Siderite layers in the fresh-water Neogene sediments of Vietnam

Abstract

Siderites forming beds and lenses in the Neogene lacustrine—swampy sediments of the Rinh Chua Formation (northern Vietnam) are considered in detail. Results of the mineralogical and chemical study of siderites and host terrigenous–clayey siltstones are reported. New analytical data characterize the composition and structure of microbiomorphic (bacterial) bodies in the siderites and terrigenous sediments. Microstructures (porosity) and compositional peculiarities (up to 18% P₂O₅) of individual horizons of the sediments testify to their lacustrine-swampy genesis. It is established that the siderites in association with the layer silicates were formed during the microbiochemogenic decomposition of terrigenous components, including quartz.