Development of shear zone-related lozenges in foliated rocks

► Tectonic lozenges developed in anisotropic rocks are studied based on natural structures from the Cap de Creus shear belt. ► Five development models for lozenges are proposed in which the previous foliation is the main control. ► Anisotropy has a major control on shear initiation and evolution and hence in lozenge formation mechanism. ► The final lozenge geometry is not univocally related neither to the type of strain nor to the kinematic regime.