Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni

Sulphur Occurences Associated With Celestite in Sivas Evaporite Basin of Tertiary Age (An Example Deposit: Ulaş-Bahçeciktepe Celestite Bed)

Abstract: This study aims the investigation of disseminated sulphur occurrences in celestite mineralizations at the upper section of Bozbelformation of Eocene age in Sivas basin, located in the Central Eastern Taurid suture belt. The sulphur formations in the study areaare economically insignificant. Electron microscope studies focused on microtexture examination indicate that these elementary sulphur format ions have crystal morphologies in the forms of cloud-like, lobous, spheroidal lace-like and kidney-like structures. Some sulphur crystals are blanketed by other substances. The results of elemental analyses show that the amount of organic matter inthis type ofc/ystals is nearly 1%. These elementary sulphur formations are ofbiogenic origin.The elementary sulphur occurrences in the celestite outcrop at the Bahçeciktepe location were formed by the disintegration ofcelestite crystals through the metabolic activity of sulphate reducing bacteria (most likely by "Desulfovibrio sp.").