Kaolinization processes in an area of Segovia (Spain)

In Vegas de Matute, South of Segovia, there is a kaolin deposit formed by weathering on Hercynian gneisses of the Spanish Central Massif, fossilized by the overlying Albian, which is also kaolinitic (sands and clays). Mineralogical differences (clay and heavy minerals) and differences in kaolinite c...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Galán Emilio
López Aguayo F.
Brell J. M.
Doval M.
Liso M. J.
Corporate Author: International Kaolin Symposium (10.) (1979) (Budapest)
Format: Article
Published: University of Szeged, Department of Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Petrology Szeged 1980
Series:Acta mineralogica-petrographica 24
Kulcsszavak:Kőzettan, Ásványtan, Földtan
Subjects:
Online Access:http://acta.bibl.u-szeged.hu/24669
Description
Summary:In Vegas de Matute, South of Segovia, there is a kaolin deposit formed by weathering on Hercynian gneisses of the Spanish Central Massif, fossilized by the overlying Albian, which is also kaolinitic (sands and clays). Mineralogical differences (clay and heavy minerals) and differences in kaolinite crystallinity make it possible to distinguish between both types of kaolin (residual and sedimentary), even though the Albian kaolinitic sands are derived from the erosion of residual kaolins formed on acid rocks of the Central Massif, such as those fossilized in this deposit. Most of residual kaolin was probably eroded prior to Cretaceous times and the remaining kaolin was preserved as a deep crust because of poor drainage. The weathering profile is dominantly kaolinite near the top with the smectite content increasing with depth to a maximum of 60%. Sometime after the Cretaceous period some of the Albian kaolin was altered, in a basic environment, to smectite.
Physical Description:27-34
ISSN:0365-8066