Definition of stylolite in English:
stylolite
noun ˈstʌɪlə(ʊ)lʌɪtˈstīləˌlīt
Geology 1An irregular surface or seam within a limestone or other sedimentary rock, characterized by irregular interlocking pegs and sockets around 1 cm in depth and a concentration of insoluble minerals.
Example sentencesExamples
- This produces sutured interpenetrative contacts between grains, and these may form thin extensive sheets of concentrations of insoluble material called stylolite seams.
- 1.1 A grooved peg forming part of a stylolite.
Example sentencesExamples
- Owing to compactional processes, the more vertical burrow parts may be stacked into each other and commonly are affected by stylolites.
- Folds, cleavages, tension gashes and stylolites were also taken into account.
- Owing to diagenetic effects, the vertical burrow parts commonly are compacted and may bear stylolites, whereas the inner parts of the tunnels especially are affected by sponge-like growth of celestine crystals.
- It cuts indiscriminately through the rock fabric, across grains, cement, and matrix; it may truncate fossils, ooliths, veins, and other stylolites.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Greek stulos 'column' + -lite.