Gradational development of slaty cleavage to schistosity -an example from the Iberian Pyrite Belt, Spain-

The Iberian Pyrite Belt is an Upper Paleozoic succession which has been divided into the Phyllite-Quartzite Group, the Volcanic-Sliceous Complex and the Culm Group in ascending order from base to the top. The contacts among them are conformable. These Groups are tightly folded and metamorphosed un-der low-grade conditions during Hercynian times. The first stage folds of the Volcanic-Siliceous Complex and the Culm Group are associate with slaty cleavages (S1), while the Phyllite-Quartzite Group is asso-ciate with schistosities (S1). Fold analysis using cleavages and minoe folds has been utilized in the analysis of the stratigraphy. This led to systematic horizontal collection of specimens (pelitic rocks). S1 texture is defined by paralled alignment of secondary platy minerals which tend to grow larger and together, forming zonal domains toward the Phyllite-Quartzite Group. The clay matrices change to recrystallized quartz toward the Phyllite Quartzite Group. Textural modifications are evidenced by gradational changes from slaty cleavages to schistosities. This shows that recrystallization is the important deformation mecha-nism responsible for S1 development. It also reflects that the deformation was contemporaneous with metamorphism.