 01' allogenic bauxite,
I wdl·rounued pisoliths may be
formed by succes~iv(' cortiflcations
around an irregularly shaped
nucleus. The shape 01 the nucleus
and that of its surrounding cortex
are very similar to those obsened in
a pre\'iously described example (cj.
564). A triangular li-agment of a cUs-
placed nucleus was surrounded by a
thick cortex, ",-hose early lamina- matrix. Mechanical deposits of
tions gradually give way to more
and more circular ext<>rnal lamina-
eroded material are not vlsible in
the pon"s, as is the case for other
tions. The inner network of Fissures samples (~r 576,577, 578, 579,580
is restricted to the ilUler part of the and 581, for example).
nucleus and to the first-formed
laver of the cortex _The interstitial
mao-ix is highl)' degraded, and large
pores are formed by dissulution or
by erosion of the bohmite of the

PART 4: LiTl-lORELlCS, ALTERORELlCS. NODULES AND PISOLlTHS

441
PISOLlTHS IN BAUXITE
the
first one in PPL and the second
one under XPL, show tl1c perfect
geometrical shape of a fragment of
pisolith. Its shape and the fact that it
fits tightly among other risoliths
obviously show that this feature has
not been formed in sieu, and that the
pisolitic bauxik is an allogenic
material, in which most pisoliths
were prev iously formed in a difFer-
ent environment. The bohmite-rich
character of the fragmented pisolith
is well expressed by its cryptocrys·
442
ta Iline aspect, practically isotropic
LlI1der XPL. The very small specks
witllin the cortex and within the
nucleus of the fragmented pisolith,
al)pearing as greenish white dots
under XPL, are minute crystals of
bohmite. Thin lineaments of sec-
ondarv, bohmite also are observed as
infillings of discontinuous concen-
tric fissures, whereas small areas of
micro-ag,gregatcd crystals of bohm-
ite appear mainly concentrated Ln
the fragment of tbe first-formed
nucleus and randomly scattered
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHmlNG
570,57.
ALLOGENIC PISOLlTHS
IN PISOLlTIC BAUXITE
Lakota, Cote d'Jvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange
Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL
r~ 0.0 mm
vvithin the interstitial matrix. The
bohmite-rich matrix has been
largely replaced by secondary
gibbsite, whose coarse crystals are
!'amlomly distributed and intimately
associated with the microcrystalline
a~gregates of bohmite,

I:GRADATlO. I
Fir t CD8c: iron depletion in the hau\;te
The first stage of degradation of pisolith-bearing
bauxite invoh'cs a process of iron depletion that main-
rains in Iicu the aluminous miner,lls such as b6hmile,
which may be associated with small ,lmounts of
gibbsitc. This mineral is rare in the pisolitic bauxite,; of
the hrst and second generation, bUl is more abwld,ml
in degraded bauxite, in which porosity dc\'e1ops and
much more watcr is available. The increa.st'd porosity
promotes the formation of gibbsite al the t:xpensc of
the less hydrated bohmite.
The internodular matrix is generaUy the (lrst part
of the bauxite to be discolorcd. Red pisoliths arc com-
monly observed in pisolitic bauxite whose imernodu-
lar mJtrix has been completely bit-ached.
Nevertheless, and as ,1 general rule. even though the
matrix is really the most easily bleached matel-ial, the
discoloration of the nuclei and cortices follows after
onl), a shon delay. In a decimetric sample, [or example,
all shades of discoloration can be observed together. As
is clearly sho'v\'Tl in photomaCTograph 556, red pisllliths
occur commonly Iyitb.in a bleached matrix, wherca,~
the converse phenomenon is new;,r observed, In con-
trast, the goethite-t-ich cortices seem more susceptible
to discoloration than !be nuJei that they envelop.
The discoloration can either preferentially follow
the cortex, temporariJy avoiding the nucleus, or cut
the whole pisouth with sharp and conlrasted bound-
Jries between the colored and cl.iscolored areas of the
pisolith, Where the removal of iron is advanced, tbe
inner textures of the pisolith become particularly clear
and identifiable. Comparison with unbkached pisoliths
shows that the textures have not been modified b)' th~
process of removal of iron. Tbe intemal textures or the
pisoliths and their external shapes, whose details Jre
clearly seen in the bleached areas, show the obvious
allochthonolls origin of these pisoliths in. the baLLxitc uf
the second generation.
c ond ~tQge: aheoJi/ation
.f the incern dulur matri \
The second stcp in the degradation is progressive
alvcolization of the intC'rnoduJar matrix, destabiliza-
tion of the pre-existjng microcrystalline bi)rnnite, its
replacement by mJcrocrystalline gihbsite and amor-
phous material and, in some cases, relalive accumula-
tions of small amounts of iron originally linked to th\.'
bolm1.ite-rich area,. The interstitial malTix becomes
PART 4: LlrnoRELlcs, ALTEROREl/CS, NODULES AND PISOllTHS
markedly porous. That new porosity results from the
combinatiLln of two competing processes, on one hand,
dissolution and leaching of part or the aluminum con-
tent and, on the other, mechanical transfer of
'Hicroparticles of b6hmite releJsed by the removal of
(heir ferruginous cement. These micropanicles of
bohmite Jnd amorphous malerials may be deposited in
alveolar pores in the subjaceot bauxirc, The macrocrys-
taJline gibbsite is concentrated in compact handed tex-
turC's that are mJinly distributed concentricaBy around
the pisoliths or as a Iim or coating around the newly
formed alvenlJr pores, MaCTocrystJlline (>500 pm)
anclmesocr;'stalline (50-500 )..I m) gihbsite also appears
within the concentric fissures formed in the thickness
of the cortex or ,It the comaet surface hetween it and
the central nucleus.
Third S!Ofle: de_ lruLtion of the pisoJjth,
Thereafter, the replacemc.nt of the original
bohmite by gibbsitc invades the inner pan of the
pisolith. A curvd and erescentic pore, with uUn
arl>orcsccnt margin,s, c1el"l~lop~ within the cortex, Tl1.is
pore is coate-d b;· a rim 01' gibhsite lTysta]s ancl by a
difTusion halo of iron that wa.s excluded h-om the
"gibbsiti<:ed" volumes,
\Vhile alveolization of tlle internodular matrix. is
proccecl.ing, the mure and more isolated and vulnera-
ble pisoLiths also hegin to be degrilded; they experience
loss of' mJterial, formation of interns)1 pores intercon-
nected by an inoicate network or channels, which fol-
low the pre-cx:isting radial and concentric I1ssures, Jnd
developmcnt 0(' 6cibbsitc as a coating arounrt the newly
formed pores. The internal lextures, which lUltiJ now
allowed the cortex and the nucleus to he clearly (UstUl-
guished from each oth(-r, are finally repbced by simpli-
fied tC'xtures Ul which only the spherical shape or some
volumes allows the presence o[ pisoliths to be identi-
fied as isolJted features \dlhin a highly porous and
com!)!ctcly rlisrul)ted and disfigurC'd matrix.
Fourth \108e: infiJJina <.'.1 rhe pore \'oJumes
The pores and alvcoles, which de,·e10I)ed firstly in
lhe matrix and sl'condly in the pisoliths, are inflUed by
a fUle detrital materiJ I whose microstratified hahit and
strongly orienteJ distribution are obviously related to
graVilJtional processes, The o,·ientation of the in/Wings
01' adjaccnt degraded pisoliths is constant, and the
influence of a gradty-conlTolled process is confirmed,
These infilJings .1[(: eSSenLiJlly composed of micro- and
crrptocrvstallin.e bolunitc a.nd amorphous malerial, to
which is associated yariable but minor amuunts of iron
443
ox}hydroxides, responsible for their beige or orange·
yellow col or.
These deposits are subjected to frequent rework-
ings, bj' internJI ero~-ion followed by new phases of
deposition, simulating, in this manner, a fitted organi-
zation similar to that of a cut through rive.r te.rraces
(photo 580). The internal textures of the pisoliths Me
quickly obliterated, and the capricious cow-se of the.
channels and of their infilling materials soon makes
them unrecognizable. Some pisoliths, aYOided by the
internal erosion and by the further infiJlings, may havoc
been completely replaced by gibbsite crystaJJaria*,
vv·ith conservation of U1C former microtextures and
radiJI fissures, which locJlized the first steps of the
gibbsite formation. The pisolith exhibits a septarian
intemal texture that is very comparable to the septo-
Jltcromorphic texture displJ)'cd by weathered grains
444
of feldspar. In this pMticular case, the term "pseudo-
alteromorph" can be used, since it is not an altera-
morph but a particular textural feature that exhibits an
appearance very similar to that of a true alteromorph.
The downward transfer of bohmite and amor-
phous materials as detrital particles, in the profile or
along the slopes, may be sufficiently important to reach
the alveolar pores of the lower isalteritic or altoteritic
lateritic covers. These detrital accumulations of micro-
or cryptocrystalline bohmite may later be dcstabiJized
and replaced by macrocrystalUne gibbsite. These accu-
mulations may be obseFecl as infillings of pores even in
the horizons of unbleached pisol.itic bauxite, whose alve-
olar degradation has only reached the interstitial red
matri:x.. Accumulation:; of detrital crystals of gibbsite
are in some cases observed in pedotubuJes excav'atecl
bv/ soil microJ:auna within near-surface bauxite.
ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTIRATION AND WEATHER.lNG
 DEGRADATION

571,573
COMPLETELY
DISCOlORED
PISOllTIC BAUXITE
Lakota, Cote d'!voire
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange
Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL

['
- '.'mm

and evoJu- large porc in wruch aggregates of cerrung the evolution of the iron
T I' ,I, I 11,

tionary features shown in these

photomio'ographs are wry similar
to those of the previous illustra-
tions. The additional feature consists
in a crescent-shaped area of the cor-
tex of the main pisolith, whose
bohmitL' content has been repJaced
by a residual pore surrounded by an
irregular and dendritic network of
gibbsite crystalliplasma. This crys-
talliplasma is in contact with the
surrounding matrix and with a
neighboring pisolith (A4---5), which
has been completely replaced by a
secondary products arc irreguJarly
scattered. A continuous peri pheral
fissure is formed in which a gibbsite
crystalliplasma is well developed.
Each pisolith is sllTTounded by J
similar peripheral crystaJliplasma
and, in the contact areas behveen
two neighboring pisoliths, bridges
are formed. Continuous complex
gibbsite-rich cortices are formed;
these can isolate pyramidal volumes
of the surrounding matrix (A2, B5)
according to a process very similar
to that pre\riously described con-
crusts (~r 536, 537, 545, 548 and
549). The surrounding matrix has
been partially dissolved, and its
bohmite content has been replaced
either by a gibbsite crystalliplasma
or by imported fClTuginous mater-
ia:!. It is probable that the iron of the
in-egular ferruginous halo, which
surrounds the dendritic cryslaJlaria,
has been imported via solutions and
has diffused in the surrounding
parts of the bohmite-rich mab-ix.

PART 4: LITHORELlCS, ALTEROREUCS. NODULES AND PISOUTHS

445
DEGRADATION

S74,S75
DEGRADED PISOLlTH
BAUXITIC PROFILE
Dagolilie, Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 0.6 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL

[' 0.0 mm

show an
~d\'anced St,lgc in the textural
trans~ormation of a piso\ith. The
original textures of the nucleus and
of ib cortex are well presen-cd in a
large part of the pisolith, in ,,·hieh
th<: network of lhsures and t1w lam-
inated microtexture. of the cortex.
are clearly recognjzablc. The miner-
alogic~1 composition is not yet
modit1cd in the pristine part of the
pisolith. In its lowc.r part, the
pisolith has had its original textures
partly modified by akeoli7.ation and
b), the progressive replacement of
its h6hmite content by deposits of
gibhsite that regularly coat the waJIs
of the pores, of the channels and of
the fissures. -nle degradation of the
interstitial matrix is much more-
advanced than that nr' the pisolith.

446 ATlAS OF MJCROMOl\PHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTI'RATION AND WEATHERING


576,577
DEGRADED PISOLlTH
BAUXJTIC PROFILE
Dagolilie, Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 0.4 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL
T Id
the highly complex microtex-
tures that progressively develop
show
within a degraded, discoJor('d
pisolith. In this last step of degrada-
tion, the textures of both pisoliths
and interstitial matrix are modified
in such a way that (I) large pores
dc,'t'!op by dissolution or hy inter-
ual erosion, (2) part of the bohmite
content of the original bauxite is
replaced by gibbsite, either as a
coating around the pisoliths or as a
thin interconnected network of
PART 4: LJTHOF,EUCS, ALTERORElICS. NODULES AND P!SOLlTHS
gibbsite within the pisnlith~, Jnd (3)
fine-grained materials arc deposited
by internal circulation of water in
the predously formed pores. A \'er~'
complex texture results. A,~ long as
the thick l'ramework of gibbsite is
maintained, the meso- and macro-
textures of thc' hauxite are well pre-
saved. It can be seen, in PPL, that
the microlal1'linated deposits of fine-
(Trained
b
materials are all oriented
parallel to each other, whatever may
be their location. either within the
matrix or within the pisoliths. The
DEGRADATION
pores are generally of suHlcient size
for Cil.ling to occur b~' gravity. The
rotation of the microscope stage has
been chosen in a such a wav that all
depOSits appear with a niltmally
horizontal orientation. Under XPL,
the thick pel'ipheral depOSits of
gibh.'ite al'Ound the pisoliths are
clearly distinguished from the thiJl
irreO'ular
b
networb formed within
them.
447
DEGRADATION
of tl)(> intersti-
tial matrix has promoted the
formation of gibbsitc-rich banded
cnslalliplasl11J.s. main I} rle\e1oped
at tllc c0l1tac1 with the pisoliths.
These peripheral crystalliplasmas
.lrc composed of coar;;e-graincd
gibbsitt' crystals, which form a COI1-
tinuou,s banded texture aroullc1 each
pisolith.lllc pisoliths are very com-
monly closely spaced in the matrL"X,
and they may be welded together by
bridges of coarse gibbsitc crystals.
All these banded structures arc pro-
gressi\"(:I~,' interconnl"cted to each
448
other, as matrix is degraded, and as
more and more numerous crys-
talline bridges arc formed. All these
interconnected banded textures
progressively form a mech.micaHy
and <Jt:ochcmic,jlly. resislant frame-
~
work. in the cells of which only the
pisoliths and some residual parts of
the matrix ha\l~ a sufficiently soft
internal texture for easy erosion by
mechanical processes. The relict
b6hmitc-rich p.lrts arc progres-
sively either rt~l)laced by new gener-
ations or gil>b~ite cry~tal.~. or
I11cchanicallv eroded. In the first
ATL>.S OF MICROMORFHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
578,579
DEGRADED PISOllTH
BAUXITIC PROFILE
Dagolilie. Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 0.4 m
Objective: x 1.6
PPL and XPL
f'"
- 0.0 mm
case, vcry contorted and sinuously
banded deposits of fine-grained
crystals are formed gradually as dis-
solution-induceci pOTes are formed.
In the second case, very Hnely tex-
turerl materials are tTaJl.sporred and
deposited as coatings ond infillings
in the previously formed cavities.
Within th.ese coatings, depOSited oy
gravity, the bohmite-rich character
of the material is not changed; it is
slight1;, mixed with iron oxyhydrox-
ides, wlllcD cause the characteristic
coloration and emphasize their reg-
uJ<lr micwsrratifications.
 DEGRADATION

A B c D
580
DEGRADED PISOllTH
BAUXITIC PROFILE
Dagolilie, Lakota.
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 0.4 m

Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

0,0 mm

581
DEGRADED PISOllTH
BAUXITIC PROFILE
Dagolilie. Lakota,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 0.4 m

Objective: x 2.5
PPL

" show replacement of a pisolith by a large The lower photomicrograph

T
il" '\" 11

two examples of aver\'
advanced stage of the degradation of
a pisolith. Photomicrographs pre-
pared with XPL are not shown
bccause the textural relics of the
b6hmite-l;ch parts are not informa-
rivc (these areas arc nearly
isotropic), and because the gibbsite-
rich peripheral coatings, \Vitll tlleir
characterisric texture and distribu-
rion, were previously illustrated.
The upper photomiCTograph shows
a rdati\'c!)' simple case of the
internJI pore partially fIlled by
gravitational deposits of bi.ihmite.
The internal laminations of these
deposits are organized as alluvial
deposits in l1u\iatile terraces; part
of the previoLlsly deposited materi-
als are evacuated, b)' the flow of
water in circularion, before ne\v!y
formed detrital materials are
deposited. Some irrcgular but char-
acterisric remnants of the original
material have been temporarily
maintainf'd (02. 04).
sho\-\'-s a more complicated case of
the replacement of a pisolith in
which the original network of fis-
sures has been infilled by resistanr
deposits of gibbsite. This septa-like
texture has a behavior comparable
to a resistant boxwork, in tl1e pores
of which laminated depOSits of
bohlllitc may occur.

PART 4; L,THORELlCI, AiTEROREUCI. NODULES AND F'lSOUTHS

449
DEGRADATION
sho",-
T
I -
the final stage of degradation of
a pisolith _The earlier stage was cer-
tainly very cumparable to the case
in pbotornicrogr.lph 581. Most uf
the scpta of gibhsite are ma.intained,
whereas all internal volumes, previ-
ously Filled by b6hmitc (either
dire~tly inherit~d or of detrital ori-
gin), have been replaced by gibbsite
crystalliplasmas. This newly formed
450
582,583
DEGRADED PISOLlTH
BAUXJTIC PROFILE
Dagolilie, Lakot3,
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 0.2 m
Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL
1.0
- 0.0 mm
intenlal texture is likely comparable prefix "pseudo" usecl here is entirely
to the texture of the glomero- justilied to allow a distinction from
septo-alteromorphs, which are the n'ue alteromorphs (pseudo-
developed, under conditions of fer- morphs and nol pseudo-altero-
or
rallitic weathering, as a result the morphs) developed at the expense
degradation of feldspar-group min- or euhedral crystals.
erals. This special case illustTates
what C.l.ll be termed a "pseudo-
aJteromorph"i it is not an altcro-
morph, bUI a textural W1it that
seems to be an aJteromorph. The
ATlAS OF MICRDMORPHOLOGY OF MINfAAL ALTERATION AND WEATHER.ING
 DEGRADATION

584,585
DEGRADED PISOllTH
BAUXITIC PROFilE
Dagolilie, Lakota
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulange
Depth: 0.2 m

Objective: x 2.5
PPL and XPL

- 1.0

- 0.0 mm

photomicro- eral crystallaria of coarse-grained these deposits are Ilnall)' destroyer!

graphs of discolored pisolitic
baLLxite show an advanced stage of
the degradation of the interstitial
matrix. Each volume of the matrix
is surrounded by the thkk pc')"iph-
gibbsite that coat the neighboring
pisoliths. The original inherited
b61U11ite has been replaced by
deposits of bohmite exhibiting
cross-laminated textures. Parts of
b:· dissolution. Irregular residual
pores are formed; they are coated
by thin crystallaria of fine-grained
gibbsite.

