Geochemical evidence of present-day serpentinization
Ultrabasic ( p H > 11) water issues from some fresh ultramafic bodies. The properties of the ultrabasic solutions are believed to be due to current reactions yielding serpentine from primary olivines and pyroxenes. The low concentrations of divalent iron. divalent magnesium, and dissolved silica from the serpentinization require an increase in rock volume.
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