Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Doust Abad Bentonite Deposit, Eastern Iran

This study provides the first comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the economically significant Doust Abad bentonite deposit in the Ferdows region of eastern Iran. Results reveal a high-purity, stratabound deposit dominated by Na-montmorillonite (>۷۵% of the clay fraction), alongside cristobalite, quartz, and minor amounts of zeolites (e.g., clinoptilolite) and gypsum. Bulk-rock geochemistry, marked by high SiO₂ and depletion of mobile cations, indicates an intense alteration of a felsic volcanic precursor. This is consistent with the calc-alkaline, rhyolitic to trachyandesitic volcanism of the Eocene–OligoMiocene Lut Zone. The exceptional purity, Na-montmorillonite dominance, and low heavy metal content position the Doust Abad bentonite as a high-quality raw material, suitable for traditional and advanced industrial applications, including environmental remediation, catalysis, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and nanocomposites.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bentonite ، Ferdows ، Mineralogy ، Geochemistry ، Industrial Applications