FIRST APPROACH TO THE CLAY MINERALOGY OF THE KAOLIN-RICH SEDIMENTARY DEPOSITS FROM THE WEALD FACIES IN THE IBERIAN RANGE (NE SPAIN)

摘要

The aim of this study is to characterize the clay mineral associations from the clayey sedimentary deposits of the Lower Cretaceous (Weald facies) in Maestrazgo basin (Teruel, NE Spain). These deposits, that are rich in kaolin minerals, are actively mined by the ceramic industry (sanitaryware). The studied rocks (ciaystones, siltstones and sandstones) constitute the Camarillas Formation (Barremian) and correspond to a fluvial environment. Most of these materials display red colors although there are also greenish and grey levels. The formation represents a fluvial system of multiple low sinuosity channels, evolving towards the top to a delta plain, with tidal influence (Diaz-Molina & Yebenes, 1987). A systematic sampling (45 samples) has been performed in two sections in the Maestrazgo basin: in an open pit nowadays mined close to Galve (Calve section) and in other outcrop at 50 km (Miravete section).