PART 4 : LJTHORElICS. ALTEROREUCS. NODUlES A~JD PISOLfTHS

451
DEGRADATION

586,587
DETRITAL DEPOSITS
OF BOHMITE
IN A LOWER BAUXITIC
HORIZON
Lakota. C6te d'lvoire
Sampled by B. Boulaoge
Depth: 0.8 m
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

- 0.0 mm

"",11 show now occupied by miLTolami.nated microcrvstals. The bohmite-rich

that the finely crystaJlized
bohmite, which was eroded and
transported from the degraded
upper pisolith-bearing horizons, can
be redeposited \\irJlin the pores and
cadties in the lower horizons of
isalteritic or alloteritic bauxite. The
aurJligenic matri:x, which is mainly
composed of well-crystallized
gibbsite associated with small
patches of more ferruginous com-
position, exhihits many large and
irregular pores, wbose \'olume is
deposits of b6hmite. The bCihmite,
whose end-member composition is
)'-AIO(OJ-l), is naturally colorless.
However. in these deposits, it is
commonly colored by iron oxyhy-
droxides, whose relati\·c concentr,}-
tion determines the variable color-
ation of the successh'ely deposited
layers of bohmite-rich material.
More recently formed fissures and
pores, both \\ithin areas of bi)hmitc
(D4) and matri.."X volumes (AS), arc
coated by thin layers of gibbsite
main central area is partiaJl)' sur-
rounded by a thicker layer of gibbs-
ite macrocrystals, Formed at the
expense of the rnao-ix during a
period of time when the main pore
was empty and free of the bi)hmite
deposit.s. These coarse-grained erys-
t'llla.ria have the same origin a-' the
peripheral coating~ or
coarse-sized
gibhsite in the upper pisolith-bcar-
ing horizons.

452 ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 DEGRADATION

588
MICROLAMINATED
DEPOSIT OF BOHMITE-
RICH MATERIAL
Old bauxitic crust
Diedka Bocca, Toumodi.
Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 6.3
PPL

~
0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

T " 'I. . shows a

detailed but very partial view of
a large pore in a sample of bauxite.
The pore has been infilled by micro-
laminated deposits of bohmite. The
llrst-deposited microlamil1ae show
a repeatedly decreasing coloration,
simila.r to a graded bedding. The
Last-formed laminae are much
enriched in iron and denclritic man-
ganese oxides. Large crystals of
bobmite are never seen in unmeta-
morphosed aluntinum-rich rocks;
in bauxite originating from the
superficial weathering of aluminous
hematite, as well as tlle emiron-
mental conditions tmderwhich the
baux.ite samples were collected,
rocks, the bi:ihmite o'),stals are so gencraily pro\ride valuable aids in
fme grained that the mineral is not the identification of bohmite.
identifiable b), optical methods only.
X-ray powder-diffraction patterns
a.re necessary for a positive identiJl-
cation when the mineral is observed
for the nrst time by an unexperi-
enced soil scientist. The typical asso-
ciation of bohmite witll gibbsite and

PART 4; LITHORELICS. ALITRORELlCS. NODULES AND PISOLITHS

453
DEGRADATION

A B c
589,590
MICROLAMINATED
DEPOSIT OF BOHMITE-
RICH MATERIAL
Old bauxitic crust
DiedkA Bocca, Toumodi,
C6te d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 4
PPL and XPL

0.6

- 0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

show sivel)" replaced by a new generation

T the later evolution of a micro-
laminated rleposit of bohmite-rich
material in an outcrop of balDute
expo~ed to conditions of superficial
weathering. The bohmite·rich
deposits are irregularly destroyed
by tJ1e formation of irregular pores,
channels and embajlnents, which
are soon ftiled by mesocrystaJline
gibbsite. These crystals of gibbsite
are formed at the ex-pcme of bohm-
ite, which they replace by a hydra-
tion process. The areas of gibbsite
are perfectly colodess, and tJ1e iron,
previously al>sociated with the
bohmite-rich material, does not
enter tJ1C gibbsite structure.. It is
locally concentrated, and forms
irregular, dark -colored impregna-
tion halos around the colorless crvs-
tallarias of gibhsite. Gradually, as
the bohmi.tc-rich material is
replaced by newly formed crystals
of gibbsitc, the original or inherited
textures are obscured, and become
Less and Less recognizable. All ty-pes
of bCihmite -beariug secondary
materials undergo such textural
transformations, being progres-
of gibbsite; tJ1e pisolitic bauxites,
whicn are usnally bohmite-rich and
wllich exhibit particularly recogniz·
able textures, can be gradually
transformed into gibbsite-rich
material hy the replacement ot" both
textural components, the pisoliths
and the inlel-sotia! bi.inmite matrix
(see earlier illustrations). Such
replacement promotes the disap-
pe.arance of the. pre\.ioliSly acquired
pisoLitic texture.

454 ATLAS OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTffiATION AND WEATHERING

 DEGRADATION

591
ALVEOLlZED TYPICAL
PISOLlTIC BAUXITE
Lakota, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by B. Boulange
Objective: x 2.5
PPL

1.0

- 0.0 mm

red material between the discolorecl detrital nized hss-urcs, whereas the thick
E I
l I1 • I

of the interstitial matrix of typ-

ical pisoLitic bauxites can be par-
tially eroded; the residual pores can
be lattcr inIilled by aJ lochthonous
bohmite-rich materials that have
lost an appreciable part of their fer-
ruginous componcnts, which leads
to a particularly sharp contrast
deposit and the dark red pisoljth$
and undisturbed residual matrix.
cortex is slightly fractured by radial
microfissures. In the contact area
The pisoUth at the right of the with the bohmite-rich deposit, the
photomjcrograpb clearly shows the cortex of the pisolith has been par-
characteristic textural patterns of tially erodcd.
most original IJisoJiths: a weJl-
row1ded nucleus is criss-crossed bv
radiall)' and concentrically orga-

PART 4 : LfTHORElICS, ALTERORElICS. NODULES AND PISOllTHS

455
DEGRADATION
A B
I ' I I :' show a
T relatively ra1"L" feature, a detrital
deposit of gibbsite crystab in a
tubular pore, possibly created by
microfauna activity. The photos
were taken in an orientation swt-
able to better sbow the regularity of
the curved successive deposits of
elongate crystals of gibbsite, which
all are oriented parallel to the nat-
ural orientation of the laminated
detrital deposit. The small intersti-
tiaJ volumes benveen the crystals
are infilled by reddish brown
deposits of fine material, originating
456
c D
from the matrix of ule bauxite.
Elongate crystals, where mechani-
cally deposited in a pore, are invari-
ably oriented parallel to the bottom
of Ule pore; where elongate crystals
are chemically deposited, uley are
invariably preferentially oriented
perpendicular to the walls of the
pore, as has been shown in the ear-
lier photomicrographs. These elon-
gate crystals of gibbsite probably
originate from the dislocation of a
chemically formed layer of gibbsite
crystals, as previowdy shown, by
dissolution of their ferruginous
Arw Of MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTffiATlON AND WEATHERING
S92,S93
DETRITAL DEPOSIT OF
GIBBSITE CRYSTALS
Old bauxltic crust
Orumbo Bocca.
Toumodi. Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.4 m
Objective: x I 0
PPL and XPL
0.2
0.1
0.0 mm
cement. The photomicrograph
lU1der XPL is necessary to show that
the colorless element.s, under PPL,
are not elongate empty pores, but
really are fragments of gibbsite crys-
tals. The now infilled tubule is itself
partially Formed within a larger vol-
ume of coarse crystals of gibbsite.
Some euhedral cryst.als of gibbsite
are partiaUy separated horn uleir
original matrix, and they seem to be
falling from the upper part of the
chamber (B2), in the way rock Frag.
ments naturaJJy fall from the roof of
a cavern.
 DEGRADATION

A B c o
594,595
DETRITAL DEPOSIT OF
GIBBSITE CRYSTALS
Old bauxitic crust
Orumbo Bocca,
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 0.4 m
Objective: X 10
PPL and XPL

0.2

0.1

0.0 mm

show~ obsened makeup of such aJloteritic of red-colorcd material (85) and,

T
ill' Ill' '11 . I , , I I

another biopedotubuJe that cuts
a ferruginous matrix in bauxite and
that is irregularly infilled by well-
oriented elongate crystals of gibbs-
ite mLxed with irregular volumes of
dark ferruginous deposits. The sur-
rounding matrix has the usually
bauxite: irregular polymincralic HnaJly, a microcrystalline hematite-
patches of randomly oriented rich matrix (A4, C5) that contains
autochthonous crystals of gibbsite the- pre\ioll.'dy mentioned features.
(A3), round areas infilled by
allochthonous chemicallvJ formed
and regularly orit'nted crystals of
gihbsite surrounding inner inlJlliJlgs

PART 4: LITHORELICS. ALTERORELICS. NOOULES AND P,SOLlTHS

457
 C tU
Secondary Oxides and Hydroxides
III\ 1'1""1' 11, 11'11.1(\111- are collected
A together in this last part of the book in order
to exhibit characteristic secondary minerals,
.namely the hydroxides and oxides 01 alu-
luinum, iron and titan i urn . These minerals are com-
monly observed in thin sectious of bauxite and iron
crust, less commonly in alterites and soils. These pho-
tomicrographs were selected to give particularly illus-
tJ'ative examples of' crystallized material coarse enough
so that their habit and main morphological properties
(e'8" extinction, cleavages, array' of twinned domains,
shapes, arrangements) are clearly visible. The main
micromorphological characteristics of these minerals
are given in the captions.
Well-cb'c!oped crystals of gibbsite, concent,-ic
associations of hematite - gibbsite - goethite, of
hematite - goethitc and or coarse crystals of goethite
only are commonly observed within bauxitic and iron
crusts subjected to late processes of absohlte aCcumu-
lation. These minerals develop either as crystallaria*
(mainly gibbsite) or as Simple or complex coatings*
that partially or completely inllll the pores, cavities and
chalUlels de\'e1oped by various geochC'mical and bio-
logical pmcesses. These include dissolution, alveoliza-
tion, recrystal1ization, and excavation by the
microraw1a.
Coarse-sized crystalliplasmas or secondary tita-
Ilium oxide, mainly anatase, are rarely observed in
PTE R J 8
most alterites, soils and ferruginous or bauxiric Cl·UStS.
In general. this oxide is either intimately roi-xed with
iron oxide or hvdroxide, or it OCC\lr~ as microparticles
whose size does not allow' recognition 01" their miner-
alogical or chemical nature. It rna." also form crypto-
crystalline a~semblages with other oxides of titanium
(brookite and rutile), possibly as a ps\'udomorph after
titanium-rich minerals. These cryptocrystalline assem-
blages arc common as areas 01" "leucoxenc" in the
alteromOl-phs after ilmenite, titanite or pero\skite.
Only in studies of titanium-rich rocks, such as some
nepheline syenites, pyroxenites or carbonatites, could
anatase mesocrystals easily be observed, as altero-
morphs after perovskite, For example.
Few soil scientists, when studying their thin sec-
tions of soils, have the opportunity to observe such
well· formed secondary materials. Comparison with
these photomicTogTaphs will possibl~' aid them in the
determination of their poorly developed or fin\,-
grained secondar)' minerals_
Moreover. the entire collection of photomicro-
graphs in this book is nflercd with the same didactic
purposes in mind. The author hopes to have been able
to imite soil sdentists and other en''ironmentallv con-
scious geoscientists, and to stimulate them, to examine
with accuracy and delight, the parent rocks a.nd weath-
ered materials that are concealed. and commonly left
unsampled, at the base of their soil profilc5.
SECONDARY OXIDES AND HYDROXIDES

c
596
GIBBSITE
CRYSTAlLARIA
Bauxite on Birrimian
sedimentary rocks
Western Cote d'lvolre
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 4
XPL

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0 mm

597
GIBBSITE
CRYSTAlLARIA
Bauxite on Birrimian
sedimentary rocks
Western Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
Objective: x 6.3
XPL

r 1

,hO\I exhibit a strong tendency to be ori-

F 0.0 mm

in thin section and first-order grey

well-developed crystals of
gibhsite, \I'hich form continuous
crystallaria aruund a dissolution
pore. The undisturbed bauxite is
lisiblein the upper left corner of
the first illustration, ami along the
J-ight sick or the",~cond one. The
gibl)site cT",tal:; are randomlY ori-
L · ,
entcd anu intimately associated Ivith
ferruginous material directlY inher-
itccl frum the parent rock. All
around the residual I)ore, very typi-
cal coarse CT;'stals 01 gibbsite
ented roughly j)lTI)cndicuJar to the
walls or or
tll<: I'oid. Most them are
euhedral crysta.ls, at lcast in the
parts that protrude into the empty
port.', and they exhibit the eom-
monl; observec1 twinning, The sec-
ond photomicrograph shows the
repeated twins of the gibbsi.tc crys-
tals, leading to pseudohexagonal
groups of c.T\'stals (B3, D2, D4).
Thcir external shape is somewhat
reminiscc:nt of twiJult'cl c-rystals of
arJgonite, The gibbsite i!' colorless
in XPL. Its birefringcnce (0.015-
0.030) is somey,·hat higher than that
exhibited by quartz crystals
(0.009), Where the thin section is
slightly thicker than usual (sce also
278), the gihbsite crystals may
appear as ydlo\\ish grains, whereas
the quartz grains are first-order
grey, The crystals arc monocliniC.
biaxi:ll positive, length-slow, and
their ex.'tinction angle may attain 25°.

460 ATlAS OF MICRO.10RPHOlOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 SECONDARY OXIDES AND HYDROXIDES

598,599
COMPOSITE CUTANIC
DEPOSIT
Old bauxitic crust
Orumbo Bocca,
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by L Zanone
Objective: x 6.3
PPL and XPL

03

==--- 0.2

f
-

:
0.1

0.0 mm

Fcrruoino\ls graphs. The pmes, which arc raJ!- from the upper FJrt~ of the pro6le,
T I! III . I I '

bauxite, which caps the top of

me hill (alt. 520 m), is developed at
~

domh: distributed withi.J! the

me expense of Binimian metabasic
and diabasic rocks. It con:rs an
ilrgillaceous isalteritic lel'el more
than 10 m thick; the parent rock is
rarely obsCl'I'ed at the base of the
weathered profiles. The balL'(ite is
composed of randomly oriented
microcrystals of gibbsite, intimatel~'
associated with inherited ferrugi-
nous components. It is I'isible along
me lower part or th.... photomicTo-
matTix, are due to local dissolution
of the matrix minerals. Microlami-
nated deposits regularly coat the
walls of the pore. Sen>ral slIcccssil'f"
Jnd interstratilled deposits of red-
colored hematite and culorless
gibbsite may altemate. The residual
central pore is generally occupied
by an inlllling of well-formed eTI'S-
tals of gocthite. All these deposits
seem to originate from allochtho-
nous alurninum and iron, leached
and transported in solution by per-
colating water. Nevertheless, a dif'-
fercllt hypothesis has been
suggested by Boul;mgc et o/. (1975).
They attribute the composite thick
lay'er of alternating hematitc and
g,ibbsitc to a desilication process uf a
prCl'iously introduced coating com-
rosecl of' ferruginous kao!inite.
Under these conditions, unly Lhe
central gocthite-rich part is consid-
ered to be of truly allochthonous
origin.

PAAT 4: UTHORELlCS, ALTtROREUCS, NODULES AND PJ50LlTHS

46/
SECONDARY OXIDES AND HYDROXIDES

A B

600
COMPOSITE CUTANIC
DEPOSIT
Old bauxitic crust
Orumbo Bocca,
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by L. Zanone
Objective: x 10
XPL

-- 0.2

601
COMPOSITE CUTANIC
DEPOSIT
Old bauxitic crust
Orumbo Bocca,
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface
by L. Zanone
Objective: x 10
XPL

at higher deposits alternated with a period Of shape typical of a tJ"UC mechanical

~ magnification, shows that the
previously suggestecl hypothesis of
the desilic.1tion 01" a prc-existing
kaolinitic coating does not seem to
be CJuite satisfactory to explain the
detailed morphology of the contact
areas between the successive inter-
Id layers. in reality, at the bottom
of' each hematite-rich layer', the con-
tact 'vvith the bllowiJ1g layer 01'
gibbsite (T)'stals exactly molds the
cuhcclral shapes or the cr~'stal ter-
minations, as if the succc,'sivc
quiescence, during which a crystal-
laria of uncovered crystals was
formed. The deposit of the
hematite-rich layer penetrates
somewhat between the indentations
of the previously f'onned layer or
euhedral crystals of gibbsitc, and
this phenomenon is repeated in tbe
most ct'ntTal, and most recent,
gibbsite - hcmatite double- layer. [n
contrast, the contact between
hematite and gibbsitc ex,hibits the
usually smooth and regularly cuned
depOSit of Fine-grained particles. A
ver-y thin concentric layer 01' well-
formed c:rystals 01' gibbsite is even
clearly visible: within the thick
hematite-rich deposit. In contrast,
the second photomicrograph
exhibits a morphology that seems to
better correspond to a clesilication
process. The hcmarite·)'ich layers
arc discontinuous a.nd cn:scent-
shaped, and the central part of the
tubule is infilled by illuviated matc-
rial, as yet untransl'ormed.

462 ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

 SECONDARY OXIDES AND HYDROXIDES

A c o
602
COMPOSITE CUTANIC
DEPOSIT
Old ferruginous bauxite
Orumbo Bocca.
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface

Objective: x I 0
XPL

0.2

0.1

::.. 0.0 mm

603
GOETHITE IN FILLING
Old ferruginous bauxite
Orumbo Bocca,
Toumodi, Cote d'lvoire
Sampled at soil surface

Objective: x 6.3
XPL

(under PPL) entirely masks its bire- tubule. Only one layer of hematite
T
f 1'1' 11 ,,, ,I I

shows a well-crvstaUized com-
posite inlllling of a dissolution pore.
Several alternating thin layers of
gibbsite ano hematite form the
lo""er part of the photograph,
whereas a large infilling of well-
crystallized goethite is seen in tbe
upper part. Note the shape of the
goethitt' crystals; the: crystallized
as fibrous and cW'ved units, forming
a compact and homogeneous assem-
blage, without any residual pores or
material between them. The photo-
graph was taken under XPL; the
deep yellow color of the goethite
l"ringence colors. Only the Fibrous is visible; it sWTounds a ccntnl part
material that is parallel, or nearly that is fully infiJled by crystals of
so, to the cross-hairs of the ocular gocthite of similar habit as in the
lens are at extinction, which shows earlier photomicrographs. Along
that the photograph was taken the four sides of the photograph,
under XPL. Note that the fLbrous parts or the iron-rich (E2) and alu-
crystals of hematite, in the thickest minwn-rich matrix of the bauxite
central layer, conform to the crys- are recognizable.
tallographic orientation of the
fibrous crystals of goethite. This
particular Feature could correspond
to a later epitaxic replacement.
The lower photomicrograph
shows a complete section cut per-
pendicularly to the main axis of the

PART": LITJ-lOREUCS, ALTEROREUcs. NODULES AND PISOUTHS

463
SECONDARY OXIDES AND HYDROXIDES
A B
pore has
formed within an iron crust.
The: matrix of the cru~t is composed
of' fine hematite and goethite:, which
are diversely indurated. Quaru
grain., origillJHy included in the
matTix \\"{~re completely dissolved,
lca\"ing residual pores (C 1, CS). The
large tubular pore, clOd also the
small interstitial pores that formed
between the aggregates of plasma
that make up the matrix, are now
flartially infilled by regular thin
deposits of well-former! crystals of
464
c
goethite. The upper photomicro-
graph (PPL) clearl: shows the suc-
cessi"e coatings, which all are
regularly crc·scent-shaped. Some
intercalations of red detrital mater-
ial Jre '-isible in the lower part of
the composite coating, whereas
each la.mina is separated fi-om the
previous one by a thin, smooth and
dark border.
The lower pbotomicrograph
(XPL) shows the perfect orientation
of the goethite crystals, which have
grown perpendicular tu their sup-
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
604,60$
MICROlAMlNATED
GOETHITE
Buried iron crust
Koua Bocca, Cote d'lvoire
Depth: 1.2 m
Objective: x 10
PPL and XPL
0.2
0.1
0.0 mm
port. In Ule first-formed layers, the
crystals are perpendicular to the
waJls of the cavity, but gradually, as
the cnit)' became infilled, the cur-
vature of the crysralHne deposit is
modified in such a way that the thin
crystals are always oriented perpen-
dicularly to the adjacent pre\iously
formed layer. The grey-colored
areas are due to U1C particular ori-
entation of the individual crystals;
they are supported by walls whose
orientation i~ parallel to the optic
planes of the microscope.
 SECONDARY OXIDES AND HYDROXIDES

