A protolith (from Ancient Greek πρωτο (prōto) 'first', and λίθος (líthos) 'stone') is the original, unmetamorphosed rock from which a given metamorphic rock is formed.[1][2]
For example, the protolith of a slate is a shale or mudstone. Metamorphic rocks can be derived from any other kind of non-metamorphic rock and thus there is a wide variety of protoliths. Identifying a protolith is a major aim of metamorphic geology.
Protoliths are non-metamorphic rocks and have no protoliths themselves. The non-metamorphic rocks fall into two classes: sedimentary rocks, formed from sediment, and igneous rocks, formed from magma. The source of the sediment of a sedimentary rock is termed its provenance.
Magmatic protoliths can be further divided into three categories: ultramafic rock, mafic rock, and quartzo-feldspathic rock. Similarly, sedimentary protoliths can be classified as quartzo-feldspathic, pelitic, carbonate rocks, or some mixture of the three.[3]
On a geological time scale, the first protoliths were first formed shortly after the formation of the Earth during the Hadean eon.
References[edit]
- ^ "Basics--Rocks-Metamorphic". commons.wvc.edu. Retrieved 2022-10-17.
- ^ "protolith". The Free Dictionary. Farlex.
- ^ Hoinkes, G.; Hauzenberger, C. A.; Schmid, R. (2014-01-01), "Classification, Nomenclature, and Formation☆", Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Elsevier, doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-409548-9.09049-7, ISBN 978-0-12-409548-9, retrieved 2022-10-17
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction