Identification of sandstone-related rocks composition using the X-ray analysis

Abstract

The article presents knowledge based on investigation of sandstones or siltstones composition from the Paleogene flysch terrains in North-East Slovakia. Samples of frequently crumbling clastic rocks were commonly considered to be close to sandstones, composed by predominant quartz. The set of such samples, belonging to Dukla Unit Sandstones were analyzed using the XRD analyses. Beside of quartz the diffraction patterns gave the evidence in significant carbonate share with some minor to minute feldspars, mica and chlorite contents. Among majority of analyzed samples we distinguish three groups of sandstones: (1) with the abundant calcite admixture, (2) the sandstones which contain meaning dolomite portion. The group (3) is representing the samples is formed the same by quartz as by both of carbonates, each of them could form important up to prevailed mineral component. Comparison of analyzed samples mineral composition shows remarkable trend of higher calcite and dolomite contents in younger clastic sediments.