Accretionary lapilli: what’s holding them together?

Accretionary lapilli from Tagus cone, Isla Isabela, Galápagos were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Our main findings are (1) the lapilli formed and hardened in a few minutes while still aloft in the dispersing eruption column. (2) Palagonite rinds developed first on the basaltic glass clasts, and subsequently crystallized (3) The crystallization products contain submicron lamellar crystals of a clay (probably smectite) on the surfaces of basaltic glass clasts and (4) The interlocking of these lamellar clays from adjacent clasts binds and cements them together to form the accretionary lapillus. We argue that palagonite and possibly clay formation occur primarily in the presence of hot water vapor.