Folk classification

Sparite is a fine-to small crystalline kalzitischer cement that fills the spaces between the components of limestone as a result of precipitation from pore solution. The grain size of sparite begins at 4 microns.

Together with the fine grains of the sediment matrix is also called micrite, sparite forms the base composition of the limestone. Such limestones whose matrix consists predominantly of sparite crystals, called sparitisch after the limestone classification of Folk ( 1962). The crystal surfaces of euhedral Sparitkristalle are responsible for the sparitischer shining sparkle or limestones.

According to the nature of the coarser components of a sparitischen limestone in the designation depends: Intrasparite consist mostly of intraclasts, ooids from Oosparite, Biosparite from biogenic Karbonatklasten as brachiopods, and shells. Pelsparite and Onkosparite in addition sparite mainly peloids or Onkoide.

Sparite can also form secondary to the recrystallization of micrite.