A 8 c D
606,607
ABSOLUTE
ACCUMULATION
OF GOETHITE
IN IRON CRUST
Embu-Guac;:u. SP. Brazn
Sampled by
S.R. Soares Silva Vieira
Objective: x I6
PPL and XPL

r'
=- 0.0 mm

T (~pL)I;~ th~'I~~~'~~e (Xpl~) In the lower photomicrograph,

show the characteristic shapes and
colors of coarsely crystalline
goethite. It formed by in situ crys-
tallization from percolating iron·
bearing water. The crystals are nee-
dle-shaped, and they exhibit a
coarser size and greater thickness
than the 6bers of goethite in earlier
photographs.
the alternating interference-colors
vesicles in basalt. Note that the sec-
ond·order colors of the goethite
exhibited along the needles may crystals are partly masked by their
indicate that the goethite deposit is own deep yellow natural color. The
composed of several successive lay- goethite, a-FeO(OH), is ortho-
en, simulating a regular true rhombic and biaxial negative.
banded texture. However, this habit
also could be due to a torsion of the
needles during their growth, as is
the case in the apparently banded
structure of chalcedony deposits in

PART 4: UTHORfUCS. ALTEJ\ORflICS. NODULES AND PISOLlTHS

465
SECONDARY OXIDES AND HYDROXIDES
' show
S
,I I " , . I, •
under PPL and under XPL:
respectively, the radiating arrange-
ment of goeth.ite crystals, as it
appears in a section cut more or less
paraJlel to the wal.1s of tJle pore. This
orientation is conseguently more-
or-less perpendicular to the orien-
tation of the sections shown in ear-
lier illustrations. All radiating units
are joined together according to a
regular network of suture lines,
which shows some simiJarities to
466
608,609
ABSOLUTE
ACCUMULATION
OF GOETHITE
IN IRON CRUST
Embu.Gua<;u. SP, Brazil
Sampled by
S.R. Soares Silva Vieira
Objective: x 16
PPL and XPL
r'
-,,~
the commonly observed polygonal tion, in an obUque clirection that
granular texture. Wiiliin each radi- makes the well-ordered radiating
ating unit, all needJes are oriented texture disappear. The two uncol-
radiaJJy around a center (04), and ored areas of the top photomicro-
the regular black crosses appearing graph are holes due to plucking
under XPL are the sign of a weH- during the preparation of the iliin
ordercd system of radiating fibers. section.
The regularity of tJle texture, as
seen in a thin section, evidently
depends on the external support on
which the needJes began their crys-
tallization. Well-radiating shears can
be cut, by the p1ane of the tJun sec-
ATl.A5 OF M,CROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 SECONDARY OXIDES AND HYDROXIDES

A B c D
610
RELATIVE
ACCUMULATION
OF TITANIUM OXIDE
within an alteromorph
after perovskite
Tapira. MG. Brazil
Depth: 1.5 m
Objective: x 6.3
XPL

~
0.3

0.2

- 0.1

, O.Omm

, I ,. of micro-
crystals of anatase (TiO z)
results from the complete weather-
ing of a grain of perovskite
(CaTiO,) in the upper part of a fer-
rallitic profile. The resulting entity
is an ortho-alveoporo-alteromorph.
The randomly distributed empty
areas are residual voids developed
by the partial dissolution of the pri-
mary mineral. They do not result
from the further evolution of the
alteromorph. This observation
allows the alteromorph to be classi-
fied as an Ol-tho- and not as a para-
alveoporo-alteromorph. Around
large residual voids (C-Dl), proba-
bly interconnected with transmin-
eral pore-space, and along irregular
intramjneral lIssures, complete
elimination of the soluble primary
elements and optimal circulation of
\vater have resulted in the best con-
version of the titanium oxide into
mesocrystals of anatase. Their size
and bright yellow calor clearly con-
trast with the brownish orange
color of the cl)'l)tocrystaJline back-
ground. Exammation of unweath-
ered perovskite. in the lower levels
of the profile. shows that most areas
occupied by perovskite are either
highly fractured large single cTystals
or aggregates of distinct ,maller
crystals. This last ilistin eti on , even in
the case of unweathered minerals, is
not always obvious because the
pseudocubic nature of the per-
ovskite crystals makes these appear
nearly at extinction, between
crossed polarizers, whatever the
orientation in the plane of the thin
section. Irregular aligml1ents of
mesoo'ystalline anatase suggest the
occurrence of a netvvork of
intramineral fissures or of intermin-
eral boundaries. These have played
the same role as residual voids. and
ha\'e locally resulted in enhanced
crystallinity of the secondary prod-
uct. Such "veil-crystallized tita-
nium-ricb alteromorphs allow indi-
vidualized and characteristically
colored crystals of anatase to be
clearly observed and identified.
Otherwise, such characteristic
properties would be indistingtdsb-
able, as in most cryptocrystaJline
alteromorphs of "Ieucoxene" at the
expense of ilmemte and other lita-
mum-rich primary minerals. The
surroundmg reddish brown areas
are crypto-alteromorphs after
clinopyroxene and, pOSSibly, after
pWogopite.

