The origin and diagenesis of cherts from Cyprus

The Troodos Massif of Cyprus is overlain by a variety of cherts in pelagic chalks, volcanogenic sediments, radiolarites and radiolarian mudstones, all of Campanian to Upper Eocene age. There are two chert types, granular chert and vitreous chert. X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals the silica polymorphs, disordered cristobalite and quartz. Silicification of the chalks varies from incipient, to bedded, granular cherts, all with disordered cristobalite as the main silica phase. Quartzitic cherts are restricted to the base of Upper Palaeocene and Lower Eocene calciturbidite beds. Disordered cristobalite predominates in the radiolarian mudstones at the foot of the sequence. The form of disordered cristobalite in cavities ranges from microspherules of radiating bladed crystals, the ‘lepispheres’ of the Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) to bladed overgrowths, and fibrous silica. In contrast, within the fine grained matrix, the disordered cristobalite takes the form of partly coalescent crude microgranules and microspherules. Most of the chalcedonic quartz in Cyprus is derived by recrystallization of previously inorganically precipitated disordered cristobalite rather than by direct precipitation. According to the concept of impurity-controlled maturation the composition of host sediment controls the incorporation of exchangeable cations and other impurities into inorganically precipitated disordered cristobalite. With time (up to 100 million years) internal solid state reorganization of the disordered cristobalite is accompanied by gradual expulsion of impurities, until the cristobalite dissolves followed by quartz precipitation. Complete conversion to quartz takes place first in porous calcareous sediments free of impurities, as in the Cyprus calciturbidites; in fine grained clay-rich sediments, like Cyprus radiolarian mudstones, disordered cristobalite persists much longer. Impurity-controlled maturation also helps explain the diagenesis of Cyprus chert nodules.     

Characterization and quantification of inorganic constituents of tropical peats and organic-rich deposits from Tasek Bera (Peninsular Malaysia): implications for coals

Since the Carboniferous, tropical latitudes have been the site of formation of many economic coal deposits, most of which have a restricted range of mineralogical composition as a result of their depositional environment, climatic conditions, and diagenesis. Mineralogical and microscopic investigations of tropical peats from Tasek Bera, Peninsular Malaysia, were performed in order to better understand some of these factors controlling the nature, distribution and association of inorganic matter in peat-forming environments. Distribution and nature of the inorganic fraction of peat deposits give insight into the weathering conditions and detrital input into the mire system. Because the inorganic composition of peat deposits is determined by plant communities, height of water table, and climate, the results of the quantitative and qualitative analysis can be used to reconstruct palaeoclimatic conditions.Tasek Bera is a peat-accumulating basin in humid tropical Malaysia with organic deposits of low- to high-ash yield and thus representative of many ancient peat-forming environments. Clay minerals dominate the mineralogical composition of the peat and organic-rich sediments, while quartz and clays dominate the underlying siliciclastic deposits. Kaolinite is the most abundant clay mineral in the organic deposits with minor amounts of illite and vermiculite. Particle size analyses indicate that >50% of the inorganic detrital fraction is <2 μm. Most detrital quartz grains range in size from fine silt to fine sand. The fine sand fraction accounts for a maximum of 5 wt.% of the inorganic constituents. In addition, abundant biogenic and non-biogenic, Al- and Si-rich amorphous matter occur. In the ombrotrophic (low-nutrient) environment, biogenic inorganic material contributes up to >75% of the ash constituents. As a consequence, the vegetational communities make an important contribution to the inorganic and overall ash composition of peats and coals. The ash content of the often inundated peat consists on average of 10% opaline silica from diatoms and sponge spicules, while the ash of the top deposits may have up to 50% biogenic silica. Hence, Al- and Si-hydroxides and the opaline silica from diatoms and sponges represent a large repository of Al and Si, which may form the basis of mineral transformation, neoformation and alteration processes during coalification of the peat deposits. As a result, most coal deposits from paleotropical environments are anticipated to have little to no biogenic inorganic material but high amounts of secondary clays, such as kaolinite (detrital kaolinite, resilisified kaolinite, or desilisified gibbsite) or illite, and various amounts of detrital and authigenetic quartz.     

