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Formation of Authigenic Illite in Palaeocene Mudrocks from the Central North Sea: a Study by High Resolution Electron Microscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2024

Jennifer M. Huggett
Jennifer M. Huggett*
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Imperial College, London, SW7 2BP, U.K.
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Abstract

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The mode of growth of authigenic, lath-shaped illitic particles has been investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Two types of clay lath have been identified: overgrowths on platelets of illite or illite-smectite and discrete particles. Both are neoformed and show a slight increase in abundance with depth over the 70 m depth interval sampled. Interpretation of lattice fringe data is not unambiguous but indicates that the clay is either illite or illite-smectite with R1 structure. The formation of discrete particles of authigenic illite, or even R1 illite-smectite, is compatible with present burial depths and a regional geothermal gradient of approximately 40°C/km. This illite also differs from many previous reported occurrences of authigenic illite in mudrocks in that it appears to have formed, without being preceded by progressive illitization of illite-smectite.

Keywords

Authigenic illiteHigh resolution electron microscopyIllite-smectite
Type
Research Article
Information
Clays and Clay Minerals , Volume 43 , Issue 6 , December 1995 , pp. 682 - 692
Copyright
Copyright © 1995, The Clay Minerals Society

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