Geochemical characterization of Paleozoic

Carbonates in the Kinta Valley

by

Mugellarasan A/L Mudiyarasan

20340

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of

the requirements for the
Bachelor of Technology (Hons)
Petroleum Geoscience

December 2018

Department of Geosciences
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
32610 Bandar Seri Iskandar
Perak Darul Ridzuan

0
 ABSTRACT

This project focusses on the geology of Paleozoic carbonate in the Kek Lok Tong situated at
the northern part of Gunung Rapat. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the geochemical
data. This is limit information on the geochemical characterization of the carbonates in the area.
The carbonatexrocksxwerexanalysed under petrographic microscopic for mineralogical
evaluation and XRF for chemicalxanalysis. The resultsxfrom XRF showedxthatxthere is one
dominantXoxide. Calcium Oxide (CaO) is the dominantxinxallx samples. The colourxof the
carbonatexrocks (limestone, dolomite, andxmarble) reflects the composition. White, semi-
white, light-greyxand beigexcolours can bexattributedxeither to pure calcitexorxdolomite
Moreover, thexintegration of geochemistry and petrographic studies leadxto
betterxunderstandingxon economicxpotential ofxthe studyxarea.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

On the occasion I would like to be grateful that I managed to complete my Final Year
Project (FYP) as I had the chance to fulfil the requirement in order to finish my
Bachelor of Technology (Hons) Petroleum Geoscience course. I am infinitely
thankful to being gifted with God blessing.

Other than that, my gratitude is extended to my family, parents, beloved brothers and
sisters for being helpful throughout my project. Motivation and support were given
during the project flow.

In addition, I would like to express my pleasure to be supervised under supervision of

Dr. Haylay Tsegab Gebretsadik for genuinely guiding my progression throughout my
project. Also not forgetting the students of Bachelor of Technology (Hons) Petroleum
Geoscience course in Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in giving their input for the
project.

Ultimately, I would like to the parties that is left unmentioned that was involved in
the project. Thank you for all the support and cooperation.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………..1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT…………………………………………………………...2
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION…………………..…….…………………6
1.1 Background of Study…………………….…..………...6
1.2 Problems Statements…………...………………...……8
1.3 Objectives…………...……………………….………..8
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW……………………………………9
2.1 Paleozoic Geology of Peninsular Malaysia…………..11
2.2 Stratigraphy of 3 Main Belts in Peninsular Malaysia…10
2.3 Lithology…………………….……………….............14
2.3.1 Granite………………………………………..14
2.3.2 Limestone…………………………………….14
2.3.3 Interbedded Sandstone and Mudstone………..15
2.3.4 Shale………………………………………….16
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY…………………..….………………….17
3.1 Previous Studies…….……………………………..…17
3.2 Fieldwork………………....………………………….17
3.3 Lithostratigraphy…......................................................17
3.3.1 Description……………………………………17
3.3.2 Petrography Study…………………………….18
3.4 Geochemical Study…………………………………..18
3.5 FYP 1 Gantt Chart…………………………...……….19
3.6 FYP 2 Gantt Chart………………………...………….19
3.7 Project Milestones…………….…………...…………21
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS…………………………..22
4.1 Map of Study Area: Base Map………………………..22
4.2 Map of Study Area: Geological Map………..……….23
4.3 Field Analogue.....……………………………………24
4.3.1 Outcrop of site visit...………………………...24
4.3.2 Dunham Classification………………………27
4.3.3 Fracture Reading from outcrop........................28

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 4.4 XRF reading analysis…………………………………29
4.5 Thin section analysis......................................................34
CHAPTER 5: CONSLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS…………35
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………...…36
APPENDICES............................................................................................................37

XRF reading for sample elements…………………………...37

XRF reading for sample oxides……………………………...43

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Study Area Location………………………………………………………...7

Figure 2. Three fold division of Peninsular Malaysia………………………………..13

Figure 3: Gantt chart showing expected timeline and key milestone for FYP 1……..19

Figure 4: Gantt chart showing expected timeline and key milestone for FYP 2……..20

Figure 5: FYP 1 and FYP 2 Key Milestone………………………………………….21

Figure 6. Perak Base map………………………………………………………………….22

Figure 7: Geological Map…………………………………………………………….23

Figure 8: Main outcrop……………………………………………………………….24

Figure 9: Rock Sample 1 from outcrop…………………………………………….....25

Figure 10: Rock sample 2 from outcrop……………………………………………...26

Figure 11: Dunham Classification of carbonate rock, Dunham, 1962……………….27

Figure 12: Fracture set in the outcrop………………………………………………..28

Figure 13: Mutual relationship between CaO vs MgO………………………………31

Figure 14: Mutual relationship between CaO vs SiO2…………………………………………..31

Figure 15: Mutual relationship between CaO vs Al2O3……………………………..32

Figure 16: Thin Section of KLT 1, KLT 2, and KLT3…............................................34

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Elemental Composition in Sample 1, 2, 3, 4, 5……………………………..29

Table 2: Main oxide content found in sample 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…………………………...30

Table 3: Chemical classification of Carbonates, Todd,1966…………………………33

Table 4: Chemical Classification of Kek Lok Tong, Kinta Valley…………………..33

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

The proposed study areas are located in Kinta Valley, Perak (Figure 1), known as
Gunung Rapat. It is located in the west of the main range and is part of Western Belt in the
centre of Perak. Carbonates found in Kinta Valley takes the form of typical tropical karst and
is emphasized by Kinta Limestone that has a record from Devonian to Permian
(Suntharalingam, 1986). The Kinta Valley comprises of four main type of lithology, all
fabricating a very distinctive landscape (Fatihah, 2003). They are: The Kinta Limestone that
undergoes tropical karstification to develop a vertiginous tower and cockpit tower extending
across the plain, Granite bodies of the Main Range and Kledang Range that bound the plain in
the east and west correspondingly developing rugged ranges of up to 100m above mean sea
level (MSL), Schist which makes up to the rolling landscape of the Kinta Valley, and
Quaternary alluvial deposits that had been deposited throughout the valley and developed a
vast plain.

