The kaolinite from Albian sedimentary deposits (Escucha and Utrillas Formations) of the Iberian Range (Spain) have been investigated. This research has shown the presence of different types of kaolinites (detrital and diagenetic) along with micaceous phases in these deposits. Detrital kaolinites show anhedral morphology, low crystallinity and a degree of ordering as well as the presence of interstratified smectite layers. They constitute the matrix of the claystones and siltstones and were probably formed as a consequence of intense weathering processes in the source area during the warm period of the early Cretaceous. Diagenetic kaolinites have been recognized in the sandstones and siltstones, with kaolinite growing between ‘expanded’ mica flakes and vermiform and euhedral kaolinite forming the matrix. They have euhedral morphologies, high crystallinity and a high degree of ordering. They grewin situas a response to incipient diagenesis by K-feldspar dissolution and/or organic acid-rich fluids derived from the maturation of organic matter in shales.

AB ST R ACT : This study uses transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and analytical electron microscopy (AEM) supported by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the mineralogical and textural changes produced in carbonated clays by firing. Sample bars were prepared using raw clays composed of quartz, illite and carbonates with minor amounts of smectite, chlorite, feldspars and Fe oxides. The raw samples were then fired at temperatures of between 800 and 1050ºC. The XRD data show that increases in firing temperature result in dehydroxylation of clay minerals, carbonate decomposition and the formation of Ca-bearing silicates (e.g. gehlenite, wollastonite, pyroxenes and anorthite). The sizes of the Ca-silicate crystals make the use of the SEM inappropriate since they lie below the resolution threshold. However, TEM/AEM do provide the required textural and compositional characterization, revealing that there is a broad range of pyroxene compositions, some of which resemble fassaite, and that Ca/Mg ratios increase with temperature. The TEM also shows significant dehydroxylation and vitrification of the clay-rich matrix at T of~800ºC. Observed mineralogical and textural changes probably occurred in a system with a local disequilibrium much like small-scale, high-temperature metamorphic reactions (i.e. pyrometamorphism). The importance of these results is that they enable the selection of more appropriate raw clay composition and firing dynamics (temperature, firing duration and cooling rate) for both the brickmaking industry and brick conservation in the field of cultural heritage.

No abstract

No abstract

Four outcrops of Lower Cretaceous (Barremian) karst bauxites located in Teruel (NE Spain) were analysed to determine their mineral associations and genesis related to climatic palaeoweathering events and late superimposed kaolinization processes. The materials comprise metric‐sized pisolitic blocks embedded in a clay‐rich red groundmass. Fourteen samples were examined by X‐ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and the major elements were analysed by inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS). The samples are composed of kaolinite, gibbsite, goethite, and hematite as the main phases, with diaspore, boehmite, anatase, and rutile as accessory minerals. The results show a complex sequence of mineralogical and geochemical processes that transformed the parent rock into the current bauxite materials. The clay‐rich groundmass constitutes the lateritic parent material of the pisolitic bauxites. In the parent material authigenic kaolinite (e.g. vermicular kaolinite and kaolinite between cleavage sheets of pre‐existing mica) has been observed; Fe oxides formed subsequent to kaolinite. In the pisolitic bauxites, mineralogical and textural evidence indicates that bauxitization took place at the expense of previous kaolinite, with gibbsite post‐dating the other Al hydroxides. The pisolitic bauxites also show a more homogeneous chemical composition and a relative Ti, Al and Zr enrichment. The data are consistent with an intense palaeoweathering event during the Lower Cretaceous (Barremian) under tropical climatic conditions (warm and humid). Several stages probably took place during the bauxitization process, suggesting variations in water saturation conditions. Subsequent karst reactivation stages and related collapses were responsible for the present lithostructure of the deposits and allowed late kaolinization not related to climate to take place. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.