An unusually complete sequence of pelitic rocks ranging from diagenetic to greenschist-facies metamorphic grades occurs in southern Sierra Espuña, Spain. Prograde and retrograde reactions have been studied by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy (SEM, TEM and AEM). The prograde reaction series, with reactions facilitated by tectonic stress, includes: (1) R4 interstratified illite-smectite in the diagenetic Malaguide Complex that preserves the variable orientation of original smectite packets, and has 1Md polytypism; (2) chemically heterogeneous illite and Na-K dioctahedral white micas that progressively evolve toward chemical and textural equilibrium in the anchizonal Intermediate Units; and (3) thick, defect-free packets of phengite, paragonite and clinochlore which have a typical metamorphic texture, in the Alpujarride Complex. Two superimposed retrograde episodes produced: (a) sudoite at near-peak metamorphic conditions and (b) dioctahedral smectite during low-temperature retrograde diagenesis.

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