Chemical Sediments

Chemical sediments are minerals that form directly from dissolved substances in water through processes like evaporation or chemical reactions. When water becomes saturated with certain chemicals, these minerals precipitate out and settle to form solid deposits. Common examples include salt from evaporating seawater or limestone from calcium-rich waters. They typically form in environments like evaporating lakes, hot springs, or deep-sea vents. Chemical sediments help create rock layers and tell us about past environmental conditions, such as climate changes or ocean chemistry.