Mineralogy,paragenesis and genesis of the braunite deposits of the Mary Valley Manganese Belt,Queensland, Australia

The Mary Valley manganese deposits exhibit mineralogy and textures characteristic of at least four parageneses. The deposits consist mainly of isolated occurrences of braunite, together with a number of lower and higher valency manganese oxides, and manganese silicates, in bedded radiolarian cherts and jaspers of Permian age. The parageneses are: (a) Braunite — quartz (primary), (b) Braunite — hausmannite — spessartine — tephroite — quartz (metamorphic). (c) Hydrated manganese silicates — barite — braunite — hausmannite (hydrothermal veins), (d) Tetravalent manganese oxides (pyrolusite, cryptomelane, manjiroite, nsutite) (supergene). The primary mineralisation is interpreted as the result of the geochemical separation of Mn from Fe in a submarine exhalative system, and the precipitation of Mn as oxide within bedded radiolarian oozes and submarine lavas. During diagenesis this hydrothermal manganese oxide reacted with silica to produce primary braunite. The later geological of evolution of this volcanogenicsedimentary deposit involved metamorphism, hydrothermal veining by remobilised manganese, and supergene enrichment.     

Factors controlling the mineralogy and geochemistry of the recent surface sediments of the Kalloni Gulf,Lesvos Island,Greece

Detailed chemical and mineralogical data are presented for 37 samples of surface sediments collected from the Kalloni gulf, (eastern half), Lesvos island, northern Greece. The sediments are largely carbonate-rich muds, though near the eastern and northern coast of the gulf higher proportions of biogenic and lithogenic sands and gravels occur. The main minerals are quartz, feldspar (andesine), clay minerals (montmorillonite, illite, Kaolinite) and the carbonate minerals (calcite, Mg-calcite, aragonite). The mathematical method of factor analysis was applied in order to explain the mineralogical and geochemical variations. These variations can be interpreted in terms of variations in provenance and depositional environment. Six factors were produced accounting for 83.6 % of the total data variance: (a) a Si-Al-Na-K-Ti-Rb-Ba-Y-Zr factor controlled by clays and detrital minerals such as feldspars and zircon opposed by a CaCO₂-Cu-Sc-Sr-La association (carbonate, minerals), (b) an organic carbon factor (C-Fe-Ce-Zn-Rb-Ni-Y-Nb), (c) a Fe-Mg-Cr-Ni factor representing control by peridotite, (d) a Ce-Nd-Fe-Ni-Zn-La factor controlled by silicate minerals, (e) a Al-Fe-Ti-P-V factor controlled by chlorite amphiboles or pyroxenes of volcanic or basaltic intrusions, (f) a Mn-Fe-Zn-factor controlled by iron-manganese oxides. Similarities in trace element composition among Kalloni gulf bottom sediments, and source lithologies indicate that the trace elements are derived from the adjacent landmasses. The AI/Ti ratio of the sediments is consistent with the terrigenous nature of sendimentation in the Kalloni gulf.     

Silicification in the Belt Supergroup (Mesoproterozoic), Glacier National Park, Montana, USA

Nodular cherts can provide a window on the original sediment composition, diagenetic history and biota of their host rock because of their low susceptibility to further diagenetic alteration. The majority of Phanerozoic cherts formed by the intraformational redistribution of biogenic silica, particularly siliceous sponge spicules, radiolarian tests and diatom frustules. In the absence of a biogenic silica source, Precambrian cherts necessarily had to have had a different origin than Phanerozoic cherts. The Mesoproterozoic Belt Supergroup in Glacier National Park contains a variety of chert types, including silicified oolites and stromatolites, which have similar microtextures and paragenesis to Phanerozoic cherts, despite their different origins. Much of the silicification in the Belt Supergroup occurred after the onset of intergranular compaction, but before the main episode of dolomitization. The Belt Supergroup cherts probably had an opal-CT precursor, in the same manner as many Phanerozoic cherts. Although it is likely that Precambrian seas had higher silica concentrations than at present because of the absence of silica-secreting organisms, no evidence was observed that would suggest that high dissolved silica concentrations in the Belt sea had a significant widespread effect on silicification. The rarity of microfossils in Belt Supergroup cherts indicates that early silicification, if it occurred, was exceptional and restricted to localized environments. The similarity of microtextures in cherts of different ages is evidence that the silicification process is largely controlled by host carbonate composition and dissolved silica concentration during diagenesis, regardless of the source of silica.     

