Oltu Clay Deposits (Erzurum, NE Turkey) and Their Possible Usage Areas

Abstract

Oltu clay deposits known Oligocene-Miocene Formations in the Oltu-Narman Basin (NE Erzurum, Turkey) are concentrated in two different stratigraphic horizons namely the Late Oligocene and the Early Miocene sequences. Clay minerals originated by the alteration of Eocene calcalkaline island-arc volcanic, preferably from pyroclastic (trachyte and andesite flow) which form the basement. In this study, these clay deposits have been studied for chemical, mineralogy, and physical properties to decide the most proper industrial use. The industrial significance of the clay deposits depends on the type and the chemical properties of minerals (montmorillonite) in different layers. Physical, mineralogical, and chemical properties of this clay deposits are convenient to use in constructing barriers, filtering layers, and liners in landfills. Some industrial areas are suitable for use of kaolinite and serpentine clay group such as the ceramics and related refractory. Paligorskite and sepiolite group clay mineral are utilized drilling applications. Mica group clay materials are suitable for manufacture of kiln wares and in red or firing pottery products.