My bathroom has stylolites on the walls and floor! I haven't seen or even thought about stylolites since Uni days and the Carbonate field trip up to Shark Bay!
Stylolites are localised irregular dissolution surfaces caused by pressure solution* in sedimentary rocks; they are common in carbonate rocks (eg limestones), where they are often parallel to bedding. Usually stylolites have a characteristic saw-tooth (suture-like) morphology, which is thought to have resulted from differential chemical solution by groundwater circulating through semiconsolidated or consolidated, hardened rock under pressure; they are associated with the accumulation of insoluble materials such as organics or iron oxides.
*Pressure solution is a process by which dissolution of minerals occurs at grain-grain contacts under high stress in an aqueous solution. The dissolved components can be either removed from the rock or deposited in a low stress area of the rock.
The vanity top and picture rails along the top of the stylolite tiles on the walls in the main bathroom and shower room are sourced from a dark green to black hornblende and amphibolite-rich granite, with large phenocrysts of green feldspar, possibly microcline.
Great stuff, a really interesting read – added to favourites so will visit back for new content and to read other people’s comments. Thanks again. mirrored fitted wardrobes
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