Rock composition and origin of the Duwi Formation calcareous rocks, Upper Egypt

Upper Cretaceous phosphorite beds of the Duwi Formation, Upper Egypt, are intercalated with limestone, sandy limestone, marl, calcareous shales, and calcareous sandstone. Calcareous intercalations were subjected to field and detailed petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical investigations in order to constrain their rock composition and origin. Mineralogically, dolomite, calcite, quartz, francolite and feldspars are the non-clay minerals. Smectite, kaolinite and illite represent the clay minerals. Major and trace elements can be classified as the detrital and carbonate fractions based on their sources. The detrital fraction includes the elements that are derived from detrital sources, mainly clay minerals and quartz, such as Si, Al, Fe, Ti, K, Ba, V, Ni, Co, Cr, Zn, Cu, Zr, and Mo. The carbonate fraction includes the elements that are derived from carbonates, maily calcite and dolomite, such as Ca, Mg and Sr. Dolomite occurs as being dense, uniform, mosaic, very fine-to-fine, non-ferroan, and non-stoichiometrical, suggesting its early diagenetic formation in a near-shore oxidizing shallow marine environment. The close association and positive correlation between dolomite and smectite indicates the role of clay minerals in the formation of dolomite as a source of Mg^2＋ -rich solutions. Calcareous rocks were deposited in marine, oxidizing and weakly alkaline conditions, marking a semi-arid climatic period. The calcareous/argillaceous alternations are due to oscillations in clay/carbonate ratio.     

山东省牛庄洼陷古近系沙河街组沙三中亚段储集层成岩作用研究

山东省牛庄洼陷古近系沙河街组沙三中亚段储集层岩石类型以长石岩屑砂岩和岩屑长石砂岩为主,岩石结构成熟度和成分成熟度均较低。砂岩成岩作用包括压实作用、胶结作用、交代作用、溶解作用等。压实作用主要有刚性颗粒发生脆性破裂、颗粒之间呈线接触和凹凸接触、岩石碎屑颗粒呈明显的定向排列、塑性颗粒挤压变形或刚性颗粒嵌入变形颗粒中、粘土质碎屑被挤压变形发生假杂基化等五种表现形式。胶结物主要有泥质胶结物、碳酸盐胶结物、自生粘土矿物和自生石英、长石。交代作用主要有石英交代长石颗粒、碳酸盐胶结物交代石英、长石及岩屑颗粒、碳酸盐胶结物之间的相互交代。发生溶解作用的主要是石英、长石和岩屑颗粒,胶结物中主要是碳酸盐矿物。目前研究区沙三中亚段储集层成岩演化处于晚成岩A期。影响成岩作用的主要因素为岩石成分、沉积环境、孔隙流体性质等。成岩作用对储集物性的影响主要表现在孔隙度和渗透率的变化,其中压实作用和胶结作用使储层原生孔隙迅速减少、渗透率降低,使得储集物性变差;而溶解作用是次生孔隙发育的主要因素,从而改善砂岩的储集性能。     

Detrital clay grain coats in estuarine clastic deposits: origin and spatial distribution within a modern sedimentary system,the Gironde Estuary (south‐west France)

Porosity and permeability may be preserved in deep sandstone reservoirs by clay coating (mainly chlorite) which limits quartz overgrowths. Chloritization around quartz grains results mainly from mineralogical transformations of pre‐existing clays. It is fundamental to study those clay precursors to better understand and predict the location and distribution of clay coatings in subsurface sandstones for petroleum or geothermal prospecting. This paper reports a high‐resolution analysis of the composition, distribution and fabric of clays along a modern estuary, the Gironde (south‐west France). The scale of the study ranges from thin sections, through sand bar bodies, up to the entire estuary. Results show that clays are detrital and deposited at the same time as sand grains despite strong hydrodynamic conditions. Clays bind to medium‐grained sands forming detrital clay grain coats. On average, 26% of detrital sand grains are coated along the entire length of the estuary. Coat thickness varies from 1 μm to more than 200 μm, and coat coverage exceeds 30% in some samples. The turbidity maximum zone position (surface water turbidity from 1 to 10 g l^?1) in the estuary, which is controlled by seasonal variations in hydrodynamic processes, significantly impacts the location of the maximum clay content and the abundance of coated grains in sandy facies along the estuary. Flocculation in the water column results in the accumulation of suspended matter and contributes to the high turbidity in the estuary. Exopolymeric substances produced by diatoms are observed both in the field and by cryo‐scanning electron microscopy, suggesting that they may play a major role in binding detrital clay around sand grains. Finally, tidal bars and heterolithic point bars in the estuary funnel and estuarine channels are prime sedimentological targets for finding clay coatings and potentially good reservoir quality in deeply buried sandstones.     

