Conditions of kaolin illitization in the Permo-Triassic sandstones from the SE Iberian Ranges, Spain

Kaolin is a widespread authigenic clay mineral in the Permo-Triassic sandstones from the marginal areas of the SE Iberian Basin. However, relatively more extensive illitization of kaolin occurs in the SW basin margin compared with the slight occurrence in the NE margin. SEM analysis of sandstones reveals that illite replaced small kaolinite crystals while blocky dickite remained unaltered. Kaolin illitization is suggested to take place in relation to the maximum burial depth reached during Late Cretaceous post-rift stage. Vitrinite reflectance data denotes a maximum burial temperature of 118  °C and 144 °C in the NE basin margin and in the SW basin margin, respectively. Thus, the extent of illitization in the SW margin is attributed to the higher T_peak reached by the Permo-Triassic succession. Regarding the lack of K-feldspars observed in the sandstones and interbedded mudrocks, the source of K⁺ is mainly related to the alteration of detrital mica.