Formation of laumontite in sedimentary rocks: A case study of sedimentary sequences in Russia

Analysis of the authigenic laumontite distribution in sedimentary complexes of the Russian Federation is presented. The mineral occurs in sections characterized by various types of lithology, genesis, tectonic setting, and burial depth. Distribution area of this mineral spacially coincide with domains of the alkaline (mainly sodic) groundwater. It is inferred that the formation of authigenic laumontite in sedimentary sequences represents the hydrogenous catagenetic mineralization related to the circulation of heterogeneous alkaline groundwaters in them. This phenomenon resembles hydrothermal processes in areas of intense volcanism and likely represents a process typical of sedimentary sequences.