Diagenetic K‐feldspar pseudomorphs in the Triassic Buntsandstein sandstones of the Iberian Range, Spain

Abstract

ABSTRACTEarly diagenetic K‐feldspar in the Triassic Buntsandstein of the Iberian Range (Spain) occurs as pseudomorphs after detrital K‐feldspar (Or<93) and plagioclase (Ab<96). These pseudomorphs are chemically pure (Or>99), untwinned, commonly heavily clouded by vacuoles and tiny inclusions, dark‐luminescing and are composed of numerous fine euhedral crystals of K‐feldspar. The latter property suggests that the pseudomorphs form via dissolution of detrital K‐feldspar and plagioclase and precipitation of authigenic K‐feldspar. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that the authigenic K‐feldspar is intermediate microcline.