Mineralogy and chemical composition of the clay fraction of Neogene shales from the Surma Group in the Bengal basin,Bangladesh

Mineralogical and chemical investigations (<2μm clay separates) of shale samples from the Neogene-age Surma Group obtained from four wells (Habiganj-11, Shahbazpur-1, Titas-11, Titas-15) in the Bengal basin, Bangladesh, were carried out in order to reveal the clay mineral composition as reservoir exploration and exploitation requires a good understanding of the clay minerals. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Mineralogically, the sub-surface Surma Group shales comprise predominantly quartz, plagioclase, illite, chlorite, kaolinite, with lesser amounts of K-feldspar, dolomite and smectite, and minor to trace amounts of calcite, siderite and pyrite. The chemical composition of the <2 μm clay separates also suggests an illite and chlorite-rich composition. With increasing burial depth, the Surma Group shales are enriched in illite. The gradual decreasing of the smectite clays with depth and ultimate disappearance at greater depths (≥ 3000 m) may have been responsible for the presence of the diagenetic illite. Based on the mineralogical composition it is most likely that the illite-chlorite associations together with quartz and feldspar were predominantly detrital in origin and thus reflect the presence of a rapidly-rising source terrain not subjected to intense weathering.     

Geochemistry of the Hepworth Carboniferous sediment sequence and origin of the diagenetic iron minerals and concretions

The major element geochemistry of a mudstone sequence of Westphalian age has been studied in detail and mineralogical distributions calculated. Quartz and zircon trends indicate the energy of the depositional environment and this is closely reflected in the clay mineralogical composition. Of the detrital clays kaolinite is concentrated in the finer-grained sediments relative to illite. Chlorite and interstratified illite-smectite probably underwent diagenetic modification and small amounts of authigenic clays may have formed.Siderite, which occurs in both concretionary and disseminated form, and pyrite developed during diagenesis under reducing conditions and account for most of the iron present. Pyrite grew first deriving its iron partly from detrital clays. Carbon isotopic evidence suggests that early siderite precipitated in pore space as nodules and later in dispersed form. A second concretionary phase, pistomesite, grew during late dewatering. Siderite iron was derived mainly from Mn-rich oxidate phases.Titanium occurs as anatase uniformly distributed through the sequence. Phosphorus is mainly in diagenetic apatite and the $\text{sodium}\text{potassium}$ ratio is controlled by the micas. Adsorbed water is closely related to grain size and clay content.     

Diagenesis of the Sedimentary Rocks Enclosing Coaly Layers in Gavatha Area,Lesvos Island,Based on Silica Polymorph‘s Transformations

A Tertiary non-marine stratigraphic sequence composed of carbonates(limestone),siliceous carbonates,coaly layers overlain by pyroclastic rocks and lavas,outcrops in the Gavatha area of northwestern Lesvos Island.Pure earbonates eonsist almost completely of calcite,the siliceous carbonate sediments of quartz,opal-CT and calcite,the shales of quartz,opal CT, K-feldspar,smecite-illite and ealcite,and the coaly layers of organic matter,quartz,opal-CT,feldspars and pyrite,Geochemical data indicate that smectite-illite,feldspars and associated elements(La,Zr,Y,Ba,Ce)are the products of alteration of volcanic rocks in a subtropical area A combination of sources in suggested for the formation of silica polymorphs:(a) biogenic or non-biogenic silica(opal-A) that was originally present in the form of diatiom frustules of in the form of inorganically prccipitated silica;(b)transformation o opall-A to opal-CT and quartz opal-C from alteration of volcanic glass of intercalated tuffites and overlying volcanics;and(c)opal-CT deposited primarily from hydrothermal solutions.     

陆相硅质岩成因类型及构造—气候指示意义

硅质岩形成于特定的地球化学条件,具有重要的构造—气候—成岩指示意义.我国硅质岩的研究主要集中于海相地层,陆相硅质岩虽分布广泛但研究却很薄弱,成因解释由于借鉴海相燧石经验,以地球化学分析为首要手段,结论存在片面性和单一性,可能会引起古老大陆重要气候—构造—环境信息的遗漏缺失.国内外陆相硅质岩全面调研表明,陆相燧石主要存在...     

