A Study of Calcite Twinning in the Strathavon Marble, Banffshire

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
It is possible, from study of twinned calcite grains in a thin section of marble, to locate the most probable positions of the applied stresses likely to have caused the twinning. By this means inferences may be drawn as to the stress system operative during the late stage deformation of the marble. Marble outcrops over an area of about 5 square miles, in the Tomintoul region of the Scottish Highlands, have been investigated. It has been found that a consistent stress pattern exists for the area as a whole. The calcite twinning can best be explained by a N.E.–S.W. compression applied normal to the trend of the regional fold axis, followed by a mild N.–S. squeeze.