4 ; lm-JOREUCS,
PART ALTEROREUCS. NODULES AND PISOLlTKS
467
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WHIlE, A.F. & BRANTLEY, S.L. (1995): Chemical
weathering rates of sil.icate minerals. Rev. Mineral.
3J, 583 p.
ADomo AL BIBLIOGRAPHY
lONCER IN I THE A IPLE
~S RIBED
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Alteration of dle upper ocean.ic crust: mineralogy
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504B, Leg 83. In Lnitial Report, DSDP (R.N.
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217-248.
BERNABE, E. (1996): Le., mecanismes d'alteration des mon-
uments historiques en environnemem oceanique et rural.
IlpplicaLion ala conservation de l'eBlise Sainr Nonn(J de
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lateriti<jues de Cote d'Ivoire. Les faci~s. leur trans-
formation, leur distribution et J'evolution du
modele. OJpee Rcch. Sei. ·feehn. Outre-Mer (ORSTOJ1.
Paris), Trcr..-aux er Doc. 175,364 p_
_ _ _ _ , DEL\.1GNE, J. & ESCHENBRENNER, V. (1973):
Descriptions morpboscopigue.~, geochirnigues et
mineralogigues des facies cu.irasses des principaux
nh'eaux geomorphologiques de C()te d'h·oi.re.
OJJIC.c Rech. Sei. Tech. Ourre-it/er (ORSTW4, Paris),
Cah. Ser. Geol. S( I), 59-82.
CLEMENTE, C.A. (1988): Alrera~oes e solos desenvolvidos
sobre rochos vulcanieas aeidas da Forma~ao Serra Geral
nos planaltos de GlJarapum'a e Palmas, ReBiao Cenrro
SuI do EsLado do Parana. Tese de Doutoramento,
Escola Superior de Agrieultma Luiz de Quciroz,
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DEKAYIR, A. (1994): Etude de l'ahcfralion supergene d'un
basahe a1calin quarernaire Ju Moyen .4r.las (Maroe).
These en Sciences de la Terre, Univ. Aix-MarseilJe
111, Marseille~, France (181 p.).
DaVIGNE, J. (1960): L'alrerarioa des basaltes du KiI'u
meridional. Con80 Be/Be- Mem. Lie. Geol. Mineral.,
Univ. Cath. Louvain, Belgique (198 p.).
ATLo\S OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTEl\AnON AND WEATHERING
_ _ _ _ (1970): Aspects micromorphologigues de
l'alteration ferraHitigue des feldspaths et des mine-
raux fen·o-magnesiens. C. R. sem. hficromorphol08ie
des Sol5, Ecole Normale SuperieureA8ronomique (ENSA,
Gri8non, France), 18 p.
_ _ _ _ (1977): Aspects micromorphologigues de
I' alteration des roches ultTabasigues de Cote
d'lvoire en vermiculite, montmorillonite et kaoli-
nite. MicromorJol08ia de Suel05, Proc. ?( the Fifth Int.
Workin8 Meetin8 on Soil Micromorphol08Y (Granada,
Spain), 389-406.
_ _ _ _ (1983): Micromorphology of the alteration
and weathering of pyroxenes in the Koua Bocca
ultrama5c ino'usion, Ivory Coast, Western Africa.
In Int. Coil. CNRS on Petrology ofWeathering and
Soils (Paris). Sci. Geol. (Strashour8) 72(2),57-68.
_ _ _ _ (1 990a): H ypogene and supergene alter-
ations of orthopyroxene in the Koua Bocca ultra-
malk intrusion, Ivory Coast. Chem. Geol. 84,49-53.
(1990b): Alterations hypogenes et
supergenes des ouvines et clinopyroxenes dans
guelgues proms sur roches ultrabasigues du Koua
Bocca (Cote d'lvoire). Sem. Or8anisation et Fonction-
nemenl des Altlilices et des SOI5. O.fJice Rech. Sd. 7ech.
Outre-Mer (ORSTOM. Paris). Wackerman, Bondy,
France (J99).
_ _ _ _ & BOLlLANGE, B. (1973): Micromorpholo-
gie des hydroxydes d'aluminium dans les niveaux
d' alteration et dans les bauxites. Congres into Je MI-
cromorphol08ie des S015 (Kin8ston, Canada), 665-681 .
_ _ _ _, SOUBlES, F. & SARDELA, I. (1987): Micro-
morpholOgiC des alterations supergenes de la
lujaurite du massif alcalin de Poc;:os de Caldas
(Minas Gerais, Bresil). Actes de la Sepcieme Reunion
Inr. de Micromorphol08ie des 5015 (paris er Gri8non,
France),97-103.
_ _ _ _ & STOOPS, G. (1990): Morphology o£min-
eral weathering and neoformation. I. Weathering
of most common silicates. In Soil Micromorphol-
ogy (L.A. DougJas, cd.). Elsevicr, The Netherlands
(482-491).
EMBRECHTS, J. & STOOPS, G. (1982): Microscopical
aspects of garnet weathering in a humid tropical
environment.). Soil Sci. 33,535-545.
RElHENCES AND BIBUOGMPHY
LAVERNE, c., HONNOREZ, J. & ALT, J. (1989): Transition
entre ['alteration a basse temperature et I'altera-
tion hydrothermale de la cl"Oute oceanigue: etude
petrographigue et geochimique du puits 504B, Est
Pacitigue. Soc. Geol. France, Bull. 8,327-337.
NOACK, Y. & NAHON, D. (1982): Sur une association
serpentine - carbonate (lizardite - PFoaurite)
dans J'altcration hypogene de l'olivine des massifs
ultrabasiques de SipiJou et Moyango (Ouest de la
Cote d'!voire). C.R. Acad. 5ci. Paris 295, ser. Il,
1129-1134.
DE OUVEIR:\, S.M.B. & DELVIGNE, J. (1988): EvolUl;:ao
mineralogica dos jacupirangitos de ]acupiranga,
Sao Paulo, durante a aJterac;:ao intemperica. Rev.
Brasileira de Geocicnci05 18( 1), 79- 85.
_ _ _ _ & TRESCASES, J.J. (1985): 0 deposito de
niguel de Jacupiranga (SP): evoluc;:ao mineralogica
e geoguirnica. Rev. Brosileira de Geociencias 15(3),
249-254.
PAZ MORENo, F. (1992): Le volcanisme Mio-Plio-Qyater-
Mile de l' Erat de Sonora (Nord-Ouest du Mexique):
evolution spatiale et chronoloBique; implicatiOns
petr08eneriques. These, Univ. Aix- Marseille ill,
Marseilles, France (351 p.).
PECROT, A., DELVIGNE, J., G,~STUCHE, M.C., VIELVOYE,
L. & FIUPlAT, J-J. (1962): L'alteration des roches et
la formation des sols au Kivu (Republique du
Congo). Insrirut National POUl l' Ecude A8ronomique
du Con80 (IN&lC, Bruxelles). Publ. Se,. Sci. 97, 101 p.
WALTER, A.V (1991): Caraeterisation 8eochimique er
mJneral08ique de l'alteradon de la carbonatite du com-
plexe alcalin de Juquia (Bnisil). Comporcement des terres
rares dans les mineraux phosphates. These, Univ. Aix-
Marseille ill, Marseilles, France (247 p.).
, FUCOTEAUX, R., PARRON, c., LOUBH,
M. & NAHON, D. (1995): Rare earth elements and
isotopes (Sr, Nd, 0, C) in minerals from the
Juguia carbonatite (Brazil): tracers of a multistage
evolution. Chem. Geol. 120,27-44.
ZANONE, L. (1971): La Bauxite en Cote J'lvoire. Bauxiti-
sation eC PaJeocuirasses. Societe pour le Developpe-
ment Minier (SODEM!), Abidjan, Cote d'!voire
(184p.).
471
 Glossary
ALTERITE
The term aherile is used to designate, iD a profile,
the levels located between the unweathered
bedrock and the soil horizons. It genera]ly com-
prises a lower level in whid1 the original petro-
graphic texture IS maintained and still
rec09nizabJe either in the field or in thin section
'"
(isalterile), and an upper level in wh.ich the or-iginal
textw-aJ features have partly or totally disappeared
(al/oterile). The weathered part of a profile, in
which structures of the original rud<s are main-
tained, is also calJed saproliu.
ARGILLAN
nle term is used to designate a cutanic fabric
whose mineralogical nature is principaUy com-
posecl of clay minerals. The clay minerals are com-
monly kaolinite, more or less colored by goeth.i.te
or hematite (jerri-argil/an), in ferrallitic soils, or
smectite-grollp minerals (saponite, nontronite)
and montmOliUonite in the lower parts of land-
scape.s, where the conditions of drainage are less
efficient. ArgilJan exhibits commonly alternating
mkrolan1inations of limpid a.nd speckled clay,
genera.lly oriented parallel to the surface (wall of a
void, skeleton grain or ped surface) on which it is
fIxed by illuviation and deposition of detrital
clayey material.
ARGILLlPLASMA
111e tern1 designates the Fraction of soil material of
colloidal size that consist.s dominantly of clay min-
erals. In the arrangement of the elements of a soil,
the term argillip!asma is complementary to the
skeleton grains.
ASEPIC
Tbe term designates a kind of p!asmicJabric. The
general term sepie is derived from ,epaTQlion, so
=
tbat asepic (with a without) means without sep-
aration of pla.>ma. An a.sepic plasmic fabric corre-
sponds to a dominantly anisotropic plasma with.
anisotropic domains that are unoriented with
respect to each other. The terms ar8i1!asepie and
si!asepic designate a I'abric of a plasma dominantJy
composed of either "anisotropic" clay minerals or
of particle sizes with relatively high proportions of
silt-size grains so that tJle domains are difficult to
recognize (Brewer 1964-).
CHADACRYST
The term is used to designate the relatively small
crystals that are enclosed within a larger poikilitic
crystal. Chadacrysls of clinopFoxene or plagio-
c1ase are commonly observed in poikilitic horn-
blende, for example.
CHITONIC
This term, introduced by Stoops & Jongerius
(1975), pertains to a type of distribution pattern
of coarse and fine constituents in which the
coarser particles are completely or partly coated
by finer matel-ial. Such material may be i.lluviatioo
coatings or random depOSits of clay 00 /:,1T'ain sw--
faces.
COATING
This term denotes a layer of any substance cover-
ing surfaces of vojds, grajns and aggregates. It was
lIsed by Kubiena (193H) to describe colloidal films
around grains. Coated grains may be embedded in
the groundmass, but the concept excludes bire-
f'-ingent fabrics such as the Branosuialed bjabTic.
CRYSTALLARIA
This term was proposed by Kubiena (1938) to
designate crystalline pedofeatw-es composed of
single crystals or, more commonly, arrangements
of crystals of relatively pure fractions of the
plasma that do not enclose the S-matrix of the soil
material, but rather form cohesive ma~ses. Their
morpholog;', like small geodes, is consistent with
their formation in pre-existing voids in the enclos-
i.ng soil mateliaJ _The cry~tals that foml a cI)'stal-
laria are generally oriented paraJlel to eadl other
and perpendicular to the walls on which they
grow. Tbe crystaUaria may be reduced to crys-
talline bands running arowld J central empty
residual pore, or they may infiU completely tJ1e
origmal empty pore. The size of the individual
crystals is generally sufficient to aUow the deter-
 mination of the mineral slJCcies present by optical
methods. The most common cr}stalJaria are com-
posed of calcite, gypsum, gibbsite, goethite,
kaolinite, smeetite'group minerals or quartz (T)'S-
tab.
CRYSTALUPLASMA
The telm is used to distinguish tIle portion of tIle
soil plasma whose components exhibit a grain size
allo~\ing their distinctjon as separate anisotropic
units. The tern) is generally used in opposition to
the term argilliplosma.
CUTAN
Brewer (1964) coined this term to designate a
mocLification of the texture, structure, or fabric at
natural surfaces in wil materials, due to conc(~n­
tration of particular soil constituents or in ~iw
modillcation of the plasma. Cutans may be COIU-
posed of any or the component substances of the
soil material. See also: argillan, skeletan, fen-an,
and goethan.
ENAULIC
Stoops & Jongcrius (1975) introduced this term to
descI'ibe a type of related distribution pattern of
coarse and fine constituents in which skeletons of
coarser particles are associated with aggregates of
finer material regularly distributed in the intersti-
tial spaces_ The iI&...gregates do not completely fill
the interstitial pore-spaces. The size of the skelp-
ton grains may be greater or equal to that of" tIle
aggregates.
EPIGENETIC REPLACEMENT
The term, or the equivalent, epigenesis, is used to
designate the slow replacement, in a rock, at a
low temperature and a low pressure, of a mineral
or material by another mineral, each added atom
replacing a pre-existing atom. This phenomenon
is linked to the transfer of chemjcal elements to a
point, or volume. Th\? term mefasomatism also is
used to designate such cl replacement. The chemi-
cal elements added either cJo not exist in the min-
eral being replaced, or are present there in
relatively low conccntTations only. [n general, the
volume and shape of the mineral or material are
well maintained during or after the replacement.
Examples are provided hy tJle replacement of
kaolinite by iron oxyhydroxides, of feldspar by
calcite, and of calcite in fossilized brachiopods by
pyrite.
FERRAN
This term refers to a kind of tuu.m exclusively
composed l1f oxides or hydroxicks of iron (or
both). This kind of fen-an is commonly observed
474
in iron-rich crusts and lateritic bauxites of tropical
regions, i.n which large guantities of mobile iron
arc locally djssolved, b·a.nsfelTed and deposited to
fOlm crystals. Ferrans commonly exhibit either
linear and banded structures by crystallization in
available planar voids (cracks), or concentric
structw'es by crystallization within three-dimen-
sional residual voids (see also Boerhan and
hemawn).
FERRI-ARG1LLAN
TIus term refers to a kind of cuwn composed of
variable proportions of clay minerals mixed with
iron oxides and hydroxides. Ferri-argiIJans are the
most conunon kind of cutans in soils and near-sur-
face materials, principally in fenalJitic soils. They
correspond generaJly to deposits of day particles
previously stained by iron compounds and not to
synchronous preCipitates of clay minerals and iron
compounds.
GEFUR1C
Stoops & Jongerius (1975) introduced this term to
describe a pattern of distribution of coarse and
fine constituents in wluch the coarser particles are
linked by braces of finer material. The coarse par-
ticles are not in contact with each other, and thus
have no skeleton function.
GIBBSAN
This term refers to a kind of cuwn composed
exclusively of gibbsite crystals. Several origins of
gibbsan (sometimes called gibbsiwn to avoid any
confusion 'Nith wp.mn) are observed. Commonly
gibbsaJls are formed iD situ by crystallization of
hydroxide of aluminum from transferred dilute
solutions. They may be also derived from the
desilication of kaolinite cutans (arBillans) previ-
0usly deposited as detrital particles. More rarely,
gibbsans may form by deposits of detrital crystals
previously formed in a higher level of the profile
and broken and displaced under the influence of
biological factors, such as the activity of tJle soil
micTofauna. In the two first cases, the gibbsite
crystals a.re oriented perpendicular to the walls of
the receptive void, whereas in the third case, the
elongate crystals of gibbsite are genel<llly oriented
parallel to these \va lis.
GLAEBULE
=
The term, derived from tIle Latin gJaebuJa small
clod of earth material, "vas proposed by Brewel'
(1964) for a tlu-ee-dimensionaJ unit observed
within the S-matrix ancJ whose shape is usually
prolate to equant. It is recognizable by its mor-
phology, its greater concentration of some con-
AnAl OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL AlTERATION AND WEATHERING
 stituents, di!Terences in fabric with the enclosing
soil material, and its distinct boundaries. Nodules,
concretions, septal-ia and papulcs arc glaebules.
GLACIS
The term refers to a gentl), inclined slope, formed
by a geomorphological process characteristic of
dry climates, which extends on a mountain side,
either from a duT or around a residual hill, plateau
or inselberg. In some cases, it is equivalent to a
piemonl slope. It is derived by analog)' \'l-ith the
glacis used in fortifications as a defense against
attack. The inclination of a glacis does not exceed
some 5° in its lower part, where tl1e slope may
appear as rectilinear and uniform. In its upper
part, it is 1i11kt~d to the sides of the mountain, with
progressively more and more curved and steeper
slopes.
GOETHAN
This type of cutan consists exclusively of gocthite.
1t generaUy results from in situ deposition from
dilute solutions dCI;ved from the upper parts of
tlle prome or crust, where geochemical condi-
tions may induce the mobility of iron and its trans-
fer to lower portions of the profile. In most
goethans, goeiliite exhibits a very fine fibrous
habit. The fibrils grow perpendicular to the waUs
of the original void. Their bright yellow to orange
colOl's are characteristic and aUow easy distinction
from otller types of cutans.
GRANOSTRIATED BIREFRINGENCE-FABRIC
This term. most commonly wTitten granostriated
b-fabric, is a soil fabric formed by clay particles
oriented parallel to the surfac:e of a resistant fabric
units, such as m.ineral grains or hard nodules. A
birefringent halo is seen arou.nd the grain or nod-
ule between crossed polarizers when the micro-
scope stage is rotated. Poro.ltr;aleJ L'fahric is
simjlar, but found within the matrix all around a
pore. Granostriated and porostriated b-fabrics
have features in common with h/pocoatinas.
HEMATAN
This type of cutan, composed of hematite, is
rather r;)l"(: in iron-rich crusts and bauxites
because it has a tendency to be formed exclusively
in very slightly porous and quasi-anhydrous
media, as in argilJiplasmas and all textures of ver),
Bne-grained materials. In iron crusts and balL'oCites,
it is in some instances observed forming regular
intercalations with goelhans and gibbsans. In these
cases, the hematan (oxide of iron) is invariably
located near the wall of the pore, or even in the
surrounding matrix, where anhydrous conditions
GLOSSARY
prevaJ, whereas tbe hydroxides of the goethans
and gibbsans are particularly well developed along
the walls of large interconnected vugbs, where the
circulation of water is more abundant and easy.
HYPOCOATING
This peclofeature is Jb"tinguished from the most
common cootina by the fact that it occurs immedi-
ately adjoining rather than on tll(~ surface with
which it is associated. It may ariBe by impre.srna-
tion of a ground mass immediately adjacent to the
surface of a void or of a skeleton grain (external
hypocoatings) or by impregnation of the surface
zones of a mi<..Toporous grain (internal hypo-
coating).
INTERTEXTlC
The term is used to determine a kind of elemen-
tary fabl-ic in which mineral grains are united or
linked to each others by intergranuJar braces of
finer material (tlocculatcd clays or organic: mater-
ial). This interce.Hic fabric conesponds to the
related aifuric pattern of distribution of Stoops &
Jongerius (1975). This fabric gives to the material
large and generally continuous networks of pores.
MAMMfLATE
The term relates to the shape of protuberances
appearing on the undulating and rough surface of
a grain. The surface, seen in a section, consists in
juxtaposition of convex curved protuberances
separated from each otller by triangular acute
inward boundaries. The term may also be used to
incLC<lte coIl1orm or botljoidal or reniform textures.
The opposite, or complementary, relationship is
the palmar.e texture, in which the surface of the
grain, as seen in section, is made of a succession or
adjacent concave curves separated from each
other by triangular or acute protuberances. Diai-
tate is a term that covers the intermediate ~hapes
betvveen mammilate and palmate surfaces, and
generally apphes to "Hnger~like" projections.
MATRIX
The term is used in sedimentology to indicate the
finer synsedimentary material between sand
grains. It is used in soil micromorphology to des-
ignate the finest material of the soil fabric (S-
matrix).
MONIC
Stoops & Jongerius (1975) introduced this term
f01' a type of distribution pattern of coarse and fine
constituents in which only particles of one size
range (or amorphous material) are present. Asso-
ciated interstitial voids, generally referred to as
475
 packinB rajdI. arc invariably present, though they
may be ultr.unicroscopic. Tlus pattern b com-
monly observed i.n pure sandy soils and scdiments
devoid of cementing material.
M-PLASMA
This term designates the soil plama that fonns the
colloidal pan of dIe surrounding matrix, by oppo-
sition to the plasma that may be observed within
included pedofeatures. Compare \\·ith Plasma.
OIKOCRYST
This term designates the large poikilitic crystal
that encloses many small crystals of a different
mineral. Oi.kocrysts of an amphibole-group min-
eral commonly enclose small crystals of plagio-
cJase or p)'Toxcne-group minerals. Compare with
chlldauysr.
ORTI-IIC
This term, From thc Greek rnot opeo~ = right,
straight. is used in a purely moq)hological sense
and applied to describe the re1.1tionships observed
in the texture of the pedological feature (concre-
tion or nodule) and that of the adjacent matrix.
The term orrhic characterizes a concretion whose
base material is identical to that of the adjacent
matri-x; llnonhic (same Greek root with the prefix
(X or (Xv = without) is used where it is not. The-
dirference bel'ween an orthic pedofeature and its
matrix lies in the fact that the locally developed
concentration of a constituent mineral has
obscured the texture of the original matrix, the
skeleton grains 01' which being generally the only
constituents still \"isibk. The concentnted con-
stituents may be iron oxides and hydroxides,
gibbsite, calcite and other secondary minerals.
The distribution and the nature of the skeleton
fractions of the pedofeature, and of the sunound-
ing matrix arc simi.Jar in the case of orthic concre-
tions. In anOl1:hic concretions. the identifiable
constituents and their distTibution differ from
those in the surroundjng matTix. Consequently, a
genetic sense may be added to the abow defini-
tions: an orthic concretion is formed in siw by
local concentration of and impregnation by a soil
constituent, whereas an anorthic concretion is
generally an allochthonous concretion whose orig'
inal matrix (and necessarily its included skeleton
grains) are different. Both terms may, in some
instances, be applied to the same concretion
where its anol,thic nucleus, of allodlthonous ori-
gin, is now surrounded by an accretion cortex
formed, in ,lieu, by aureolar impregnation of the
surrounding matri-x.
476
ORTHOBlMASEPIC FABRJC
This complex term is formed from the Greek root
opeo~ = straight, from the Latin root bi = two,
and from ma of matrix and sq>ic of separation.
According to Brewer (1964), the rna.<epic fabriC
refers to part of the plasma that has a Oecked ori-
entation pattern, but plasma separations occur as
zones \'\'ithin the S-matrix apparently not associ-
aled with the walls of voids 01' the sw"faces of
skeleton grains; the striated orientation is elongate
parallel to cllC length of the zones. These may be
parallel to each other, or randomly arranged, or
the plasma separations may occur in two (bi-) sets
of subparallel zones, ead, set being inclined as a
definite angle to the other set. This latter fabric is
termed bimllsepic fabric. Where the angle between
the two sets is approximately a right angle, the
fabric becomes all orthobimasepic fabJic.
PACKING VOIDS
These are void~ due 10 the random packing of indi·
viduals (Brewer 1964-). Paclcing voids are inter-
connected between them and may be the
pathways for absolute accumulations of fine mate-
l·ial. A11 individual voids may exhibit equant size if
they are intertitial between skeleton grains of
approximately the same size.
PAPULE
A papule is a gJaebuJe composed dominantly of
clay minerals with a continuous or lamellar fabric;
it has a sharp external bOllndary and is commonly
prolate to cqnant and somewllat rounded.
PEDOPLASMAnON
Pedoplasmation refers to a near-surface process of
formation of secondary minerals, mainly clay min-
erals, at the expense either of the minerals of the
parent rock, or of the previously formed sec-
ondaI)' minerals that appeared in subjacent altero-
morphs. In this case, the microtextural patterns of
tJle aJteromorphs are modHled, and part of their
se.condary minerals is replaced by othcr secondary
minerals of simpler chemical composition, e.B.,
replacement of smectite-group minerals by
kaolinitc, or degradation of the pre-existing
kaolinite by gibbsite.
PEDOTURBAnON
All mixings of soil components not caused by illu-
viation arc covered by this term. The process of
pedoturbation is a superllcial one that tends to
destroy the soil textures previously formed by
pedological processes. The main factors of pedo--
turbation are of biological, phYSical or chemical
order, and they act principally in the upper part of
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEArHERING
 the profiles. They arc: the activity of the plant
roots, of animals and microfauna of the soil (pedo-
tubules, channels, galleries, etc.), human activity
(plov.,;ng, work of soil for agJicultural or breeding
purposes), physical or geomorphological
processes (colluvial, creep, and all processes of
erosion) and, to a lesser extent, chemical
processes that may promote the dissolution of sol-
uble material and consequent crushing, settling
and textural re-arrangements orthe residual insol-
uble material.
PLASMA
Plasma is llsed to designate that part of a soil mate-
rial that is capable of being (or has been) moved,
reorganized or concentrated by the processes of
soil formation. It is the mobile active part of the
soil material. The plasma includes aIJ the material,
mineral or organic, of colloidal size and relatively
soluble material that ;s not bound in the skeleton
gJ·ains. The telm may be written as M-plasma
where it designates specifi.cal.Jy cl)e plasma of the
soil matri.:x.
POIKILITIC
Where an igneous rock displays a poikiJitic tex-
ture, small grains of one mineral are irregularly
scattered without common orientation in a typi-
cally anhedral larger crystal of an other mineral.
The included small gJ'ains, also called chadacrJ5lS,
are commonJy pyroxene or plagioclase grains
completely embeddefl in an enclosing large crys-
tal, also called oikocr)'St, commonJy of amphibole.
A poikilobla5i (the textural term is poikiloblasric)
refers to a Jal-gc crystal that gJ-ew during meta-
morphism (i.e., in me solid state), also containing
numerous inclusions of small grains.
PORPHYRJC
This term, introduced by Stoops & ]ongerius
(1975), refers to a type of related pattern of djs-
tribution of coarse and fine constituents in which
ilie coarser particles are completely embedded in
a giou.ndmass of finer material; interstitial pores
are ahsent, at least at the scale of the rustribution
pattern. Depending on the rustance between the
skeleton grains that are completely embedded in a
clayey matrix, one can distinguish a close porphyric
related diStribution, where many coarse IJarticles
have points of contact with each other, and an open
porphyric related disrribution, where few grains an'
in contact with each other. Sinsle- and double-
spaced porphyric distJibutions can be distinguished
according to the distances between them in I·ela-
tion to Uleir mean diameter.
GLOSSARY
PORPHYROSKELIC
The term, intToduced by Brewer (1964), is eqillv-
aJeat to porphyric of Stoops & ]ongcrius (1975).
The concept is based on the relation of plasma to
skeleton gJ'ain: the plasma occur-s as a dense
groundmass in wmch skeleton grains are set, in a
manner recalling phenocrysts in a porphyritic
igneous rock.
QUASICUTAN
This tenn refers to a pedologicaL featu.re tl1at
occurs withtn the S-matrix, not immediately
adjoining natural surfaces, but with an obvious
relationship to iliem (Brewer 1964). A quast{erran
is a quasicutan whose constituent minerals mainly
are oxides and hydroxides of iron.
SAPROLITE
Supro/ire is a term conunonly used by geolOgiSts to
refer to a typic..-Jly clay-I-ich, comlJletely decom-
posed rock, fonued in siw by chemical weather·
ing. The original rock may be igneous,
metamorphiC or serumentaly', and its original
structure is commonly preserved throughout the
weatl1ered cover. The iliickness of ilie saprolite
may be very thick, plincipally in humid tropical
regions. Saprolile is equivalent to the tenn alterite.
more recentlv~ introduced and baenerally~ used bv"
soil scientists and other agronomists who study
this material in gJ·eat detail as an intermecUate
stage in the formation of soil.
SKELETON
The term skelelOn determines relatively stable
residual mineral grains and organisms, t.he size of
which generally corresponds to the sand fraction
of ilie soil. The skeleton grains are generally con·
cent.rated or reorganized in specific horizons,
associated with colloidal argiHiplasmas under the
influence or pedological processes.
S-MAffiIX
The S-ma/rix of a soil material is ilie material
(plasma, skeleton grains, associated voids) within
the simplest (primary) peds, or composing apedal
soil materials, that do not occur as pedological
features other than plasma separations; it may be
absent in some soil materials, for example, those
that consist entirely of pedological features
(Brewer [964).
STONE LINE
A stone line is a continuous or discontinuous line
of angular- and subangular rock fragn1ents, paral-
leling a sloping topogJ'aphic surl'ace and lying just
above the parent material of a soil at a dept.h of a
477
 few meters below that surface. Many old ferral-
Litic soils exhibit stone Lines, a few centimeters to
one meter thick, generally composed of frat,rrnents
of quartz, derived from the residual unweathcr-
able quartz veins crossing the parent rock of the
soil. and of fragments or gravels of iron dw·icTusts
and other resistant materials. Whether a stone tine
is autochthonous or allochthonous (in situ concen-
tration of the fragments by settling and sorting by
microfawla activity, or allochthonous origin by
deposits of gravels on an eroded slope before its
burial under more recent colluvial deposits) is
genel-allya matter of discussion. The heterogene-
ity of the material may in some cases bring argu-
ments for an allochthonous origin of the matelial
of the stone lines. Where the material is homoge-
neously composed of ubiquitous Fragments of
quartz, ho",·ever, the question may not be
resolved easily.
STRESS CUTANS
The tenn, proposed by Brewer (1964), refers to
an in situ modification of the plasma due to difTer-
ential forces such as shealing. The stress cut,IJ1S are
not true coatings. They develop also between two
or more rigid bodies embedded in a soft clayey
matrix under the influence of variation of volumes
owing to alternations of humidity and dryness;
they arc then expressed by halos of birefringent
oriented clay material contrasting \yith the unori-
ented day-rich matrix. See also Granosrriated bire-
Jri ngenceJabri(.
SYMPLECTITIC
A s)'mplecriti( texture in an igneous or metamor-
phic rock is produced by the intimate intergrowth
of (usually) two minerals that grew simultane-
ously. One or u1e minerals may exhibit a vermic-
ular habit. In this book, the word is used to
characterize the intimate assemblage of vermicu-
lar grain;; of magnetite regularly distributed within
one (or more) grain of orthopyroxene. nus
assemblage is interpreted to result From the
replacement of an original grain of otivine sub-
jected to thermal metamorphism.
TOMBOLO
A wmbolo is a bar of sand or gravel or a barrier that
connects an island with the mainland or with an
other island. Where the island has a relatively
large size, two opposite curved (concave) bars
may form, isolating a portion of the sea bet\o\'een
them and the mainland, leading to a double tombolo.
478
TOPOSEQUENCE
The term topaseq[lence (from the Greek root
T01TO~ = place, position, and the Latin root sequi
= to follow), also refcrred to as (arena (from the
Latin root catena = chain), is used to designate a
series of profiles or pits regularly distributed and
generally aligned along the longest slope of a
watershed. The distance between each profile can
be l-egular or inegular, and their number, density
and distribution delJend on the local variability of
pedological factors such as topography, vegeta-
tion, conditions of internal drainage, ge.omorpho-
logical events, and the nature of the bedrock. A
toposequence is created, located and studied in
order to determine the pedologic,ll and weather-
ing response to the local variation of these I'actors
by variations in physical, chemical, mineralogical
and textural properties of the products. These
variations are expressed aJso by the distribution,
thickness and nature or the weathered and pedo-
logical horizons of each proll1e or IJit.
VESICLE
The term ,·esiclc is used in pedolngy to designate
voids rather similar to vughs, whose walls consist
of smooth, simple cunes, subcircular or elliptical
in section. Vesicles are generally charactel"ized by
a parallel referred distribution within the soil
material. Many of them arc formed by gas devel-
opment at the expense of organic matter in the
upper horizons orthe soil.
VUGHS and VUGS
These vcry similar terms have a similar meaning
and morphology, hut involve: a different mode of
origin. Vughs have a supergene origin and occur in
soils and aJterites, whereas vugs have a hypogene
origin and occur in rocks. VUBhs are relatively
large voids or cavities in a soil material, other than
packing voids, usually irregular and not normally
interconnected with other voids of comparable
size. One can distinguish regular vughs (equant,
prolate, acicular) and irregular vughs (mammi-
late, digitate). Onc can aJso distinguish orthovuahs
(\'\o'ithout coatings) and mctQI'u8hs (with coatings:
Brewer 1964. p. 189). Th~ term does not have a
genetic connotation concerning the origin (disso-
lution, pedoturbation) of the void. On the other
hand, l'Ug,'· an: smaJl cavities in a vein or in rocks,
usually Lined with crystals of a mineral assemblage
different from that in the enclosing rock (Bates &
Jackson (1987».
ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 Index

Granitic: gnei~s 97
I DEX OF Kcr.~antite 100, 101, 128,160,168

PHOTOMICR GRAPH Komatiite 131

A 0 FIGt RE
This Index is arranged in such a manner that the main dj\~­
sions of the hook are easily accessible. The major themes are
successively arranged in a natural and logical order of
description, From the parent rock to lhe most intenselv
weathered bauxitic mateliak Each of the fifteen theme's
!i,ted below is individualJy imlexed. The page numbers cited
refer 1) to photographs and their r"spective captions, or 2)
to specillc figures, identified in parentheses in hold-face
font. The symbols oxFe, oxTi and OxNln represent oxides
and oxyhydroxides of Fe, Ti and Mn, respectively.
PARENT ROCKS 479
PRIMARY MINERALS (Mineral species) 4-79
PRIMAR)' MLNERALS (Morphological Features) 484
Metagabhro 187
Mica schist 198, 249
Nepheli.nc syenite (luja\clitej 68, 102, lOS, 106, 10~, 118,
1 I 9, 121. I H, 234, 235, 295, 33 I, 332, 33 3, 334,
335
Pelidotite 132, 268. 269. 302
Phonolite 15
Pyroxcnite 10,17,19,10,21,24,25,61,62,66,67,70,
71,72,73,74,77,78,79,93,96,99,110, Ill,) 12,
113,120,130,133,135,136,137, J38, 140,156,
157,158,159,162, In3, 166, 167,169, 170, 177,
178,188,189,190,198,200,209,210,211,212,
213,215,219,227,228,229,230,231,263,264,
265,266,267,271,272,273,274,275,283,284,
285, 286, 287, 288, 290, 191, 292, 293, 296, 297,
29~, 299, 300, 301, 303,304,305,320,321,322,

