2007-03-09 05:05:30 · 3 answers · asked by mikey 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Yes, quelisto is right. I can add that sulfates form in oxidizing environments while sulfides occur at reducing environments. So most sulfates occur in sedimentary basins but they can also occur in oxidized hydrothermal veins. Sulfides can also form in sedimentary environments by reducing bacteria and they are very common in hydrothermal veins in reducing conditions.
2007-03-09 07:13:59 · answer #1 · answered by Scientist13905 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While both answers were good ones, to me the main difference between them is that sulfates contain oxygen and sulfides don't. This has to do with the oxidizing/reducing environments, but I thought some clarification was needed.
2007-03-09 15:43:59 · answer #2 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sulfates are water soluble, and sulfides generally are not. You tend to find sulfates where hot water has either cooled or evaporated to give a deposit, whereas sulfides tend to be formed in waterless environments near a volcanic vent.
2007-03-09 13:10:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