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Arkose
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Arkose (pronounced /ˈɑrkoʊz/) is a

detrital sedimentary rock, specifically
a type of sandstone containing at least
25% feldspar.[1],[2] Arkosic sand is
sand that is similarly rich in feldspar,
and thus the potential precursor of
arkose. The other mineral
components may vary, but quartz is Arkosic sand in the Llano Uplift, Texas, USA
commonly dominant, and some mica with granite outcrops.
is often present. Apart from the
mineral content, rock fragments may
also be a significant component. Arkose usually contains small amounts of calcite
cement, which causes it to 'fizz' slightly in dilute hydrochloric acid; sometimes the
cement also contains iron oxide. Arkose is typically grey to reddish in colour. The sand
grains making up an arkose may range from fine to very coarse, but tends toward the
coarser end of the scale. Fossils are rare in arkose, due to the depositional processes that
form it, although bedding is frequently visible.

Arkose is generally formed from the weathering of

feldspar-rich igneous or metamorphic, most commonly
granitic rocks, which are primarily composed of quartz
and feldspar. These sediments must be deposited rapidly
and/or in a cold or arid environment such that the feldspar
does not undergo significant chemical weathering and
decomposition; therefore arkose is designated a texturally
immature sedimentary rock. Arkose is often associated Arkose sandstone found in
with conglomerate deposits sourced from granitic terrain Slovakia
and is often found above unconformities over such
granitic terrain.

The famous central Australian monolith Uluru (Ayers Rock) is composed of late
Neoproterozoic/Cambrian arkose, deposited in the Amadeus Basin.[3]

See Also
■ Lithic sandstone

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arkose 4/22/2010