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Zeolites in the Miocene Briones Sandstone and related formations of the central Coast Ranges, California

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
By:  and 

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Abstract

Authigenic zeolites present in the generally tuffaceous Miocene Briones Sandstone and related formations of the central Coast Ranges of California indicate three stages of diagenetic history: (1) Initial alteration of pyroclastic materials to clinoptilolite (and montmorillonite) that is widely distributed in small amounts throughout the region. (2) Subsequent crystallization of heulandite followed by stilbite in fractures at a few places. (3) Widespread development of laumontite in only the southern part of the region, where the sandstone appears to have been downfolded and faulted to greater depths than elsewhere. Laumontite occurs both as pervasive cement of sandstone and as filling of fractures, and was produced through the reaction of interstitial solutions with other zeolites and with such major constituents of the sandstone as plagioclase, montmorillonite, and calcite at temperatures of 100° C or higher. Mordenite was found at only one locality, closely associated with clinoptilolite and opal. Analcite occurs in diverse settings, and its relation to the other zeolites is obscure.  Sparry calcite and coexisting stilbite, laumontite, or analcite in veins seem to make up nonequilibrium assemblages.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Zeolites in the Miocene Briones Sandstone and related formations of the central Coast Ranges, California
Series title Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
Volume 1
Issue 3
Year Published 1973
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description 11 p.
First page 255
Last page 265
Country United States of America
State California
Other Geospatial central Coast Ranges
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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