STRATIGRAPHY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF SULFATE FORMATIONS IN THE SHERT GYPSUM DEPOSIT

https://doi.org/10.48498/minmag.2025.247.11.005

This article presents the results of a comprehensive stratigraphic and geochemical study of sulfate formations in the Shert gypsum deposit (Turkestan region, Republic of Kazakhstan). The gypsum-bearing strata are subdivided into two main horizons: Lower Paleogene (30–45 m thick) and Upper Miocene (15–25 m), with well-defined bedding and lateral continuity. The total forecast resources of gypsum exceed 12 million tons, with high lithological uniformity and low impurity content. Petrographic and mineralogical analysis reveals the predominance of alabastrine gypsum with celestine and carbonate inclusions, formed in a shallow, periodically evaporating lagoonal-lacustrine basin under an arid climate. XRD and SEM-EDS analyses confirm the fine-crystalline structure and high purity (CaSO₄·2H₂O > 90%). Geochemical profiles show increased Sr and Ca contents, supporting prospects for strontium extraction. Experimental testing demonstrated compressive strength values of 6.8–8.5 MPa, which meet industrial standards.

A. Zhumagaziev, *S. Kurbaniyazov, A. Damenova, A. Beskempirova