Skarn - Definition and Overview

Skarn is a fine grained metamorphic rock that is usually variably colored green or red, occasionally grey, black, brown or white. It usually forms by thermal metamorphism and metasomatism in the contact zone of magmatic intrusions like granites with carbonate-rich rocks such as limestone or dolostone. Typical skarn minerals include pyroxene, garnet, idocrase, wollastonite, actinolite, magnetite, and epidote. Skarns are often hosts for copper, lead, zinc, iron, gold, molybdenum, tin, and tungsten ore deposits.

External link

• Skarns and Skarn Deposits (http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~meinert/aboutskarn.html)