WEATHERED ROCKS 4-86 323, 32'>, 336.337, 338, 339, 340,356, 357, 358,
ALTERATION AND WEATHERING 486 365, 366
SECONDARY MlNERALS 487 Schist 16. 202
ALTEROMORPHS 490 Ultrabasicrock 51 (4A), 352,353,359,368,369
MATERIAL TRANSFERS 491
LlTHORELlCS 491 I'IU'" \1\\ \11'-JI[ol-\l. (,\ll11L'I',d ~p,dl"1
ALTERORELlCS 492
Actinolite 13,20,23,62,63,68, 107, 109,252
CONCRETIONS 492
cleavages 20,23, 107,252
NODULES 493
intranlineraJ residual porosity 109, 252
PEDORELlCS 4-94-
oriented sccondall' minerals 252
BAUX1TIC PISOUTHS 494-
pattt::rns of \\'eath~ring
ARTIFICIAL FEATURES 494
peripheral 23, 107, 109
regular, cros,ing 2.3, 107,252
1"\1-U-:-- r I{I l( 'K'" primary mineral 20, 23
Amphibolite 20,23, 103, 107, 109, 195, 196, 197,232, secondary minerals
233,252,256,330 oxFe 23, 107, 109,2'>1
Anortbosite 14, 199 lTansyerSe fractures 23, 107, 109
Basaltic rocks 11,12,17,19,22,75,92,98,116,117,129, twins 151
176,177,178,183, 18+, 186, 193,270,281,282, Aegirine68, lOS, 108, 121, J34, 234-
289 a~ inclusions 295

Cale-alkaline granite 18, 139, 141, 142, 143, 145, 147, banded pattern of weatb<:riug 134
185.251 denticulate cores 134
Carhonatite 94-, 95, 127, 220, 329 primar)' mineral 68, 108
Charnockite 14+, 146,248,250,253,254-,257 secondary millel-als
Diabase 115,194,236,319 oxFc 108,1)4
Gahbro 96,14,104,191,192,203,21+,24-8,255,257, transverse I'raeturcs 68, 108, 134
294,318 AIlanite 185
Granitic rock SI (48),64-,69, 114,145,161, 162, 164, Amph.iholes (mineral spccic$ not spcciJicd) 24, 25, 61, 62,
165, 171,216,217,218,231,246,247,276,324, 63, 195,1%, 197,153,256
326,327,328,341,354,355,360 cJca"age~ 256

INDEX OF PHOTOHICRDGAAPHS AND FIGURES

479
 inclusions of quartz 256 oxFe 84 (6B), 231
minute remnanll 256 oxTi 128, 160
twins 256 smectite-group mineral 84 (6C), 164, 165
t\nkeritp 127, 220, 215 tremoLite 190
Anonhoclase 14 vermicuJite 84 (6A), 166, 17 J, 189
twin$ 14 secondary tram· and intermineral rrilctures 164-
t\patile68, 74, 94,95, 133,156,157,182,219,220 Biotite - d,lorite 100, 1() 1, 139
cavernous resiclues 219 peripheral pattern of weathering "100, 101
displacement of fragments 84 (6A) primar, minerals 139
fracrures 84 (6A), 133, 157 secondary minerals
inclusion in biotite - phlogopite - ve.rrnicuLil<' 84 (6A), chJorite 100,101
156, 157 Calcite - ,1l1keJ"ite 94,95, 127, 220,329
inclusion in hornblende 133, 182 denticulate cores 127
primary mineral 182 in1ll\lng~ of secondary apatite 220, 329
residual empty pore$ 219 patterns of weathering
>econdary minerals (oxFe rim) 219 peripheral 95, 329
Augite 11,12,22,177,178,308 (<<lA) thick pellicular 127
cleavages 22, 308 (<<lA) thin pellicular 94, 220, 329
inclusions in 12,22,177,178 primary mineral 94
infillings of gibbsite 308 (40A) residual pores 95, 127
primary mineral 11, 12,22,177,178 secondary minerals
secondary miner-als: oxFe 22, 308 (40A) oxFe 94,95,127,220
transverse fractures 308 (<<lA) ox(Fe + Mn) 329
t,,"ins 11 Clinopyroxene (mineral species not specified) 21, 51 (4A),
zonation 11, 12. 177, 178 61,62,63,65,66,71,83 (5B), 92, 93, 136, 137,
Biotite 64, 74, 84 (6A, B, C), 86 (7A, B), 100, 101, 128, 138, 177, 178, 194,200,227,228,229,230,246,
139,158,159,160,161,162,164,165,166,168, 250,262 (35A), 304, 305, 321, 337, 338, 365, 366
171,189,190,231,321,324, HI, 354 breakage 136, 321
cleavages 128, 139, 158, 159, 160 cleavages 21, 229, 250, 262 (35C), 338
deformation 84 (6C), 171, 198 coatings in 32 1
epigenetic replacement 198 denticulate cores 136,137,138,227,250,321
exfoliation 168, 324 diffusion of iron 337, 338
expansion 84 (6A, B, C), 86 (7B), 158, 159, 160, fissures 61,62,63,73,74,77,93,230,250,337
162,164,165,166,324,341 hypocoatings 74,337,338
inclusion., inclusions in 21, 262 (35C)
primary inclusions infillin.gs in 321
of ap,ltite 84 (GA) oriented particles of clay 138, 227, 228, 229, 230,
of titanite 168 246, 262 (3Sq, 337
secondary inclusion., uriented residues 136, 138, 250
of iron uxyhydroxides 84 (6B) patterru of weathering
inl1llings of irregular, banded 337
calcite 160, 168 pa.rallel, banded 250
gypsum 168 peripheral, banded 137
iron accumulation 198 peripheral, centripetal 227
kaolinite 324 primary mineral 21, 61, 62, 63
guartz 160 quasi. coatings 221l
interla}'ered secondary minerals 84 (6B), 86 (7A, B), residual cores 337
231,324,341 residual empty pores 227,228,229,250,337
irregular pores 84 (6C) secondary minerals
lenticular pores 84 (6A, D), 158, 159, 160, 161, 231, acti~oJite 62, 63
324, 341 iron 0XY'hydrox:icles 194, 228, 229, 246, 250.
orientation of secondary products 324 337, 338
patterns of weathering saponite 65, 73, 74, 77, 93,137,138.227,230,
irregular, banded 128, 341 337,338
peripheral 164 smectite-group mineral 83 (5B), 136, 228, 229,
secondary mine.rals 262 (3SC), 321
chldrite 8G (7A, B), 118,139, 160 Diopside 13,20,137,157,200,303,304,305
gibbsite 161, 341 cleavages 20
bolinite 84 (6B), 158, 159, 161, 162, 166, 171, CTacks 20
198, 231, 341 denticulate cores or residues 137, 200, 304
later evolutiun 341 erroneous interpretation 303, 304, 305

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

480
 inc111~ions or secondary minerals
amphibolc 303, 304-, 305 iron' oxybvdroxides 20 I, 319
magnetite 303 Garnet 16, 88 (8B): 97, 181, 249
onbopyroxene 303 l"a\"(~rnous residue~ 249
orientation of inclusions 303, 305 external rim 97
orientation of secondal]' products inclu~i()n.s in 16, 181
random, une\'('11 200 irregular cro,~ing fncturcs 16, 88 (8B). 131, 24-9
regular 304-, 305 patterns of \\'(.'aulcring
peripheral + banded patterns of m:'athcrillg I j7, 157 Lrr<:guJar linear SS (SB), 24-9
primary mineral 20, 303 peripheral 97
secondar} mjnerals prima,," mineral 16. 18l
calcite 200 rl'sic!uaJ empty pores 88 (SB), 249
,aponite 137,157,304,305 re"idues (random) 88 (8B)
Epidote 18,180, 185,202,262 (35B), 355 ~econdarv minerals
allanite 185 gibhsite 249
concentTic pattern of weathering 185 oxFe 8S (SB), 97, 2+9
rim 01" primary mineral 185 Hornblendt: 13, 19,24,25,51 (4A, B), 61, 62. 65, 71, 79.
fracture.l 202 88 (SC), 13~, 156, 178,195, 196, 197,232,233,
inclusion" of 262 (35B) 151,253,278 (37C), 291,303,304,305
inclusions of quartz 180 bundles of crystals 195
prirnary mineral 130, 135 cleavages 24,' 25,88 (SC), 133.251,278 (.37C), 291
"econdan'/ mineraJ~ denticulate residues 38 (SC), 133, 196, 278 (.37C),
saponite 185 291
iron oxyhydrox:ides 202 diffusion halos 197
Euclial \,te 121, 234- erroneous interpretation .103, 304, 305
a~sociated mioeral 234- fractures 278 (3 7C). 291
patchy pattern 01" weathering 121 Lnel usions in I 3. 1.3 3, 195, 25 I
secondarl" minerals inclusions or 261 (35C)
natrolite 121 inilllings 25
oxJ"'(' 121 inn·,lm.ineral porosity 2+, 25
Feldspars (mLneral species not spt'ciried) 51 (4B), 69, 89 oriented secondan mineral> 253
(9C), 90 (lOA, B), 14-3, 145, 146, 232, 233, 247, pattelTls or wcath~ring
250,257,276,308 (4DB), 330. 354. 367 complex 291
cal'f~rnou" 143, 146 irregu1Jr, banded 1.33
cleavages 143,247 pelliC1dar 196, 278 (37C)
fractures 69,257, 301l (40B) regular, crossLn.g 88 (8C), 251,253
inclusions in 145 prin1ary mineral 13, 19,24-,25,61,178,195
inflllings of residual empty pores 278 (HC), 291
days 69,308 (40B) -'l'condarv minerals
smcctile 2)J, 330 gibbsite 278 (37C), 291
interconnecteJ vughs 257 nxFc 51 (4A), 88 (SC), 133. 196, 197, 251, 253.
minute residues 14.3 278 (37C), 291
oriented secondary mineral> 247, 257 smectite 51 (4B)
patterns of weadlering twins 13
complex 146 zonation 19
irregular 89 (9C) H~'pcrsthe-Il<' 10,78,79, 130, 1.35, 177, 187, 188,265,
irrel,rular digitate 89 (9C) 266, 267, 273, 274, 275, 284, lR5, 292, 293, 296,
res.iclual voids 247, 308 (40B) 297.198,299,300,301,318,340
residues, cores 308 (40B) as second.n·\" mineral 273
reticulate intramineral fractures 132, 133, 330 clca\'ages 130, 292
secondary minerals cl;'stals protruding 187, 188
gihb~itt: 89 (9C), 143. 145, 146, 247, 257, 308 dcnticul.ltion 130, 135,267,292,293,299,301
(40B) c!i\'ergent pattern 188
isotropic matc-ria189 (9C), 143,232,233,3.30 fractures 78, 130, 135,292,301
twins 143, 146 orientation 01" secondary minerals 266,167,284,285,
Fenomagnesian mincrals (mincral speci<:s not specilled) 293,300
201,250,291,319 patterns of weathering
cleavages 319 linear or handed 130, 135, 292, 293
epigenetic replacement 20 I p<lrallel. banded 187,284,285,292
fractures 20 I, ~ 19 p'Tipberal 300
inJlllings of gihbsitc 319 primary mineral 177

INDEX OF PHOTOMICROGRAPHS AND FIGURES

481
 residual cores 293, 299, 300
residual empty pores 292, 293,300,301
secondary minerals
iron oxide diffusion (halo, coloration) 300
i.ron oxyhydroxides 293, 300
nontronite 78,130,265,266,267,273
saponite 30 I
smectite 135, 267, 292, 293, 298, 299
smectjte + oxFe 135, 292, 301
talc 266, 267, 300
tremolite + magnetite 187, 188,285
tremolite + talc + magnetite 284, 301
Isotropic primary material 236
Leueite 15
incl usions in IS
intramineral cracks 15
primary mineral 15
twins 15
Magnetite 10,12,63,70,71,74,79,92,96,110,111,
112,113,156,175 (18C), 188, 189, 190,209,210,
212,214,262 (HA), 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268,
27\, 273, 274, 275, 278 (37A, B), 282, 284, 285,
286,287,288,290,296,297,298,299,300,301,
320, 336, 339
associated with
chlorite 282
clay mineral.s 214,266,271,273,275,297,298
fractures 10, 209, 210, 214, 263, 266, 271, 282,
284, 287, 290, 320, 339
"iddingsite" 110, Ill, 113,209,263
oLivine 10
orthopyroxene 296, 297, 298
talc and tremoLite 188,189,190,210,266,267,
278 (37A, B), 284, 285, 286, 287, 296,
300, 301, 320, 336, 339
serpentine 112, 262 (35A), 264, 268
inclusions
alignments, lineaments 209, 210, 214, 262
(35A), 263, 264, 266, 267, 268, 271, 282,
284,285,287,290,299,320,339
euhedral crystals 285
intergrowths 96, 175 (ISe), 265,273,274,275,
296,297, 298, 299
interstitial (interlamellar) 284, 287
rim 188, 189, 190,210, 278 (37A), 287, 288,
300, 320, 336
size and shape 301
symplectite 273, 274, 275, 284, 296, 297, 298,
299
textural signature 175 (18C), 273, 274, 275, 296
secondary minerals
hematite 274, 275
iron oxyhydroxides 290
oxFe + oxTi 96
twins 96
Micas 198, 231, 325
Mjcrocline 64, 65, 354, 355
fractures 64, 65
infilLings 64, 65
Mosandrite -linkite 102,234,295,331,332,333,334
as inclusion 234, 295, 331, 332, 333, 334
482
Myrmelcitic and granophyric textures 64, 145, 276
intergrowths 145, 276
secondary minerals
gibbsite 145, 276
textural signature 276
Natrolite 102,121,313 (42A, B, C), 334
Nephel.ine 102, 106, 118, 234, 235, 295, 312 (4IA, B, C),
313 (42A, B, C), 331, 332, 333, 334, 335
infillings ofgibbsite 295,312 (41B, C), 313 (42B, C),
331,332,333,334,335
patterns of weathering
pateny pattern 106, 118
peripheral pattern 102, 106, 118,295,312
(4IA), 313 (42A), 331
residual core 295,312 (41A, B,C), 313 (42A, B, C),
331, 332, 333
reticuJate intramineral fractures 118, 234, 235, 295,
312 (41A, B, C), 313 (42A, B, C), 331, 332,
333, 334
secondary minerals
gibbsite 118, 235, 295, 312 (41C), 313 (42C),
332, 333, 334, 335
isotropic material 106, 118, 234, 235, 295,312
(41A, B, C), 313 (42A, B, C), 331,332,
333, 334
natrolite 102, 118,313 (42A, B, C), 334
size, shape, crystallinity 118, 332, 333, 334
Olivine 10, 51 (4A), 66, 70, 76, 88 (8A), 92, 98, 110, Ill,
112,113,129,131,132,167,176,183,184,186,
191,192,193,209,210,211,213,214,262 (35A),
263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 302, 269, 270, 271,
272, 273, 274, 275, 281, 282, 286, 287, 288, 289,
290,296,297,298,299, 320, 336, 339
alveolization, pores 336, 339
concentric pattern of disoibution 282
cores and resldues
coarse residues 262 (35A), 302
denticuJate 129, 191, 265
irregular 132, 263, 268, 269, 302
minute fragments 263
"saw-tooth" 88 (8A), 129, 302
smooth residues 131, \32
crystals protruding 191, 192
embayments 176, 184
fractures 10,70,76,88 (SA), 110, 111,112,113,
129, 167, 183, 193,209,210,214,262 (35A),
263, 264, 265, 266, 271, 272, 286, 287, 290,
299, 339
inclusion of basaltic material 176, 184
infillings of
ferruginous clays 320
gibbsite 76
iron diffusion 209, 268, 269, 272, 302,320,336
iron oxybydroxides 339
manganese oxides 70, 209, 264, 272
quartz 302
ol.ivine + orthopyroxene 10, 175 (18B), 266, 267
oHvine + sympJectite (Opx + Mgt) 175 (18C), 265
273, 274, 275, 296, 297, 298, 299
patterns of alteration or weathering
linear or banded pattern of alteration 88 (SA),
ATlAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINEI\AL ALTEAATION AND WEATHERING
 129,131,132,183, U;(;, 214, 262 (35A), irre1:,'uJar 105
264, 268, 286, 302 irregular, patch," 119
patchy pattern of alteration 299 secondary minerals
peJipheral pattern of alteration 92, 98, 1 10, 111, gihbsirc 89 (913), lOS, 145, H6, 217
112,263,265,299 isotropic material 89 (9A), 90 (1013)
reticulate pattern of alteration 132, 268, 269, 302 kaolinite 90 (lOB)
plimarv mineral 10, 176 twirLS 89 (9B), 105
radiating textural pattern 186 Orthop)Tnxen(' (mineral species not specitled) 83 (SC),
rim 92,176,210,263,265,267,297,299,336 189, 190,278 (37A, B), 280 (3SC), 296, 297, 298,
residual empty pores 270, 302 299, 300. 318,34-0
secondary mineral,; ck'avages 278 (37A), 280 (38C), 318
calcite 281 dentic'~lat<.· residual cores 340
chJOIitc 129, 281, 282 fracttLrt.'"s 79, 177, 278 (37A), 280 (38C), 318, 340
chlorite + actinolite 289 inl1llings of
"chlorophaeite" 98 gibbsite 318
cr)'sta.lJinit)' 88 (8A), 212, 290 iron oX}'hvdroxirl~s 3+0
ferruginous c1a\'s 186, 274 nrthop}'roxenc + oli\'in", 10, 175 (1SB), 266, 267
"iddingsite"70, 76,92,110,111,113,167,176, orthopyroxene + oli~'ine + magnetite 175 (ISC), 265,
192,209,262 (35A), 263, 264, 270, 272, 273.274,275,296,297,298,299
299 prinlarY mineral 177
ironox)'h~'droxidcs76, 132, 167, 191, J93, 269, resicl ualcores 278 (37 A)
270,290,297, 302 residuaJ pores 318, 340
nickcloan saponitc 268 secondary mineral~
nontronitc 88 (SA), 193, 265, 266, 267, 271, ;unplubole + magnetite 190
290, 299 iron oxvhvdroxides 280 (38C), 318, 34-0
ol-icntation 88 (8A), 262 (3SA), 268, 269, 270, later e,,'ol~tion 280 (38C)
271,181,282,287,288,290,339 orient.ation or 340
ol'thopyroxene + lTIilgnetite 26S, 266, 274, 275, smectite 83 (SC), 280 (3SC), 340
296, 297, 298, 299 talc + magnetite 278 (37A, B). 79, 189
quartz 281 , 282 wlc + anlphibole + magnetite 188, 278 (37B)
sap0rlitE' 191,268,269,297 Orthop~Toxene + oli\ine. 10,175 (ISB), 266, 267
saponite - "bowlingite" 129, 132, 176, 183. 184,
21.3.214,265,271,274,298,299, 302 OrthoPFoxene + oli<-ine + magnetite 175 (I RC), 265,
se'-pentinc + magnetite I 12, 131, 132, 262 273,274,275,296,297,298,299
(HA), 263, 264, 268, 269, 302 Pf'I'O\'sl-ilt' 18J., 212, 467
smectite 5 I (4A) flssure, 212
talc + magllttire 131, 210, 266, 267, 296, 320, primar)' mineral 182
339 'cconclal"l' min('fals
tremolite + magnetite 287 anatasc 212, 4-67
trcmolitc + saponite 288 crystallinity 212., 467
tremol.ite + talc + magnttitl:' 286, 336 porosi ty 4-67
zeolites 186 twin.s 11\2
skeletal o)'stal 176, 184 Phlogopite 21, 77, 78,140,156,157,162.163,169,170,
sympJectitic texnllT 265, 273, 274, 275, 2%, 297, 198,322, 323, 325
298, 299 breakage or iJlclucl(:c1 Cl''', Hbl, Mgt, Ap 77,78, 156,
zondtion 176 157
Olj"ine + orthop)'roxc.n~ 10, [75 (18B), 266, 267 derormation 198
Olil'ine + sympJectit(' (Opx + Mgt) 175 (ISC), 265, 273, epigen,'tic replacement 140, 198
274, 275, 296, 297, 298, 299 expansion 156, IS7, 163, 169,170,322,123
Opaque minerals 196, 197 illlillings of
OI,thoclase89(9A,B),90(10B), 105, 119, 121, 145,146, gi'f,bsite 325
195,196,197,217,)35 quartz 322,323
associated minel-aJ 195, 196, 197 interlayert'd port's 322, 323
ca\'ernous residuc~ 89 (9A), 90 (1013) rcplacemE'nt by
cleavage" 89 (9A, B), 90 (1013), 14-6 calcite 1+0
denticulate residues 145 iron oxyhr'droxides 198
infillings of secondary m·i.Jl~rals
gibbsitr: ll9, 335 kaolinitc: 162,163,169,170,198
nan'oUt" I 19 orientation of 322, 323
organized minute re~idues 89 (9A), 90 (1013) \wmiculite 156, 162, 163, 169. 170, 198, 322.
or'thoclas<o + plagioclase 175 (ISA) 323
patterns of weathering Plagioclase 14, 17, 18, IC), 68, 90 (IOC), 98, 103, 104,

