Chromium-rich illite/smectite in the basal Balinka Conglomerate of the Upper Carboniferous-Permian Boskovice Basin (Bohemian Massif)

Abstract

The Upper Carboniferous polymictic Balinka Conglomerate was deposited along the western margin of the Boskovice Basin (eastern part of the Bohemian Massif). Angular aggregates of deep-green chromium-rich interstratified clay mineral R1-illite(0.8)/smectite (I/S) are present exclusively in the basal part of this unit. The textural position of chromium-bearing I/S (0.77–2.88 wt.% Cr₂O₃; 0.040–0.153 apfu Cr) in the conglomerate matrix indicates a genetic link with the highly altered chromium spinel, which is preserved in the relics. The source of Cr-rich spinelides was serpentinized peridotites in the adjacent Moldanubicum (Gföhl Unit). The formation of I/S is related to diagenetic processes in the conglomerate matrix. The fluids would have relatively high fugacity of CO₂ and activity of K⁺. K/Ar ages of 284.1 ± 7.7 and 276.3 ± 7.4 Ma (lower Permian – Kungurian/Artinskian age) confirmed the diagenetic origin of this I/S.