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A re-classification of Precambrian cherts: implication on diagenetic origin of chert concretion, nodule and geode

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Abstract

The term ‘chert’ ideally refers to fine-grained siliceous (micro/cryptocrystalline) mineral and is also often used for rock with such siliceous mineral aggregate of chemical, biochemical, and organic origin. Petrologically, inorganic non-sedimentary origin or even volcanic derivatives formed by devitrification of metastable felsic volcanic glass can also be included within chert. A new classification scheme for Precambrian cherts is proposed, especially for field workers. Despite several worldwide studies on chert, simple comprehensive classification of chert is not available to date. There are notable differences amongst Archaean, Palaeoproterozoic and Meso-Neoproterozoic cherts. This paper reviews all the Precambrian cherts to divide them into three categories from global context. Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic cherts mostly imply precipitation from silica gel material supplied vide submarine volcanism. This paper also focuses on diagenetic chert concretion, nodules, and geodes in detail. Finally, the Mesoproterozoic Nagari Formation in Cuddapah Basin, India is shown as a case to explain the diagenetic conditions, which could favour chert development by silica supersaturation in the pores. Diagenetic sub-environments are categorized systematically as eogenetic, mesogenetic, and telogenetic types with evidences of each based on photomicrography and outcrop studies. A comprehensive analysis is attempted to understand the development of concretions, nodules and geodes due to diagenesis with respect to the Eastern Ghats Orogeny, which has played a significant role in the prominent development of diagenetic features during mesodiagenetic and telodiagenetic processes.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to Director AMD for assistance in creating the original work under positive circumstances. All fellow colleagues are duly acknowledged especially whoever indirectly extended their moral support, editorial support, presentational support, instrumental/technical supports.

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  1. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Hyderabad, 500016, India

    Sukanta Goswami, Sangeeta Bhagat, Purnajit Bhattacharjee & D. K. Choudhury

  2. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Bangalore, 560 072, India

    Vinod Kumar Maurya

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  1. Sukanta Goswami
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Contributions

Sukanta Goswami: Contributed throughout the manuscript including field works, conceptualization, MS preparation, Preliminary proofing and extensive review. Sangeeta Bhagat: Petrographic part Vinod Kumar Maurya: Field traverses. literature survey and supported in MS preparation with technical discussion. Purnajit Bharttacharjee: Technical discussion and literature review D. K. Choudhury: Logistic supports, literature review and technical discussion, proofing

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Goswami, S., Bhagat, S., Maurya, V.K. et al. A re-classification of Precambrian cherts: implication on diagenetic origin of chert concretion, nodule and geode. J. Sediment. Environ. 8, 339–361 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43217-023-00137-7

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