INDEX Of PHOTOMICROGMPHS AND fiGURES

483
 114.115.117,141,142.144. 14b, 147, 179., 191,
192. 194. 199,203.217.24-6.24-8.251.254.262
(35B), 270. 276, 280 (38A, B), 283, 294-, 326, 327.
328, 355
cleavages 141,142,179,248,251,280 (38A, B), 326
cores (irregular, cavernous) 90 (lOA. B), 142. 144.
1+6, 24-8, 280 (38A, B)
epigenetic replacement 199
fractures 19,90 (lOA), 14-2, 14-6, 147, 179. 191, 192.
199. 248. 280 (38A. B). 326
inclusions in 17, 262 (35B)
infillings of
amorphous products 326
calcite 199
days 104-
kaolinite 203
patterns of weathering
complex 103. 14-6, 14-7.203,280 (38A. B), 326
concentric 19. 90 (lOC), 114. 179. 262 (35B),
283
crossing, linear 141
digitate 103
irreguJar 104.191,192
irreguJar-regular 14-7, 280 (38A, B)
parallel linear 25 1
patchy 90 (lOA, C). 103, 117, 147
peripheraJ 99. 103
regular 179
plagiodase + orthodase 175 (18A)
primary mineral 17. 18,19,179
residual empty pores 24-8.251, 326,327,328
secondary mineraJs
calcite 199
crystallinity 294-
epidote + sericite 18, 114-. 179,283
gibbsite 144.146.14-7.192.194.203,24-8,251.
276.280 (38B). 294, 326, 327,328
isotropic materiaJ 19,90 (lOA. C), 99. 103, 104,
14-1,142, 14-7, 191, 192,262 (35B). 280
(38A, B). 294-
kaolinite 90 (IOC), 24-6, 280 (38A). 327, 328
later evolution (neoformation) 203. 326. 327,
328
oriented 18,248,251,326.327.328
smectite-group mineraJ 115, 179
zeolites 1 17
twins 14.17,19,103,115,117,146,147,203
zonation 17. 18. 19, 114, \79.262 (35B)
Plagiodase + orthoclase 175 (18A)
Pyrite 83 (SA), 96, 182
patterns of weathering 96
peripheraJ 96
th.ick pellicular rim 96
primary mineraJ 182
secondary mineral
oxFe 83 (SA), 96
Pyroxene (mineral species nol specified) 11. 12,21,22,25,
70,74,75,77,79,86 (7C). 137, 138, \77, 178,24-6.
254, 255,270. 368
denticulate residues 86 (7C)
inJillings of
gibbsite 255
ino-amineraJ features
cleavages 86 (7C), 254, 255
fractures 254
twins 255
patterns of weathering
regular, crossing 254
regular. parallel 86 (7C)
porosity
circum-mineral pores 75
circum-noduJar residuaJ pores 86 (7C)
residual pores 86 (7C), 255
secondary mineraJs
oriented secondary minerals 254, 255
oxFe (goethite) 86 (7C), 254. 255
smectite-group mineraJ 51 (4A)
Quartz 51 (4B). 69. 116, 120, 195, 196. 197.215.216.
2\7.218,276.308 (40C), 355, 367
cavernous rcsidues 215. 216, 217, 218
dissolution voids 120. 215, 216, 217, 218. 308 (4OC),
fractures 69,216,217.218,308 (40C)
inclusions of 143. 145
in/tHings of
clays + oxFe 120
gibbsite 69,216,217,218.308 (40C)
iron-rich materiaJ 217, 218
pattern of weathering
patchy 116, 120
secondary minerals
zeolites 116
Staurolite 181
pleochroism 181
primary mineral 181
Titanite 180
primary mineJ-a1 180
Tremolite 368
Volcanic glass and vesicles 236
Zeolites 102.116,117,186.334
PIUM..\I{' 'Vl1l\! 1(\1' I hlrphillll"it.11 1",II'lr,>q
Complex features
accordant surfaces 66,69.78,232
digitating, branched fissures 99. 103, 104, 142, 191
non-accordant surfaces 71
reticulate (hierarchized) 118,232,233,234-,268,269,
330
traos-, inter-. intramineraJ fissures 23, 79, 107. 109,
136,137,166,268.269.335.367
Crystal shapes
acicular crystals 68, 187. 284, 285
chadacryst 61, 354, 358
coarse crystals 292,294,295,331,332.333. 337
diamond-shaped crystals 168, 180
elongate crystals 104, \ 05. \33, 195
embayments 12, 22, 184
embedded minerals 77,133.303,304,305
euhedral crystals 11,12.15,16,19,20,22,83 (SA),
88 (8B. C), 92, 99,101,117.118,133,176,
177. 178,179.180.181,182, \83. 184-. 185.
186,234-,251,281.304,312 (4IA, B, C), 313
(42A. B. C), 354-.460
fibrous crystals 68, 289

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

484
 lamellar (layered) crystals 68, 84 (GA, B, C), 140, interstitial pores 167, 246
156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 164, 165,231,322, lenticular pores 100
323, 324 packing voids 246
lath-shaped crystals 92,115,184,194,270,294 peripheral pores 97
needle-shaped crystals 68, 102, 108, 190, 220, 287, porosity 74, 95, 137,338
368 residual empty pores 134, 135, 318
neosoma 6 I, 79 residual alveolar pores 227
oikocrysts 61,65,354,358,359 suture planes (or boundaries) 23, 94, 95, 107, 193,
paleosoma 61, 79 194,195,196,199,201,216,217
phenocrysUi 15, 75,178,184,270,281 Intramineral features
poikiloblastic crystals 13, 61, 62, 77, 79, 178, 189, cracks
190,303,321,358 breakable minerals 84 (GA), 119, 156, 167
porphjToblasts 16, 97 cleavage cracks 20, 23, 88 (BC), 89 (9A, B), 90
prismatic crystals 19,23,77, 102, 107, 109, 133, 136, (lOA), 107, 109, 179,250,251,319,335
181,182,187,188,201,278 (37B) , 284·, 287, irregular 10,11,16,78,88 (SA, B), 89 (9C), 90
288, 291, 292, 301, 321, 340, 356, 357 (lOA), 96,115,119,133,142,181,183,
protruding crystals 188, 190, 278 (37B), 460 186, 199, 203, 218, 249, 250, 319, 337,
rectangular shape 19, 178, 179 367
skeletal crystals 176, 184, 284 radial IS, 202, 249
six "sided crystals 176,178,181,182,184,186 transverse 23, 77,107,109,133,136,157,230,
subhedral crystals 19, 20, 86 (7A, B), 99, 103, 104, 248,285,321,335,357
106,114,116,129,283,325 twin-related cracks 89 (9B), 115, 179,202,203
tabular crystals 68, 105, 131 displaced planes 84 (6C), 162
textural signature 273, 274, 275, 276, 296 fissures 10, 77, 79, 147
Inclusions digitate fissures 89 (9C), 103, 191
actinolite I 3 hierarchized 132, 232, 233, 234, 330, 331
aegirine 106, 295, 331, 332 radiating fissures 191, 202
apatite 84 (GA), 133, 137, 209, 214, 296 reticulate fissures, pores 118, 232, 233, 234, 235,
basaltic groundmass 177, 178, 184 236
chlorite 251 inclusions 15,16,18,177,178,180,184
cljnozoisite 262 (35B) inter-plasma - mineral pores (pe.linuclear) 86 (7C), 88
displacement of 84 (GA) (SB, C), 217, 228, 248, 249, 250, 291, 365,366
distribution of porosity 24,25,76,202,212,215,216
he.Ucitic 16 alveolar texture 274, 292, 320
random 17, 179 concentric patterns of pores I 14
epidote 18, 179,262 (35B), 355 interlayered voids 189
fracturing of 84 (GA) inter-plasma - mineral pores 357
hornblende 13, 262 (35C), 285, 303, 304, 305 irreguJar vughs 247,257
hypersthene 13, 303 lenticular pores 84 (GA), 100, 158, 159, 160,
magnetite 187, 303 161,231
microcline 355 residual pores 84 (GC), 86 (7C), 88 (BB, C), 89
mosandrite - rinkite 102, 106,234,295, 331, 332, (9B), 203, 273, 292, 337
333 transverse pores I 36, 321, 335
olivine 12 vesicu.lar residual pores 27 3
oxyhyclroxides 158 protoclasticfraetures 10,70,76,88 (BA), 110, Ill,
plt.logopite 21 112,209,210,211,214,263,265,266,271,
pJagioclase 180, 354 284,287,290,299,320,339
quartz 16,143,145,180,181,197,256,276,355 Mineral features
sericite 179 cleavages
titanite 168 not speCified 90 (lOB), 179
weatherability of 84 (6A) oblique 20,23,24,25,88 (SC), 107, 141,251
Interntineral features opening of 20, 24, 69,158,159
circum-mineral corte-x 96 orthogonall1, 20, 21,142,229,250
circum-mineral pore 75,127 parallel 22, 23, 84 (6A, B, C), 86 (7C), 107,109,
circum-nodular pore 75,83 (5C) 130, 133, 139. 140, 143, 158, 159, 160,
cracks 71,72, 164, 211, 367 161,164,165,251,262 (35C)
fissures 73, 75, 79, 93, 94,127,145,162,193 symmetrical 89 (9B), 255
interconnected fissures 23, 73, 107, 109, 338 jntergrowths 96 143, 145,265,273, 276, 296, 297,
int(~rconneeted voids 246 298, 299
intermineral fissures 23, 107, 109, 166,278 (37A) symplectitic texture 175 (lSC), 265, 273, 274,
intersertal minerals 184, 270 275,284,296,297,298,299

INDEX OF PHOTOMICROGRAPHS AND FIGURES

485
 texturaJ signature 175 ( ISC). 273, 274. 275. 276, concenb-jc 18, 19, 90 (I OC)
296 irrc'gular 146, 147.200
lnincral patterns 10. 11. 12. 13, 14. IS. 16. 17.18, Ii.near
19.20.21,22,23.24,25 irregular S8 ISA. B), 96. 104, 105, 191, 192,
mvrmekitic texture 64, 145, 276 210, 248, 2+9, 280 (38A, B), 299
twins irregular, digitate 89 (9C), 103
multipl,' 11,14, IS. 99,103,104,143,146,179, regular 96, 104, 105, 103
182 regular, crossing 23, 88 (SC), 89 (9A), 107. 14-1,
simple 11, 13,89 (9B). 96. 105, 115,213 250,251,252
zonation regular, parallel 23, 86 (7A, B, C), 107,251
l'hemical 11, 17.18, 19. 114, 176. 177,178 regular, symmetrica.l 19,89 (9B)
concentric 1I,I2,17,lS,19,lJO(IOC), 114.179 regular, tranS\Trse 23, 107, 108, 109, 136
discontinuous 17 patdly90(IOA,B,C}, 103.106, 116,117, 118,119,
not "pecified I 1, 17 120,121,142,147,21(,,299,334-
OSt-iIlJlory 12. 178 pathways or weathering 10,20, 73, 74, 78, 99, 137,
setto r I 2. I 7S 1'.2,145,164,193,248,24-9,336
Transmineral features pellicular 33 (SA, B. C), 84 (6A, B. C), 89 (9C), 196,
cracks 61,62,63,64,65,66,67,69,70,146,164, 2S7, 278 (37A, C)
166,201,211,231, 2-f8, 264. 268, 269. 272. particular 100. 102
286,292,301, 13S, 340 thick (russolutic,n \-oids) 127
fissures 61,62,63,79, 1<)3,209 thick (secondary mineral) 96,257,263,297,298,
pores 137 299,300,312 (418)
tHosl'l'r,,' llssures 23, 68, 77, 104, 105, 107, 108. thin (rim) 83 (SA), 99, 176,278 (37A), 300, 312
109, I"lO, 133. 134,145,177,262 (35C), 318. (4IA), 329, 333,340,3(;8
321 peripheral
cenb'ipetal 23, 24-,107.109.227,295,302,331,
\\1.\ IIILH.L·() I~t ll'k 332, 333
ilT('gular 74,78,83 (SB, C), 96, 97, 98, 99, 103,
Bauxite 69,145,217,218,326,341,412,433.434,435. 104,106,118,164,186,215
436.437,430, 439, 440, 441, +42, 445, 446, 447, regular 24,73,83 (SA), 92, 93, 94, 95, 96,210,
+48,449,450,451, -1-52, 453. 454, 455, 456, 457, 227,270, 2 ')5, 2'17,298,302
-1-60, +61,462, 463 speckled
Cl!crctp 140, 199 concentric 90 (10C), 262 (35B)
Iron ,Tusl 76, 19S, 201, 202, 215, 274, 325, 368, 37+. irregular 90 (lOA)
375,380,383,384,386,418,419,420,421,422, regular 90 ( lOB)
423,464,465,466 Processes
Sikrde 302 accumulation 119,203.308 (4DA. B, C), 318, 319,
Soil 275, 358. 359, 360, 36S, 366. 367, 376, 377, 381, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 329.
382,413,414 330,331,332,333,334,335
aJVt'olization 280 (38C), 320336
biological proce.,>c:s 456, 457
brt"akin~ 77,78, 156, 157
Pa!t:erns
co niJ1c;t.io n
bJ..nrkd
bridges 368
concCJ1tric z\>nation I I'~
cC'ntrifugal (accretion) 368, 414, 432, 433
crossing 1 32
cenb'ipctal 368
hierarchized 132
cld'ormation 162, 163, 164, 165, 171
irregular 73, 110, 111, 112, 113, 128, 129,130,
dc_hydration 232, 312 (41A, B, Cl, 313 (42A. B, C)
131,132.133,135,1+2,147,186,21+,
(lilh.l~ion 115
216,262 (35A). 264, 268, 293, 299,302,
diFfusion of i.ron 74, 105, 133, 137, 141, 209,
337
228, 229. 232. 248. 269, 302, 328, 365,
irregular lTos.-handed 14-7, 302. 319
366
parallel 183
silicwcation 302, 327, 328
parallel to clea\'agl's 20, 23, 107, 252, 256
discoloration 43+. 435, +36, 437, 438, 439
parallel t.u layering 139, 140, 158, 159, 160, 161,
dissolution 120, I 7,203,212.215,216,217,293,
164
325, 316, 327, 328,329, 336,339,375, 382
parallel t(> twins 115, 147.203,252,255,256
dissolution vughs 120. 144. 326, 328
regular transverse 23, 107, 109. 134, 136
or inclusions 3~26
r('ticulatt' 268
residual empty pores S3 (sq, 86 (7C), 88 (8B,
cuml)lex (mixed) 84 (GA) 84 (6B) 84 (6C), 23, 107,
C), 217.218,227,280 (38C), 292, 293,
109,110, Ill, 112, 137, 146,186,203,256
312 (4IC), 326.334,336,339,375.382

ATLAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

486
 epigenetic replacement 140, 198, 199,200,201,368,
373, 374, 377, 380, 381, 383, 384
erosional 202, 292, 293, 368,437,456,457
erroneous interpretation 118, 119, 262 (35C), 303,
304, 305
expansion 77,157,158,159,161,162
hydrothennal 18, 118, 119,286,287,296,299,300,
301,302,313 (42A, B, C), 322,334,336
varying intensity of 278 (37B), 286
hydrothermal alteration versus weathering process
119
med1anical 84 (6B), 136
metamict 185
radioactive elements 185
metamorphic 288
pedological
colloid plucking 78
pedogenetic 320
pedoplasmas 169, 170
pedoturbation 169, 170,456,457
polygenetic 118, 132
shrinkage 232,233,234,235,236,295,312 (41A, B,
C), 313 (42A, B, C), 330, 331,332, 333, 334
surface protective layer 96
swelling 84 (6C), 157, 158, 159, 161, 162,164,165,
166, 189
weatherability 18,24,84 (6A), 233
weathering 2"90,291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 297, 298,
299, 300, 301, 302, 318, 334, 336, 339
completely weathered rock 197
evolution of (modification of) 203, 292, 293,
294,295,301,340,356,357,365,366
unweatheredcores 195, 331, 332
weathered cortex 195, 196, 197
I· ( "-(HR)' ,\11, 'f-Jur"
Assemblages
isolated 147
divergent (bundles) 188, 236, 329
interlayered 84 (6B), 86 (7A, B), 140
parallel 365, 366
radiating (and spheruJes) 186, 188,220,246,323
Degradation 74, 76, 83 (5C), 161, 163, 167, 169, 170,
171,192,203,280 (3SC), 327, 328,336,339,341
"iddingsite" to iron oxybydroxides 76, 167, 192
gibbsite to kaolinite 327, 328
kaolinite to gibbsite 161, 341
smectite-group mineral to kaolinite 74, 163
talc to residual pores 336, 339
venniculite to kaolinite 163, 169, 170, 171
Distribution
agglomerate texture 248,257,312 (41C), 313 (42A,
B, C)
aureolar 229, 297, 300, 331, 332, 333
banded pattern 84 (6B), 131, 132, 147,262 (35A),
264, 268, 269, 292
boundaries, suture planes (along) 23, 88 (SA), 106,
107,109,278 (37C)
bundles 188, 278 (37B)
cleavages (along) 19, 20,23,88 (SC), 89 (9A, B), 90
(lOB), 107, 140,147,278 (37A, C)
INDEX OF PHOTOMICROGRAPHS AND FIGURES
composite 88 (SA), 103,210
concentric (zoned) 18, 19,90 (IOC), 114, 185,262
(35B), 263, 265, 282, 283, 297, 331,332,333
crossing, linear 88 (SC), 89 (9A), 290, 291
crystallini ty 326
macrocrystalline (coarse grained) 200, 203, 294,
325,333,334
microcrystalline (fine grained)118, 147, 200,
203, 294, 333
digitate 103
fractures (along) 19,23,88 (SA, B), 90 (lOA), 107,
109,119,136,147,200,203,262 (35A, C), 278
(37A, C), 335
homogeneous 83 (5B), 209, 211, 272, 336, 337, 339
interconnected 23, 107, 109, 132
intergrowths 175 (ISC), 273, 296, 297
interlayered 84 (6B), 86 (7A, B), 140, 160, 161, 164,
165, 168,23 1,322,323,324,341
internal rim 293
interseptaric 186, 203, 291
intersertal, interstitial 63, 236, 287, 288, 331
interstratified 161
irregular 88 (SB), 106, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 166,
2J6,291
lateral edges 84 (6B), 100, 158, 159
linear pattern (alignments) 88 (SA, B, C), 131, 210,
216,217,218,264,284,286,335
organized 86 (7B), 143
paraJJel 189, 190, 211, 284, 285, 291
patchy 103, 106, 118,119,147
peripheral 23, 103, 106, 107, 109, 118,336
radiating bundles 188, 329
random 119, 147,200,287,287,288,289
regular 83 (5B), 184, 185, 189, 190,211,246,252,
253,254,255,256,285,297,320
reticulate 295,312 (41B, C), 313 (42B, C), 331,332,
333
rin110, 83 (5B, C), 97, 99,101,103,106,145,176,
185, 188, 189, 190, 210, 217, 218, 219, 220,
263, 264, 270, 283,287, 288, 293, 297, 298,
300, 320, 329, 336, 339, 340
septaric texture 186, 202, 203, 235, 249, 250, 252,
253, 254, 255, 256, 270, 278 (37C), 291, 292,
318
crossing 88 (SC), 251,252,253,254,256,291
irregular 88 (8B), 24·9, 257, 278 (37C)
parallel 86 (7C), 250, 251,255,270,292,318
surface protective layer 96
symmetrical I 9, 255
wedges 100, 158
Mineral species
actinolite 187,190,289
amph.iboles 278 (37B)
anatase 96, 21 2
micromorphology 467
apatite
primary 133, 156, 157, 182,219
secondary 220, 329
b6bmite 432,'433,435,438,439,442,451
deposits 447, 448, 449, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455
evolution to gibbsite 438, 439, 441, 445, 446,
447,448,449,450,454
487
 "ho\\lingilc"-silponjll' 129,176, IS3, 184-,213,214,
265,271,274,298, 299. ~02
calcilc 14-0,200.281
chlorite 86 (7A, B), [00, 101, 128, 129,139,160,
187,281,282,2S9
"chloroph<Jl'ile" 98
c1inowi,ire 18, 187,262 (35B). 283
epiJulc 18, 114,262 (35B), 283
l;ihhsitt'
~ 'T~'stall<Jria of76, 161.232, 25.5, +36, 4-38, 't39,
44 7, ++S, ++9, '~50, 451, 4-S'f
c','olulion 01203, 327, 328
evolution to 118, 147, 161,203,232,234,235,
280(38B), 294, 295, 312 (41C), 313 (42C),
326,332,333,33+, HI, 4-38, 4-39, 441,
442,445,4-46,4-47, 4-48, 4-50, 454-
inAllinguf69. 76,161,216,217,218,255, BI,
3l2, 333,31+,335,4-50,4-56, +57
micromorphology 460, 4-61, 4-62
wl'<Jthcl-ing to 51 (4B), 89 (9B, C), 96, 105, 118,
I 19, 14- 3, 1+4, 14:;, 14-6, 16 I, 175 (18A),
194, 1%, 197, 203, 217, 234. 247, 248,
2+9, 250, 25 [, 25+, 257, 276, 278 (37C),
291,294,295,326, 328, 333,335
goethite 24-6,255,270,278 d7C)
micromorphology 4-61, +62, 463, +64, +65, 466
gypsum 168
hemalite 274
micromorphology 461, +62, +63
hypcrstbcne rim 10,265,266,267,297,298,299
hyperstlwne - magnetit(,i)'mplertit<: 273, 27+, 275,
296,297,298.299
"iddingsile"70, 76,92,110,111,112,113,167,192,
209,261 (35A), 263, 264. 270, 272, 299
alteration ro gOl'thite 167
d~graoation of 7t>, 167, 192
iron ()x~'h"droxide,
cu;'oRcation by 368
degradJlion to 76.83 (5C), ](,i7, 192,297, 302,
336
dcpo'its of 146,158,159, 19l, 219, 293.326.
329, 336, 34-0
dilfu~ion 0174,105.133,137,141,197,198,
203,251,268,269, 300, 320, 328, 337,
l38, 365, 366
ferruginous clays 186,231,251,274.301,326,
)4·0
residual depusits or 329, 34-0
weath,:ring to 23. 66. 70. 76, 79, 83 (SA). 86
(7C), 88 (8B, C), 9+, 96. 107. 109, ) 33.
135, 138, 158, 159, 161, 19+, 196, 197.
201, 228. 24-9, 250, 25 I, 252, 253, 25+,
256. 269, 270, 271' (37C), 290, 291. 292,
293, 300, 318, 329, 337, 338, 340
isotropic materi<J1
apparently J.morphotls 19,89 (9A, C), 90 (lOA,
B, C),99. 103. 10+, 106, 118. 14[. 142,
1+3, 144-, \45, 1+7, 191, 192, 232, 233,
234, 235, 236, 262 135B), no (38A, B),
29+,295,312 (4IA, B, C), 313 (42A, B,
C), 330, 331, 332, 33~, 33+
488
evolution of 89 (9A, C), 90 (lOB, C), 280 (38A,
B), 312 (41C), 313 (428, C)
evolution lO
e.mpty pores 313 (42B)
gibhsitc 118,147,312 (41C), 313 (42C)
hallo)'site 270
kaohnitc 19, 89 (9A), 90 (lOB, C)
bolinitc
ch'gradation 01' 161, 198, 203, 341
degradation to 74, 163,166,167,169,170,171,
198, 203
(:\'olution to 1')
inllllings of 6+,67,203. 324-
neo[or;narion 01' 327, 328
weathering to 84 (6B), 89 (9A), 90 (lOB) 90
(IOC), 158, 159, 161, 162, 163, 171,231,
246, 280 (38A), 341
magncrire
intcrgrowths 273, 27+, 275, 296, 297, 298, 299
secondary 131,189,190,210,262 (35A), 264,
267, 273, 274, 275, 278 (37A, B). 284,
285,286,287,288, 300, 301, 336
manganesl' oxides
concretion 41'~
deposits or infillings of 70,209,272,329,4-53
residu<J1 deposits 329
natrolitc 102,118,119,121,313 (42A, B, C), 334-
nontronite78, 88 (8A), 113,193,265,266,267,271.
273,290,299
organic material 168
p-a1~g()l1ite 236
Cjuart-L (~econdar)') 28 I, 282
5~ponite 2.5, 65, 70, 73, 74, 77, 93, 137. J 38, 157,
167, 185, 191, 192. 211, 227, 230, 268, 269,
288,301,30+,305,337
:<<:ricite - paragonite 18, 114, 128, 179,283,354
serpentine 112, 131, 132,262 (HA), 263, 264, 268,
269,302
smectite
negradarionofSI (4B), 74.163,297.301,302
inr.lJjng~ of 6+, 66, 7 I
wl'alJlering to 51 (4A, B), 83 (5B, C), 84
(6C),IIS, 130, 135,136,164,165,175
(18B, C), 179,228,162 (35C), 292. 293,
297,298,299,321,340,365,366
ralc79, I~I, 189,210,266,267,278 (HA, B), 284,
286,296,300, 301,320, 336,339
ncgr<JdatioIl to rt'sidual pores 336, 339
titanire \60
rit.1nium oxides 118,212,467
tremourc 187, 188, 190, 284-, 285, 286, 287, 288,
301, 336. 368
"amicuJire
31rcration to 74,77,84 (6C), 136, [56, 157, 162,
166,188,189,296,321,322,323,354
degradation of 163,167,169,170,171,198
dpgradaliol1 to btJ!.iIlire 163,166,167,169,170,
171, 198
It':olites 102,116,117,119,121,186,313 (42A, B,
C),33+
Orient~oon
ATu..s
OF MICROMOR?HOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 crystaJlographic 77, 99, 104, 108,210, 213, 252, 253,
254,255, 265, 267
extinction (orientation (1)
common extinction
of residues 108,135,132,138,145,263
of secondary crystallites 83 (5B, C), 211,
252. 253. 254, 255, 265, 270, 272,
281, 284, 305, 337, 365,366
loss of simultaneous extinction of resiclues 25, 86
(7C), 144. 157, 165,215,250.301
non-simultaneous extinction of residues and
secondary minerals 304. 305
process 229,252,253,254,255
simultaneous extinction of residues and secondary
minerals 111,113,117,135,139,209
inclosions (orientation of) 86 (7A), 303, 304, 305
inherited from primary minerals 167,209,210,213,
227, 228, 229, 230, 250, 251, 252, 253. 254,
255, 265, 267, 269, 270, 272, 284, 285, 293,
304, 305, 320, 337, 338, 340
mixed regular-random 89 (9A), 175 (l8B), 284, 323
nor specified 70, 99, 110, 128, 129, 135, 137,138,
161,167,183. 184, 196,209,210,213,227,
228. 229, 230, 248, 252, 253, 254, 255, 257,
264, 265, 267, 269, 271, 272, 282, 284, 285,
298, 304, 305, 320, 322, 323, 324, 336, 337,
339,340
parallel
between them 18,77,99,102, 128,131, 161,
187,189,190,211,227,228,229,230,
247, 265, 270, 284, 285, 320, 324
to clea\'ages (of pJimar)' mineral) 88 (8A, B, C),
247,248,251,280 (38C), 338
to Z axis (of primary minel-al) 84 (6B, C), 175
(18B), 252, 253, 254,269,270,280 (38C),
284, 285, 291, 293, 300, 304, 305, 337,
340
particular 214, 255
perpendicular
to cleavages or septa 248,257,322,324,327
to Fissure planes 88 (8A), 131, 264, 268, 290
to pore walls 312 (418, C), 313 (42B, C), 322,
323,324
to the support 324, 327
random 88 (8A), 90 (lOB, C), 140, 147, 175 (18B),
200,210,216,246,257,263,267,268,271,
282, 284, 287, 288, 289, 290, 296, 339
regular 83 (5B, Cl, 131, 132, 138, 161, 183, 184,
187, 191,209,210.211.213,227,228,229,
251, 252, 253, 254. 255, 264, 265, 267, 269,
270, 272, 284, 298, 304, 305, 320, 322, 323,
324, 336, 337, 338, 340
t"in planes (according to) 255
Primary residues
disl1ibution
central (core) 83 (SA, B, C), 98, 99, 114,227,
263,297,298,331,332,333
organized 86 (7A, B), 88 (8q, 89 (9A), 128,
139,141,143
random 88 (8A, B), 90 (lOB), 129 130, 132,
133, 135, 137, 138, 143, 147,200,215,
216,263,269,291,293,301
INOEX OF PHOTOMICROGRAPHS AND AGURES
residual cores 83 (SA, B, C), 84 (GB). 109, 147,
2 [8, 280 (38A, B, Cl, 337, 340
orientation
loss or orientation of 86 (7C)
of denticulation 83 (5B), 130, 135, 136,200.250
oriented rC$idues 89 (9A), 109, 132, 138, 140,
164, 200, 250, 304
sbape
cavernous 89 (9A, .8),90 (lOA), 142, 143, 144,
146, 147, 215, 216, 217, 218, 248, 249,
280 (38A, B)
coarse, large 109, 278 (37A), 292, 293
denticulate (fine) 73, 74, 77, 83 (5B, C), 86
(7Cl, 94, 95, 98,102,108,109,127,130,
133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 145, 191,
196, 200, 227, 229, 250, 265, 278 (37C),
280 (38C), 291, 292, 293, 299, 301, 304,
321,340,356,357,365,366,368
denticulate (saw-toou1) 88 (8A), 129,302, 366
fissured 331
irregular 104,132,136,137,138,219,256,269,
295,302
lamellar 140
minute 90 (lOA, B), 137, 138, 143, 256, 263.
278 (37C), 299, 301
rOlU1d, cavernous 147, 217, 218
smooth 108, I 31, 2 17
Secondary pm'es
distribution
around alterorelics 75
around residue, 83 (5C), 88 (8B, C), 109,250,
278 (37C), 291, 301, 356. 357
hicrarchized network (of pores) 232, 233, 234,
235,295.312 (4IA, H, C), 313 (42A, B,
C), 330, 331,332,333,334
interlayerecl 84 (6A), 189,322,323,324-
random 203, 336, 337, 338, 339,340
symmetrical 23
trans\'crse 78, 136
oricntation
parallel 84 (GA, B), 89 (9B), 109, 189, 251, 300,
318
random 229
shape
denticulate 83 (5C)
irregular 83 (5C)
smooth 83 (5C)
Septa
di5tributionnotspecilled 113, 134, 144, 145,146,248
irregular 145, 186,201,202,248,319
according to transverse li-actures 88 (8B), 278
(37C). 280 (38A, B), 291, 318, 319, 326
regular 146,25 [,252,253,254,255,256
according to
cleavages 88 (8C), 278 (37C), 291, 292,
300, 318, 326
cleavages + twin plane 89 (9B), 255, 256
median planes 326, 328
twin plane 203
Volwne modification of alteromorphs ver5US primary minerals
breakage 136, 167,321, 335
decrease by epigenetic replacement '140
489
 exfoliation 168, 169, 170, 17!, 324-
expansion (perpendicular) process 77, 84 (6A, B, C),
86(7B),156, 157,159,160, 162,164, 166, 169,
170,171,231,321,322,323,324,34-1
faulting 165, 166
increase 75,77,78,84 (6A, B, C), 86 (7B), 100, 136,
156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161. 162, 163, 164,
165,166,167,189,191,278 (37A), 321, 322,
323,324,341
sliding 165, 166
shrinkage
artificial pores, 6ssures 130, I 35
process 66,232,233,234,235
swelJing process 66,84 (6C), 164, 165, 166
\t I r RI l.\\OH1'11,>
Alveoporo-alteromorphs 196, 222 (23), 223 (24), 227,
228,229,275,280 (38C), 293,336
alveo-phylJoporo-aJteromollJhs 227
alveoporo-glomero-alteromorph 203
centro-alveoporo-alteroolorphs 266, 267
cumulo-al"eoporo-alterom0'l)hs 320
meta-alveoporo-alteromorIJhs 51 (4A, B), 337, 338,
339
meta-para-alveoporo-aJteromorphs 336
ortho-alveoporo-alteromorphs 83 (5C), 280 (38C),
340
para-alveoporo-alteromorphs 83 (5C), 280 (38C), 316
(43), 339
partial alveoporo-alteromorpbs 316 (43)
Botryo-alteromorphs 143, 237 (27),238 (28), 246
botryo-septo-alteromorphs 243 (31),257
Complex alteromorphs 243 (3 I)
polygenetic-polyphase alteromorphs 112, 296, 297,
298,299, 300, 301, 302, 312 (41A), 334, 336
Crypto-alteromorphs 153 (I 1),175 (18A, B, C), 193, 194,
195,196,197,202,275,288
crypto-glomero-alteromorphs 197
Cumulo-alteromorphs 260 (33), 307 (39), 335
cumulo-glomero-septo-alteromorphs 308 (40B)
cumulo-koiJo-aJteromorphs 308 (40C), 325, 329
cumulo-meta-alveoporo-glomero-septo-altcromorphs
328
cumulo-para-alveoporo-alteromorphs 320, 321
=ulo-phanto -alteromorphs 203
cumulo-phylJoporo-alteromorphs '322, 323
cumulo-polygenetic a1teromorphs 70, 272
cuDlulo-reti + alveoporo-alteromorphs 312 (4 I C),
313 (42C)
cumulo-retiporo-alteromorphs 245 (32), 312 (4IB),
313 (42B, C), 330, 331,332,333, 334
cumulo-septo-alteromoryhs 255, 308 (40A), 318,
319,326
Echino-alteromorpbs 153 (11),172 (16),187,188,189,
190, 191
polyphase echino-alt.eromorphs 278 (37A, B)
Further evolution 316 (43)
Genet.ic cri teria 260 (33)
Geometrical criteria 153 (11)
490
Glomero-alteromorphs 194, 196,220,237 (27),239 (29),
247,276
glomero-septo-alteromorphs 5J (4B), 144, 146,203,
217,243 (31),248,254,257,280 (38B), 335,
450
Hcilo-alteromorphs 51 (4A, B), 110, 111,183,205 (19),
206 (20),209,210,211,212,213,214,272,290,
336, 339
holo-(iso)-alteromorph 83 (5B), 88 (8A), 90 (lOA)
holo-pseudomOlph 83 (5A)
lso-alteromorpbs 86 (7A), 139, 153 (11),154 (12),189,
272
Kata-alteromorphs 84 (6C), 140, 153 (11),154 (14),162,
166,167,168,169,170,171,300
Koilo-alteromorphs 94,95,127,205 (19), 207 (21), 216,
219,220,325,329
curnulo-koilo-alteromorphs 216, 217, 2 J 8, 220, 308
(40C) , 325,329
Meso-alteroll1orphs 77,78,86 (7B), 100, 153 (11), 154
(13),156, 157, 158, 159,160, 161,171,189,231,
321,322,341
meso-(kata)-aJteromorphs 162, 163, 164, 165., 171
Meta-a1teromorphs 74,336,337,338,339,341
meta-alveo-cumulo-retiporo-alteromorphs 245 (32)
meta-a1veo-retiporo-alteromorphs 245 (32)
meta-cumulo-phanto-alteromorphs 203
Mia"otexturaJ crit.eria 205 (19), 222 (23), 237, (27), 243
(31),245 (32)
Monogenetic (partial) alteromorphs 260 (33)
partial mono-holo-alteromorphs 316 (43)
Phanto-alteromorphs 140, 153 (11), 173 (17), 198, 199,
200,201,202,203
PhyUoporo-a1t.eromorphs 158, 159, 222 (23), 225 (25),
227,228,230,231,305,322,323,337,365
cumulo-phylloporo-alteromorphs 322, 323
phyUoporo-meso-alteromorphs 84 (6A), 84 (6B), 231
Polygenetic alt.eromorphs 113,118,121,189,260 (33),
261 (34),262 (35A, B, Cl, 263, 264, 265,266,267,
268,269,270, 271, 272, 273,274,275,313 (42B),
336, 338
polygenetic cumulo-alveoporo-alteromorph 76
(ctlD1uJo)-polygenetic alteromorphs 70, 272
erroneous interpretations 262 (35C), 303, 304, 305
Polyphase alteromorph.~
gTadual polyphase alteromorphs 89 (9A), 90 (lOB, Cl,
104, 135, 141, 142,228,260 (33),277 (36B),
278 (37A, B), 280 (38A), 294, 295, 333
synchronous polyphase alteromol-phs 1 t 2, I 14, 128,
129, 161, 186, 188,210,249,260 (33),277
(36A), 278 (37C), 281, 282,283, 284, 285, 286,
287,288,289,290,291,292,293,320,336
two-phase alt.eromorphs 316 (43)
t.wo-phase ortho-alveoporo-alt.eromorphs 316 (43)
Pop-alte.romorpbs 169, 170
"Poro"-alteromorpn., 205 (19), 221 (22),222 (23),237 (27)
centroporo-a1t.eromorphs 22 2 (23)
Pseudomorphs 92, 153 (I I), 172 (15), 183, 184, 186,25 I,
281
holo-pseuclomorphs 83 (5A), 184
Retiporo-a1teromorphs 118, 221 (22),226 (26),232, 233,
234,235,236,237 (27),245 (32), 295, 312 (4IA),
330, 33 I, 332, 333, 334
ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY Of MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING
 cumulo-retiporo-alteromorphs 245 (32) calcite 160, 199, 200
Septo-alteromorphs 5 \ (4A) , 186, 194, 239 (30), 248, 368 complex 321
acantbo-septo-altcromorphs 19,89 (9B), 255 gibbsite 119, 161,216,217,218,235,255,295,
botryo-septo-alteromorphs 257 308 (40A, C), 312 (41B, C), 313 (42B. C),
cellular septo-alteromorphs «-> rdjporo) 235, 312 318,319,325,326,331,332,333,334-,
(41A, B, C), 313 (42A, B, C) 335, 436, 440, 447, 449, 4-51, 4-52, 4-54-,
comple.x septo-alteromorphs 256, 29\ 456,457
cumulo-glomero-septo-alteromorphs 327 iron-rich plasmas 202,217,218,308 (40B), 320,
cumulo-septo-alteromorphs 255,318,3\9,326,327 321,326,34-0,445
glomero-septo-alteromorphs 89 (9C), 144, 146, 217, kaolinite 203, 324-
24-8,254-,257,280 (38B), 327 manganese oxide$ 209, 264-, 272
irregular septo-alteromorph 88 (8B), 237 (27) natrolire I 19
polyphase septo-alteromorphs 278 (37C) quaru 160, 302, 322, 323
regular scpto-alteromorphs 237 (27) smectitc 64, 66, 71,233,330
septo-alteromorphs (irregular) 237 (27), 248, 249, intcrlaye.red 322, 323, 324
319 mio'olaminated 67, 308 (4tlB) , 326,447, 448, 449,
septo-alteromorphs (regular) 5 I (4A), 86 (7C), 237 451,4-52,453,454-,455
(27),250,251,252,253,254,300,3\8,326 parallel to the pore walls 4-56, 4-57
septo-pseudomorph 251 particulat.e material (infillings by) 308 (40B), 320,
321,456,4-57
reticulate 330, 331,332,333,334-
solutions (infiJIings by) 76,119, \99,200,2\9,220,
Accumulation 233,308 (40A, C), 312 (4IB, C), 313 (42B, C),
absolute 32 (3),76, 119, 140, 161, 199,200,201, 322,323,324,325,327,329,330,445
203, 209, 219, 220, 233, 255, 272, 295, 308 Relative displacement of material 67, 157, 162, 165, 167
(4tlA, B, C), 312 (41B, C), 313 (42B, C), 318, Transfer 64-,65,66,67,69,70,7\,76, 115,160,161,
319,320, ')21,322, 323, 324, 325, 329, 330, 199,200
331,332,333,335,340,447,44-8,449,451 chemical transfer 288, 44 5
pathways of 24, 25, 324, 331, 332
relative 32 (3), 76, 95, 138, 160, 161,293,329
Crystallaria
1 J11J( JIHIIL' 1>4,/_. Ei2. ,q. \',+, P;-, 3~h. 357. 1;;;0;,
is'),lfU
of apatite 329
of calcite (microsparitc) 14-0, 199, 200 Cr-ack.~,fractures
of gibbsite 76, 119, 161, 203, 232, 233, 295, 308 accordant surfaces 354-
(40C), 318, 319, 325,4-36,445,4-60 inte.rconnected 352, 353, 354-
of natroUte I 19 intermineral 353
of quartz 322, 323 intralllineral 352
of titau.ium oxide J 28, 212 peripheral 355, 358, 359, 360
Enridunents Orientation
of Al 69, \61,318,319,335 granostriated b-fabric 359
of ea 140,199,200,288 loss of orientation 352
of Fe 198,201,203,209,219,228,231,445 Parent minerals
of 11111 209, 264 epidote 355, 356, 357
of Ni 268 hornblende 358, 359
ofP 95,220,329 mirrocline 354-
of Si 322, 323, 327 plagiochse 355
pClipberal enrichment 162, 219, 329 pyroxenes 352, 353, 356, 357,358
Halos or diffusion 197,228,272,300,336,445 Parent rocks
I1luviation 71, 199, 203, 217, 320, 321, 330, 331, 332, 335 granitic rocks 354-,355,360
1nfiJIings calc-alkaline granite 355
coatings 25, 67, 69, 71, 75, 76, 120, 201, 320, 321, pyroxenitt' 356, 357, 358, 368
326, 339, 340, 352, 353, 354-, 4-39, 445, 446, ultrabasic rocks 352,353,359
447,4-5 1,4-52 Processes
fault.ing of 67 aJJuvial 359
h)poc<~atings 70, 74-, 337 breakagt' 352, 354-, 355
quasi-coatings 228 colluvial352
of material 69, 75, 76, 120, 160,165,218,326,441, displacement 354
44-7,44-8 erosion 352
amorphous material 326 illu\'iation, inl"llJings
apatite 220, 329 clayS 354, 355
bohmite 438,4-39,44-0,442, 449, 450, 4-5 I, 4-52, iro'n-rich clay material 352, 353, 358
453,4-54-,455 incorporat.ion to matrix 352, 353

