Natural Sintering in Geology
In geology a natural sintering occurs when a mineral spring brings about a deposition of chemical sediment or crust, for example as of porous silica.
A sinter is a mineral deposit that presents a porous or vesicular texture; its structure shows small cavities. Two types of deposits are referenced: siliceous deposits, and calcareous deposits.
Siliceous sinter is a deposit of opaline or amorphous silica, that shows as incrustations near hot springs and geysers. It sometimes forms conical mounds, called geyser cones, but can also shape as a terrace. The main agents responsible for the deposition of siliceous sinter are algae and other vegetation in the water. Altering of wall rocks can also form sinters near fumaroles and in the deeper channels of hot springs. Examples of siliceous sinter are geyserite and fiorite. They can be found in many places, including Iceland, New Zealand, U.S.A. (Yellowstone National Park - Wyo., Steamboat Springs - Colo.),...
Calcareous sinter is also called tufa, calcareous tufa, or calc-tufa. It is a deposit of calcium carbonate, as with travertine. Called petrifying springs, they are quite common in limestone districts. Their calcareous waters deposit a sintery incrustation on surrounding objects. The precipitation being assisted with mosses and other vegetable structures, thus leaving cavities in the calcareous sinter after they have decayed. Petrifying spring at Pamukkale, Turkey :
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