广西红黏土矿物成分分析

黏土矿物成分对其工程力学性质具有显著的影响。目前,在黏土矿物种类鉴定方面已有一些成熟的方法技术,而对黏土的矿物成分定量分析尚没有成熟的方法。本文基于X射线衍射试验、全化学元素分析、Bogue法和K值法,对广西武鸣、桂林两地红黏土的矿物成分进行了定性鉴定和定量分析。研究结果表明:(1)桂林、武鸣两地红黏土的主要矿物均为高岭石、三水铝石、针铁矿,桂林红黏土还含有一定量的石英。(2)武鸣红黏土的矿物成分及其含量依次为:高岭石(74.0%)、三水铝石(12.53%)、针铁矿(2mm, 2.22%)、针铁矿(2mm, 8.37%)。(3)桂林红黏土的矿物成分及其含量依次为:高岭石(56.59%)、三水铝石(11.44%)、针铁矿(15.61%)、石英(12.45%)。     

Characteristics and distribution of clay minerals and their effects on reservoir quality: Huagang Formation in the Xihu Sag,East China Sea Basin

Abstract

The characteristics and distribution of clay minerals and their effects on reservoir quality in the Huagang sandstones in the Xihu Sag, East China Sea Basin were studied by using X-ray diffraction, casting thin-sections, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, fluid inclusion analysis, constant-rate mercury injection and nuclear magnetic resonance. Clay minerals consist of kaolinite, chlorite, illite and illite–smectite mixed layer (I/S); kaolinite forms from dissolved feldspars, chlorite occurs as clay coatings that are transformed from clay precursors owing to the flocculation of suspended detrital clays or the crystallisation of pore fluids, and illite forms from the illitisation of detrital smectite, authigenic kaolinite and K-feldspars. Clay distribution is controlled by sedimentary environments, burial history and lithologies. Typical reservoirs in the western sub-sag are thin and developed in braided river facies at relatively shallow burial depths with clays dominated by kaolinite. However, typical reservoirs in the central inversion tectonic zone are thicker and developed in a braided delta front facies at deeper burial depths with clays mainly consisting of chlorite, illite and I/S. High-quality reservoirs are characterised by coarse granularity, high quartz content and low clay content with widespread development of chlorite coatings that inhibit quartz cements at low temperatures. At higher temperatures, the high-quality reservoirs develop more pores providing growth space for quartz cements and result in the coexistence of chlorite coatings and quartz cements. The high-quality reservoirs are controlled by their lithological characteristics rather than chlorite coatings. Illite and I/S clays create severe damage to reservoirs by reducing the size and connectivity of pore-throats.     

西藏日喀则地区蛇绿质沉积岩的成岩后生变化及其地质意义

洋壳裂开后,发展成新的扩张中心,形成了新洋壳,除典型的镁铁质蛇绿岩外,在板块迁移过程中,它们的上面还沉积有蛇绿质沉积物,这套沉积岩系的产生、形成和变化与海底扩张及板块运动有着密切关系。对这类沉积物的组合、沉积特征和成岩变化的研究,随着板块学说研究的深入,越来越为广大地质学家所重视,其研究结果不但能反映这类沉积的性质和特殊环境,而且还可以从一个侧面来验证板块演化的过程。作为大陆碰撞型板块造山运动典型的地区,西藏雅鲁藏布缝合带上,也沉积和保存着这类属于洋壳上部的岩层,对此,作者于1980-1981年相继进行了考察,本文就是在野外工作的基础上通过岩石学、地球化学研究,来讨论这类沉积物的成岩后生变化及其地质意义。     

Analcime: A characteristic authigenic phase of andean alluvium,northern chile

Analcime (NaAlSi₂O₆.H₂O) forms a characteristic authigenic phase in Andean alluvium of northern Chile. Three stratigraphic units ranging from the lower Cretaceous to the Miocene were studied in order to investigate the presence of analcime in diagenetic assemblages of different ages. The units were deposited in forearc, foreland/back-arc, and intra-arc basinal settings. Characteristics of other sedimentary analcime occurrences were examined in order to define conditions favourable for analcime precipitation. Zeolite zonation and evidence for the original presence of volcanic glass, common to many sedimentary analcime occurrences, are absent in the studied units. Analcime precipitation requires a high Na⁺/H⁺ ratio, relatively low Si⁴⁺/Al³⁺ activity and low H₂O activity. Diagenetic examination of the three stratigraphic units revealed early quartz and feldspar overgrowths, mechanical clay infiltration, and dissolution of labile rock and mineral fragments, particularly intermediate plagioclase (An_30–80). Conditions for these processes are favoured by oxidizing groundwater at near neutral pH. Later diagenesis involved the precipitation of analcime, non-ferroan calcite, quartz, and authigenic clays as the main cementing phases. These formed due to the concentration of oxidizing groundwater and resulted from its continued reaction with detrital feldspars and rock fragments of andesitic and dacitic composition. Analcime precipitation in Andean alluvium resulted from the evolution of saline, alkaline brines under an arid, evaporative climate in closed hydrographic basins with circulating groundwater systems.     

