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Geological Glossary - Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
zeolite A class of silicate containing H=O in cavities within the crystal structure. Formed by alteration at low temperature and pressure of other silicates, often volcanic glass.
zone of ablation (or wastage) The area below the snowline where snow melt exceeds snowfall and material is lost from a glacier.
zone of accumulation The area above the snowline where snowfall exceeds snow melt and material is added to a glacier.
zoned crystal A single crystal of one mineral that has a different chemical composition in its inner and outer parts. Formed from minerals belonging to a solid-solution series, and caused by the changing concentration of elements in a cooling magma that results from crystals settling out.
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