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Genesis of Kaolinite Deposits in the Jungar Coalfield, North China: Petrological, Mineralogical and Geochemical Evidence
Linsong LIU,
Tongjun ZHANG,
Jianping LIU,
Qinfu LIU,
Kuo LI,
Di LIU,
Wanyue LIU,
Linsong LIU
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Search for more papers by this authorTongjun ZHANG
Shanxi Province Coal Geology 115 Prospecting Institute, Datong, Shanxi, 037000 China
Search for more papers by this authorJianping LIU
Shanxi Province Coal Geology 115 Prospecting Institute, Datong, Shanxi, 037000 China
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Qinfu LIU
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorKuo LI
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Search for more papers by this authorDi LIU
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Search for more papers by this authorWanyue LIU
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Search for more papers by this authorLinsong LIU,
Tongjun ZHANG,
Jianping LIU,
Qinfu LIU,
Kuo LI,
Di LIU,
Wanyue LIU,
Linsong LIU
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Search for more papers by this authorTongjun ZHANG
Shanxi Province Coal Geology 115 Prospecting Institute, Datong, Shanxi, 037000 China
Search for more papers by this authorJianping LIU
Shanxi Province Coal Geology 115 Prospecting Institute, Datong, Shanxi, 037000 China
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Qinfu LIU
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorKuo LI
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Search for more papers by this authorDi LIU
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Search for more papers by this authorWanyue LIU
College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083 China
Search for more papers by this authorAbout the first author:
LIU Linsong, male, born in 1994 in Changchun City, Jilin Province; doctoral candidate in China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing; his main research interest is clay mineralogy. Email: [email protected]; phone: 13263121366.
About the corresponding author:
LIU Qinfu, male, born in 1964; professor, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing); his main research interests are mineralogy, mineral materials and applications. E-mail: [email protected]; phone: 13911683809.
Abstract
Petrological, mineralogical and geochemical studies carried out on kaolinite deposits in Haerwusu surface mine, Jungar Coalfield, northern Ordos Basin, North China, define their characteristics, ore genesis and economic interest. Based on the crystalline size, two different types of kaolinite rocks, cryptocrystalline and grainy, were identified under the microscope. XRD data show that kaolinite is the predominant mineral, associated with boehmite, magnesite, anatase, pyrite, diaspore and calcite. However, high boehmite content (mean 70%) shows up in the middle layers. Kaolinite minerals present homogeneous shape and a good crystallinity (HI = 0.96–1.26). Geochemical studies show that the SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of kaolinite is close to the theoretical value, and the contents of Na2O, K2O, CaO, MgO are less, suggesting a strong chemical weathering environment. The REE and Eu anomalies show a close relationship between kaolinite and the Yinshan Oldland granite. A Ce anomaly reflects a continental sedimentary environment with shallow water. A temperature range of 26.7–34°C was calculated on the basis of the isotopic signatures (δ18O, δD) of the kaolinite rocks. All these data indicate that the formation of the kaolinite is caused mainly by the dissolution, coagulation, precipitation and recrystallization of aluminosilicate clastics in acidic conditions. The formation of boehmite in the middle layers indicates that the source rocks have changed. Boehmite is mainly formed by dehydration and compaction of an aluminum-rich colloid which transported into peat swamp during diagenesis. In addition, it formed by desiliconization of kaolinite under acidic conditions. Due to its high kaolinite content (up to 90%) and low iron mineral content (less than 1%), and good crystallinity, kaolinite deposits occurred at Haerwusu surface mine probably have great economical value in the future.
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