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stylolite

1. n. [Geology]

Wave-like or tooth-like, serrated, interlocking surfaces most commonly seen in carbonate and quartz-rich rocks that contain concentrated insoluble residue such as clay minerals and iron oxides. Stylolites are thought to form by pressure solution, a dissolution process that reduces pore space under pressure during diagenesis.

See: carbonateclaydiagenesislimestonepore

Photomicrograph of stylolite in sandstone.