Composition and origin of North Atlantic deep sea cherts

Rocks described as chert from the North Atlantic, recovered during the Deep Sea Drilling Project, consist of quartz or disordered cristobalite. They occur in a wide variety of sediment types; only a few are associated with radiolarian oozes. Some of the cristobalitic cherts contain abundant clinoptilolite or palygorskite and sepiolite.The cherts have a variety of origins. They are most probably replacement cherts at sites 5, 6, and 7; direct alteration products of radiolarian ooze at site 8; and either alteration products of volanic glass or direct precipitates from hydrothermal solutions at sites 9 and 12. Evidence for these diverse origins is preserved as unusual mineral assemblages in these geologically young rocks.     

Quaternary iron-manganese deposits and associated pelagic sediments (radiolarian clay and chert, gypsiferous mud) from the Tyrrhenian Sea

Various types of pelagic sediments occur on a dolomitic basement located at some 1000 m depth on the eastern slope of the Tyrrhenian Sea, i.e. in the most internal, collapsed and presently submerged portion of southern Apennines. The deposits include laminated limonites, muds with manganosiderite nodules, radiolarian clays, opal chert, gypsiferous muds, lutites with calcareous plankton, and all are of Quaternary age. They are interpreted as products of the interactions between submarine hydrothermal activity and deep-sea sediments, and represent the first documented case of submarine hydrothermal sediments not directly connected to active ridges or volcanic buildings and deposits. The iron-rich sediments are very similar to many other reported examples of submarine thermal activity. The radiolarian clay displays very abundant and almost exclusively radiolarian tests, and no calcareous fossils, but shows numerous dissolution traces of carbonate skeletons. It has been interpreted as deriving from a primary bloom of siliceous plankton followed by an extensive leaching of the calcareous tests on the seafloor. The radiolarian chert shows a very early and yet unknown Opal-A cement. The immediate source of the cement is biogenous silica, whereas the ultimate source is the bloom of siliceous plankton triggered by the hydrothermal and volcanic activity. The gypsum muds are the result of a hydrothermal chemical remobilization of the Messinian sulphate beds which overlie the dolomitic basement.     

Mineralogy and technical properties of clayey diatomites from north and central Greece

Two bulk samples of clayey diatomite of Upper Miocene age originated from Western Macedonia, northern Greece and Thessaly central Greece were examined for their efficiency to be used as industrial absorbents. The samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction, Thermo-Gravimetric and Fourier Transform Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and ICP-MS analytical methods. The absorption capability of the clayey samples in oil and water were also examined. The mineralogy of both samples is predominated by the presence of clay minerals and amorphous silica. The clay minerals prevailed in the Klidi (KL) bulk sample, with muscovite being the dominant phase, and kaolinite and chlorite occurring in minor amounts. In the Drimos (DR) bulk sample, vermiculite was the predominant clay phase. Smectite was not found in either sample, whereas detrital quartz and feldspars were present in significant amounts. The amorphous silica phase (opal-A) occurs mainly with the form of disck-shaped diatom frustules. The chemistry of the samples is characterized by the predominance of silica, alumina, and iron, whereas all the other major and the trace elements are in low concentrations. Both clayey diatomite rocks exhibited sufficiently good oil and water absorption capacity, ranging between 70 to 79% in the clay-rich sample KL and 64 to 70% in the opal-A-rich sample DR. Comparing the properties of the rocks studied with other commercial absorbents, it is concluded that they may find applications as absorbents in industrial uses.     

Clay mineralogy of Triassic sediments in southern Israel and Sinai

The clay mineral composition of Triassic sediments in the Negev and Sinai depends upon the environment of deposition. Kaolinite predominates in continental and epicontinental sediments. The mineralogical composition of the marine clays resembles that of corresponding samples from North Africa and Europe, which comprise various mixtures and interstratifications of illite, montmorillonite, vermiculite and chlorite. Evaporitic sediments are poor in clay minerals and those present are largely detrital. The results presented suggest that chlorite was formed diagenetically by prolonged percolation of seawater through pervious layers overlying impervious ones (hard beds).