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Abstract <p>Kaolin deposits of the Kachchh region in western India were investigated for their mineralogical, physicochemical, and geochemical characteristics in order to elucidate the genesis and potential for industrial applications. The sampling of kaolin deposits was carried out from all three physiographic divisions of Kachchh, which includes the Kachchh Mainland, Wagad Highland, and the Island Belt region. The geochemical characterizations of the kaolin were determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Further, mineralogical properties were assessed to identify and quantify the mineral phases using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the micro-morphology of kaolin minerals. Diagnostic physicochemical tests like color, brightness, whiteness, pH, and particle size distribution (PSD) were explored for several possible industrial applications. The results of geochemical indices, including the chemical index of alteration (CIA), the chemical index of weathering (CIW), and the index of compositional variability (ICV) were determined to assess the weathering conditions, type of source rock involved, and genesis of kaolin deposits. The major oxide composition of kaolin from the Kachchh region is dominated by SiO<sub>2</sub>, Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, and TiO<sub>2</sub>. Kaolinite is the major phyllosilicate present in the deposit along with accessory minerals such as quartz, goethite, muscovite, and anatase. Geochemical analysis using major, trace, and rare earth elements of kaolin samples suggests provenance and environmental conditions corresponding to formation during the Cretaceous-Tertiary period. Based on the results obtained from mineralogical, geochemical, and physical analysis, the kaolin deposits require the removal of existing impurities to optimize the grades. Further, the suitable applications could be ceramics, cosmetics, rubber, plastic, paints, and paper products. Thus, this study has a significant potential to contribute to the economic development of the kaolin industries in the region.</p>

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Geochemistry, Mineralogy, and Genesis of Kaolin Deposits of Kachchh, Western India and Its Possible Industrial Application

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月11日

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  • Jaymeet Solanki,
  • Gaurav Chauhan,
  • Bhavyata Chavada,
  • Chirag Jani,
  • Avinash Goswami,
  • Manjari Pathak,
  • Subhash Bhandari,
  • M. G. Thakkar

摘要

Abstract

Kaolin deposits of the Kachchh region in western India were investigated for their mineralogical, physicochemical, and geochemical characteristics in order to elucidate the genesis and potential for industrial applications. The sampling of kaolin deposits was carried out from all three physiographic divisions of Kachchh, which includes the Kachchh Mainland, Wagad Highland, and the Island Belt region. The geochemical characterizations of the kaolin were determined using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). Further, mineralogical properties were assessed to identify and quantify the mineral phases using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the micro-morphology of kaolin minerals. Diagnostic physicochemical tests like color, brightness, whiteness, pH, and particle size distribution (PSD) were explored for several possible industrial applications. The results of geochemical indices, including the chemical index of alteration (CIA), the chemical index of weathering (CIW), and the index of compositional variability (ICV) were determined to assess the weathering conditions, type of source rock involved, and genesis of kaolin deposits. The major oxide composition of kaolin from the Kachchh region is dominated by SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and TiO2. Kaolinite is the major phyllosilicate present in the deposit along with accessory minerals such as quartz, goethite, muscovite, and anatase. Geochemical analysis using major, trace, and rare earth elements of kaolin samples suggests provenance and environmental conditions corresponding to formation during the Cretaceous-Tertiary period. Based on the results obtained from mineralogical, geochemical, and physical analysis, the kaolin deposits require the removal of existing impurities to optimize the grades. Further, the suitable applications could be ceramics, cosmetics, rubber, plastic, paints, and paper products. Thus, this study has a significant potential to contribute to the economic development of the kaolin industries in the region.