"International Journal of Geography, Geology and Environment"

Author(s): Prashant Uttamrao Terker

Abstract: The Deccan Trap Province of the Marathwada region in India is a geologically significant area known for its extensive basaltic lava flows, which host a diverse range of zeolites and associated secondary minerals. This study aims to explore the mineralogical composition, formation processes, and economic significance of zeolites in this region. Zeolites, a group of hydrated aluminosilicates, are formed primarily through secondary alteration processes in basaltic rocks, influenced by hydrothermal activity and groundwater interactions. Common zeolite minerals identified in the region include stilbite, heulandite, clinoptilolite, mordenite, and natrolite, often occurring in vesicular cavities and amygdaloidal basalt formations. These minerals exhibit remarkable adsorption, ion-exchange, and catalytic properties, making them valuable for industrial applications such as water purification, petrochemical refining, agriculture, and environmental remediation. Additionally, associated secondary minerals like calcite, quartz, and apophyllite further enrich the mineralogical diversity of the Deccan basalts. The study highlights the geochemical conditions favoring zeolite formation and evaluates their potential for commercial exploitation. The widespread occurrence of high-quality zeolites in the Marathwada region presents economic opportunities, particularly in the construction, pharmaceutical, and environmental sectors. Understanding the geological controls on zeolite formation can aid in their sustainable extraction and utilization. This research contributes to the broader understanding of secondary mineralization in volcanic terrains and its industrial relevance, emphasizing the importance of the Deccan Traps as a globally significant geological province.

DOI: 10.22271/27067483.2022.v4.i2b.343

Pages: 195-201 | Views: 113 | Downloads: 64

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