Metamorphic incongruent solution,diffusion and pressure solution stripes

The formation of pressure solution stripes is discussed on the basis of previosly published observations and of local chemical equilibria between solution and solid phases. Chemically driven mineral reactions can be localized at early sites of nucleation and be enhanced by stresses to create patterns of cleavage stripes. These reactions cause transport of material over distances greater than single grains. They provide suitable sites and suitable chemistry for later incongruent pressure solution, potentially a much faster process than congruent pressure solution discussed in previous literature. Neither reaction nor straightforward incongruent pressure solution explains the solution of quartz, commonly observed at cleavage stripes. Quartz pressure solution is explicable on certain assumptions about diffusivities and the effects of stresses. This involves interaction between quartz and the established incongruent solution of other minerals, an overall process termed ‘interdependent pressure solution’. Electrical potential differences will be greatest during early mineral reactions, a feature which may provide a means to corroborate the chemical role in initiating ‘pressure solution stripes’.