Akkalkan Deposit of Bentonite Clays, Southeast Kazakhstan: Formation Conditions and Prospects for Technological Use

Abstract

The paper presents the results of studying bentonite clays of the Akkalklan deposit (Southeast Kazakhstan). Four main bentonite types are distinguished based on mapping: light gray mudstone, dark gray laminar and rubbly, waxy light brown and pale laminar, and black plastic clays. Their mineralogical study revealed a relationship between the crystal morphological features of the major rock-forming clay mineral and formation conditions and technological properties of bentonite material for use in various branches of industry.