Accumulation of sulfur in the Late Paleozoic Coal, North China

 

Authors: Kang Xidong, Yang Qi, Zhou Chunguan, Tang Dazhen, Liu Dameng

Published in: Bulletin of Geosciences, volume 74, issue 2; pages: 197 - 202;

Keywords: Sulfur, accumulation, coal, North China,

Export to RIS

 

Abstract

Occurrence and distribution of pyritic and organic sulfur in eight late Paleozoic coal seams in North China are discussed in this paper. Based on microscopic study, nine types of pyrite and their genetic generations have been recognized. Idiomorphic granular pyrite, framboidal pyrite and oolitic pyrite formed at syngenetic stage. Block pyrite, spherical pyrite and nodular pyrite formed at early diagenesis stage. Cell-filling pyrite and metasomatic pyrite formed at late diagenesis stage. Veinlet pyrite formed at epigenetic stage. The results of a electron microprobe analysis show that the percentage of organic sulfur in vitrinite is higher than that in inertinite. Isotopic study of sulfur reveals that most of the organic sulfur accumulated after pyritic sulfur. Peat swamp played an important role in the accumulation of sulfur. Highstand stagnant swamp and brackish water are favourable for sulfur accumulation.