Characterization of Quartzites in the Southern Korean Peninsula

Abstract

Abstract In the southern Korean Peninsula twelve quartzite strata occur in the Gyeonggi massif and Okcheon belt. Their geologic ages range from Precambrian to Upper Paleozoic. All quartzites in the Gyeonggi massif are of Precambrian in age and are characterized by high-grade metaquartzites; they are Seosan, Anyang, Yongmunsan and Uiam quartzites from west to east. Quartzite types occurring in the Okcheon belt are diverse from orthoquartzite to medium-grade metaquartzite. Orthoquartzites are all Paleozoic in age and are distributed mainly in the eastern Okcheon belt (Taebaeksan Basin) (Jangsan, Dongjeom and Jeongseon quartzites) with one in the central Okcheon belt (Mungyeong Quartzite). Low-grade metaquartzite is Hwasan quartzite in the western part and medium-grade metaquartzites are Daehyangsan and Geumsusan quatzites in the central part, and Yongamsan quartzite in the southwestern part of the Okcheon belt. Distribution of quartzite types in the southern Korean Peninsula is not related to the geologic age of quartzites. As a case study, quartzite characteristics were applied to a provenance study of quartzite clasts in the northwestern part of the Cretaceous Gyeongsang Basin. Quartzite clasts in the study area are interpreted to have been mostly derived from source quartzites in the Okcheon belt, which is consistent with the results of previous studies.