Geology, mineralogy, and genesis of palygorskite clay from Borshchevka deposit in the Kaluga Region and outlook for its technological use

Abstract

In this paper we consider localization and paleogeographic conditions of palygorskite deposition in the Moscow Syneclise, which is regarded as a palygorskite province. The geology and mineralogy of the Borshchevka deposit are also characterized. Mineralogical and chemical analyses of rocks from the Steshevo Horizon (C1st), which is the most promising for palygorskite and associated smectite, have been carried out. The morphology and crystal structure of palygorskite varieties differing in origin are characterized, as well as possible use of palygorskite from the Borshchevka deposit as a drilling mud, foundry sand, and sorbent.