rock varnish

rock varnish

[′räk ‚vär·nəsh] (geology) A dark coating on rock surfaces exposed to the atmosphere. It is composed of about 30% manganese and iron oxides, up to 70% clay minerals, and over a dozen trace and rare-earth minerals. Although found in all terrestrial environments, it is mostly developed and best preserved in arid regions. Also know as desert varnish.