Geology, Geochemistry and Petrographic Studies of Exposed Rock Units from Zhob and Qila Saifullah Districts of Balochistan

Exposed Rocks of Balochistan

Abstract

Present research exertion provides the information about the stratigraphy, geological structure, geochemistry and petrographic characteristics of the exposed sedimentary rock units and igneous intrusions around Zhob and Qila Saifullah districts of Balochistan. Sedimentary deposition in this area is attribute to both Pashin basin and Suleiman basin. The litho-stratigraphic sections of Suleiman basin are Spingwar formation and Loralai formation (Allozai Group) of Jurassic age and Goru formation, Parh limestone and Pab sandstone of Cretaceous age, whereas Pashin basin comprises of Nisai formation of Eocene age and Multana formation of 0ligocene - Miocene age. The structural features of the area are comprising of complex, doubly plunging, anticlines and synclines which have been truncated by reverse faults at different places.Geochemical analysis (X-Ray diffraction and X-Ray fluorescence) displays that Igneous Intrusions are comprising of Clay, Mica, Plagioclase and Spinal mineral with abundance of Al203 (11-14% wt.), Si02 (27-34 % wt.), Ca0 (6-17% wt.) and Fe203 (19-32% wt.), whereas sedimentary rocks are rich in Quartz, Calcite and Albite with abundance of Al203 (0-17% wt.), Si02 (1.35-78% wt.), Ca0 (0.92-55% wt.) and Fe203  (0.07-13% wt.). The petrographic studies of the carbonates indicate mudstone to wackstone, carbonate fabric with skeletal grains of Alveolina, Miliolids, Globotrancana, Algae, Stylolites and foraminifera, whereas the sandstone samples are rich in sub rounded to rounded quartz grain, feldspar and mica. Petrographic analysis of igneous intrusion shows muscovite, pyroxene needles, chlorite and opaque minerals. Economically the research area is appropriate for cement factory, glass industry and building stones.