The problem of serpentinization; discussion

Abstract

In the November, 1933, issue of Economic Geology there appeared a very good article by H. H. Hess, entitled "The Problem of Serpentinization." In this article the not altogether new idea of the "autometamorphic" origin of serpentine by alteration "during the last stages of the same cycle of igneous activity as the intrusion of the ultrabasic "was presented. I wish to call attention to the fact that many geologists may disagree with Mr. Hess concerning the volume changes that occur during serpentmization. He says, "field evidence shows that no large volume change has occurred during serpentinization," and indicates that if any volume change has occurred it was one of shrinkage rather than of expansion. My own observations made during three years of field studies on the Island of Cuba would seem to indicate otherwise.