INDEX OF PHOTOMICROGRAPHS AND FIGURES

491
 Shape microlaminated cortex 385
irregular 352, 358 interlayered goethite - hematite cortex 368, 380,
disturbed 353 385, 387
Size creep, displacement 371, 372, 383, 387
small 354 dissolution 375, 386
Weathering to epigenetic replacement 368,369,370,373,374,377,
altero-lithorelks 353, 356, 357 380,381,383,385,387,388
evolution of conditions of weathering 356, 357, 359 geochemical eguilibrium 381, 383
iron oxyhydToxides 356, 357 induration (hardening) 370, 37\, 374, 381
smectite 353, 356, 357 in ternal stress 370
material transfers
, I ITI\r)1 r'II\\ 7~. ~(,:;. 11'l,. Ih7, lr,~, -1(,<1, PO, 71, iron oxyhydroxide diffusion (enrichment) 365,
112, \7:1, n. 175. i'7, '17.1,(1, 'l'\I. i.\\, ~I< 366,367,373,375,383,388
,'5. jilt", 1'17, 3<l<. 4U:::, -Ill) guartz 377
pedoplasmation 371, 372
Cracks, fractures weathering to
coatings (with) 369, 370 evolution of conditions of weathering 365, 366,
interconnected 369, 370, 373, 386 376, 383, 384
intermineral cracks 367 "iddingsite~ 376, 384
inter'plasma - mineral pores 366 iron oxyhydroxides 365, 366, 368, 374, 376,
intramineral cracks 367, 386 377, 380, 384
peripheral 365, 368, 370, 371, 372, 381, 385, 386 kaolinite 373
phynopores 373, 377 smectite-group mineral 365, 366
porosity in volumes of plasma 368, 369, 370, 371, Shape
372,374,380,381,384,386,387 embayments 375
protoclastic 376, 383, 384 irregular 365,366,367,372,375
radial 370, 386 rounded, smooth 368, 371, 372, 383, 385, 386, 387,
residual pores 375,376,382 388
Matrix Size
pedoplasma369. 370, 371, 372,374,376,380,381, decreasing 369, 372
385, 388 isovolumetric 369
iron crust 375, 380, 383, 384, 386, 387 Texture
Orientation disturbed or lost 372
preserved 369, 371 maintained 365, 366,368,371,376,377,330,381,
disturbed 371 388
Parent material recognizable 372,373,381,383,387
charcoal fragment 388
clinopyroxene 365,366,380,381,383,385
feldspar 367
"iddingsite" 383, 384 Matrix
magnetite 381, 383,385,386 granostriated b-fabric 411
micas 373,374,377 hypocoatings 41 1
oHvine 376, 383, 384 guartz-ricb 411,412
papule, pedorelic 387 soil
guartz 367,375,382,386 colluvial411, 412, 413, 414
tremoute 368 sandy 411 , 412
Parent rock Origin
granitiC gneiss 373 allochthonous 41 1, 41 3, 414
pyroxenite 365,366,367,372 anorthic 41 2
uJtraba~ic rock 368, 369, 370. 380, 381, 383, 384, autochthonous 411
385, 386 mixed 412
volcano-sedimentary rock 371 orthic 411 , 412
Processes Parent material
cortification, nodule formation alterorelics 412
bridges 368, 384, 387 detrital minerals 41 1, 41 2
centrifugal (external or accretion cortex) 368, sandy soil 411, 412, 413
370,380,384,385,387,388,397,398 Porosity
centripetal (internal or epigenetic cortex) 368, peripheral assure 41 1, 41 3
370, 380, 381, 383, 385,387, 388 Process
combined internal and external cortices 368, 370, cortification 414
380, 385, 387, 388 induration 411 , 412
destruction 41 3

ATlAS OF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

492
Shape colluvial 402, 405, 406, 407, 409
boundary recent 407
progressi ve 41 1 smectite-rirn 392, 393, 394
sharp 412 Nucleus
irregular, sinuous 41 I , 41 3 irregular 397, 408
rounded 41 1, 414 regular 397
subrounded 41 I Parent material
alterorelic 397, 398,400,401,402,408,409,410,
>out UU.. 19'1. ~5 . iql, I 2, ~9\. 1';'"", ;'J~, i')o, 3\)7, 421,4-22
l'-'R, +00, 01, 4U2 ...H)'j, Of" ·j(J7, +1'1, +1" +1 4 Parent rock of the nucleus
.l.!.O..12 I , -+ J.!, +) j granite 391, 402
quartz assemblage 408
Composition ultraba5ic rocks 391, 397, 398,402,409,414
iron oxyhydrox:ides 380, 382, 391, 392, 393, 394, Porosity
395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 401, 402, 405, 406, coatings 409
407,410,418,419,420,421,422 concentric internal 405, 413
Mn-rich nodules 414 interstitial fissures 392, 393
Cortex peripheral fissures 391,392,394,395,413,421
bridged 384, 400, 402, 410, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, porosity in volumes of plasma392, 393, 419, 420
423 preservation of shapes 382, 401
broken 405,406,407 radial fissures 396, 405, 413
centrifugal (external) cortex 380, 394-, 395, 396, 397, residual pores 382, 401, 406, 410
398, 399,400,401,402,406,408,410,414, within the cortex 40 I
418,419,420,421,422,423 within the matrix 392,419,420,421,422
centripetal (internal) cortex 380,421 within the nucleus 409
composite (goethite + hematite) 380, 396, 398, 399, Primary mineral
419 pyroxenes 380, 409
discontinuous 408 quartz 382, 400, 401,402,406,413
discordant 394, 406, 407 Process
incorporated features cortification 380, 394, 395, 397, 398, 399,400,401,
alteromorpbs 421 402,406,408,410,418,419,420,421,422,
pedoplasma 398,399,418,419,420,421,422 423
quartz grains 400, 401,402,406,413 bridges 398, 400, 402, 410, 418, 419, 420, 421,
microlaminated 397, 398, 399,401,402 422,423
orientation of constituents 396, 399 centrifugal 380, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399,
particular section of 396,400,419,420 400, 401, 402, 406, 408, 410, 414, 418,
separation fTom nucleus 405 419,420
Evolution 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 4·12, 413, microlaminated cortex 397, 398, 399,400,401
414,418,419,420,421,422 interlayered goethite - hematite 398, 399,419,
destruction, desquamation, spalling 405,406,407 420
erosion, abrasion 406, 408 creep, displacement 394, 395, 400, 402, 405, 406,
Matrix 407, 408
braces, bridges 393, 398,418, 419, 420, 421, 422, destruction 405, 406, 413
423 dissolution 382, 401,405,406
chitonic distribution of 392, 409 epigenetic replacement 380, 402, 410, 419
coatings 409 formation of fissures in the matrix 391, 392
detrital grains 394, 396,400,406,408,409,420 induration, hardening 410. 418
epigenetic replacement 418, 419 internal stress 401
evolution 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423 leaching 420, 421, 422
gefuric b-fabric 393 Shape
granostriated b-fabric 391,392,395,407,408,419 broken 394, 405, 406, 407
interconnected 418, 421 irregular 41 3
interstitial 418, 419 rounded, smooth 382,391,392,394,395,397,398,
iron crust 398,399,400,418,419,421,422,423 406,419,420,421,422
isolated by bridges 410,418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423 spherical 407, 414-, 418
isO"0lun1etric evolution 421 Size
leaching 420, 421, 422 constant, maintained 406, 414
pedoplasma (incorporation of) 396, 398, 399,419 decreasing 405,423
relict S-matrix 393, 398 increasing 397, 421, 423
sandy 406, 409 Texture
sandy residues 422 chitonic 392, 409
soil

INDEX OF PHOTOMICROGRAPHS AND FIGUR£S

493
 disrurbed or lost 4-02 crystallization of new mateIial 433, 435, 436,
gefuric 393 438, 439, 440, 442, 445, 446, 447, 448,
granostriated b-fabric 391, 392,393,395,4-07.419 450,452,454
maintaind 402 . deposits
microlaminated 397, 398, 399,4-01,4-02 allochthonous 446,447,448,449,452,453.
recognizable 402 455
autochthonous 440,445,448,450.454
l'n)l )Rflll'~ 3,7 microlaminated 452 453 454 455
discoloration 433,434,435,436,437
complete 436, 437, 438, 439, 440. 441,
h' U.'JrIC ['h( Hili I +E. +"35. -I- H, ..1-3 ~, .1\(" + 17. ·BIl, 442,445,446
+l'l. +40,1-+1. +-1.2 ...\-H. +-1f,. 7, -l-h, ++ '. -1-;(1, +51 incipient 433
partial 434-, 435
Constituent minerals
nucleu.s l'erSU5 cortex 433, 434, 435
bohmite 432,433,438,439,440,442,445
peripheral crystalla.ria 438, 439, 445, 447, 448.
gibbsite 435,436,438.439,440,445,446,447,448,
449,451 .
450
erosion, transport. deposition 437, 438, 439. 440,
goethite 435
441,442,448.449,451,452,455
hematite 432
Shape
Parent material 431
nucleus
Porosity
irregldar or fragmented 437,438,439,440,441.
dissolution
~7
(residual) pores 438 439 ~ 440 445 446
I , , I 442 .
round 432
ferruginous halos 445, 454
pisoJith
fissures
angular, frahTfnented 437, 438, 439, 440, 441.
concentric 433,434, 435, 436, 438, 439, 442,
442
445,455
spherical, round 436, 437, 441, 445
interconnected, network 432,446
subrolU1ded 437,438,439,440
peIipheral 438, 439, 445
Texture
radial 432, 433, 434, 436, 438, 439, 455
cortex
uneven 435
discontinuous 438, 439
infUlings, coatings
discordant 437, 438,439,440
of gibbsit€' 432,435,436,445, +52
microlarninated 432, 433, 435, 446
ofbohmite 442, 452, 453, 455
matrix
of detrital l11aterial44-7, 448, 449, 451, 452, 455
alveolized 437, 438439, 440, 441,445,446,447,
wiLhin the bauxitic parcllll11aterial 452
448,449
within the cortex 433,436,440,441,441,445,446,
discolored 433, +3+, 438,439,440
447,448,449,455
homogeneous, continuous 432
within the marrix +38, 439, 44\, 446, 447, 448
replaced 436,438,439,442,445,448
witllin ule nucleus 432,433,435,438, +39, 440, 441,
nucleus 432,435,436, 44-6
447,448,449,455
fragment 437, +38, 439,440,441
Process
recognizable 435,436,438,439,446,454
cortification 432,437,438,439, 44()
septaric 450
cl'),staJlization of new material 435, 436, 438, 439,
442,445,446,447,450,452,454
degradation t\ \ l'1I-rt 1/\ 1--[:\ TII ({ -S
aJveolization 4-33,440,441,445,446,447,448, Air bubbles 183,401
449,455 Auxiliary plate (/4) 102
advanced 446 Coloration 75,268,341
complete 447,448,449,4-51 Holes 183, 269
cortex 445,446,447,448.449 Isotropic material 24-6
incipient 44 5 Shrinkage 130, 135
matrL" 436,437,438,439,440,441.446,
447,448,449,451,455 .
nucle.us 446, 447, 448. 449

ATLAS Of MICROMORPHOLOGY OF MINERAL ALTERATION AND WEATHERING

494
 About the Author

1"', I·. 11Illh. I born in Tournai, Belgium, on After a short time dedicated to the synthesis of his

1
July 12, 1929, has an academic background in previous findings, spent at tlle Universite de Nit'e, the
agronomy and the geological sciences. He author was asigned by ORSTOM to the State Univer-
obtained his doctorate from the Universite sity of Sao PauJo, in Brazil. Up until 1987, he focused
CathoLique de Louva.in, in Belgium. He began h.is his attention on the weathering of basaltic rocks of
professional activities in 1956 atYangambi, then in the Riberao Preto (Sao Paulo) and of the Parana flood
Belgian Congo, where he was affiliated with the lnsti- basalt sequence, the nepheline syenites of Po<;:os de
tut National pour I'Etude Agronomigue du Congo Caldas (Minas Gerais), 31ld the carbooatite at Jacupi-
(INEAC). There, he studied the alteration of the ranga (Sao Paulo).
important rocks, mostly basalt, that make up the broad
Over this long period of professional activity, he
expanses of that country. He also investigated the for-
rose to the title of Director and "lnspecteur general de
mation of soil at the expense of volcanic ash emitted by
Recherches". He taught courses about the mineralogi-
volcanos in the eastern part of the country. His obser-
cal response to weathering and the micromorphology
vations relied heavily on optical methods and on the
of alteratiolLS at the University of Abidjan, the Ecole
technigues of thermal and chemical analysis available in
Nationale Superieure Agronomigue, both in Cote
that setting and at that time.
d'lvoire, and at the universities ofSao Paulo and Porto
Forced out of the Congo in 1960 as a result of the AlJegrc, in Brazil. He was called on to give short
tragic events that fonowed the granting of indepen- courses on the subject for the International Society of
dence, the author came back to Louvain, where he par- Soil Sciences (ISSS), Wageningen, The Netherl311ds.
ticipated in a synthesis of the field-based results, aided
Assigned by ORSTOM in 1988 to the Laboratory
there by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. He
of EnvironmentaJ Geosciences at the Universite de
then joined ORSTOM (OJJice de la Rechercl1e Scien-
Marseilles, the author had the opportunity to rc-inves-
tifigue et Technique Outre-Mer) in Paris, and was
tigate part or his vast coLlection of thin sections, and to
assigned from 1962 to 1976 to the Adiopodoume
undertake complementary stutLies of the alteration of
Research Centre, near Abidjan, Cote d 'Ivoire. There he
rocks. He built up his collection of over 10,000 color
founded the Laboratory of Geology, and continued to
slides. He had by then begun preparing the publication
apply optical methods, technigues of chemical, ther-
of this Atlas. This book represents the culmination of
mal and seclimentologlcal analysis, and eventually,
over forty years of professional activity, strongly
X-ray diffraction. He became much involved in studies
grounded in field observations, complemented by var-
of the alteration of the basic and ultrabasic rocks as
ious types of analyses in the laboratory, but very much
well as granites of the Cote d'Ivorre. He focussed on
rocussed on the power of observations made with the
the relations between alteration and geomorphological
optical microscope.
expression, commonly as iron crusts and bauxite,
witnesses of paleoclimatic oscillations that affected this
region of western Africa.
 PRIMARY MINERAL

ISO-ALTEROMORPH MESO-AtTEROMORPH KATA-ALTEROMORPH

L 1