The metamorphic-and diagenetic-alterations have an-impact on-the stratigraphic

complexity, the-huge potential-on the industrial-usage of limestone. The limestone-is believed
to be recrystallized due-to metamorphism of-granitic intrusions and-other diagenesis phases
to-change into marble-and dolomite. Due to-these alterations, attempts-have been made to-
study and characterize-further the-Kinta Limestone-Formation. But, there are only very few
oxide analyses has been conducted to maximize industrial usage of Kinta Limestone.

Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) surface created from DEM of Gunung Rapat
derived from aerial stereo pairs acquired in the year 2004. Gunung Rapat indicates cockpit type
topography, accompanied by numerous peak and several collapsed, sharp-inclined walls, dry
and water packed wangs. The highest peak is 318m AMSL and has non-uniform shape with
number of appendages sticking out of the hill in the form of an amoeba. The Limestone hills
with historic and unique attribute in Kinta Valley include Gunung Rapat, which they are

6
significant for flora and fauna with many endemic plants. Nevertheless, the scarcity of
conservation efforts had prompted the hills to be ruined by uncontrollable or atrociously
managed excavations by commercial developers or being degraded by uncontrollable activities
by tourists (Leng, 2004).

Figure 1. Study Area Location, Alkouri et al.,2012

7
1.2 Problem Statements

The Kinta Valley Limestone has been studied since the 1960s, however its
stratigraphic, lithic and chronological details are understood. This results in poor
understanding of regional correlation and petroleum exploration. With such awareness,
it is really important to investigate the geochemistry properties that may offer a
noninvasive and environment friendly methods of characterizing the Paleozoic
carbonate in Gunung Rapat, Kinta Limestone (Gebretsadik et al. 2015). Thus, it makes
the understanding of economic potential to be not clear.

1.3 Objectives

The main objective of this Final Year Project (FYP) research is:

1. To investigate the application of inorganic geochemical analyses to characterize Kek

Lok Tong limestone at Gunung Rapat, Kinta Valley.

2. To use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques by obtaining elemental and mineralogical

constitutes to determine limestone purity.

8
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Paleozoic Geology of Peninsular Malaysia

Paleozoic rocks make up to 25 percent by the area of Peninsular Malaysia. In terms

of structure and layouts, these rocks suggest that thexsedimentary basins in general
trendxbetween northwesterly toxnortherly.xLower Paleozoic outcrops are confined to
the western part ofxthexpeninsula while more widespread Upper Palaeozoic reeks
occur alsoxinxthexcentralxandxeasternxparts. Late Cambrian dated to be the oldest
sediment and late Permian as the youngest.

Sedimentary formationsxinxdifferent areasxwerexcorrelated purely on their

dominant lithology. Such correlationsxwasxoftenxdubious as was the case with rocks
of the arenaceous, calcareousxandxvolcanic series due to insufficiency of contiguity of
outcrops and poor knowledge of their paleontology. (Richardson 1939, 1950. Fitch
1952, Alexander 1968). Jones (1968) and Burton (1967, 1970) came up with the basis
and theory of MalayanXgeosyncline. Then a proposal was made suggesting
developmentxofxthexgeosynclinexcommencedxduringxLatexCambrianxinxthexnorth
westernxpartxofxPeninsularxMalaysiaxandxextendedxsouthwards along the
westernxpartxofxthexpeninsulaxtoxincludexthexMalaccaxareaxbyxOrdovicianxand
Silurian times (Khoo ,1983). DuringxLowerxPaleozoic,xsedimentation has been
continuous in almost all area. Geanticlinal ridge formed along the site of present main
Range which then segregated in to a miogeosyncline to thexwestxandxaxeugeosyncline
to thexeast. Accumulation of large volcanoclastic rocks in the eugeosynclinal area is
the vital differencexinxthexsedimentationxofxthextwoxbasinsxduringxthexUpper
Palaeozoic. Khoo (1983) stated that migration of the
geosynclinexwasxbelievedxtoxbexeastwardsxculminatingxinxthexmajorxTriassicxoro
genyxwhich was accompanied byxwidespread emplacement ofxgranitoids.

9
 MalayxPeninsula to bexmadexupxofx3 basins, western, central and eastern, on
thexbasisxofxtheirxdistinctivextectonicxandxsedimentaryxhistories. Most of Lower
Palaeozoic sedimentsxasxwellxasxsomexUpperxPalaeozoic formations are included in
the basin. Central Basin occupies most ofxKelantan, west Pahang, east Negeri Sembilan
and west Johor and includesxmostxofxthexPermianxandxMesozoic
sedimentsxofxthexpeninsula. The Central Basin is divided further fromxEasternxBasin
byxan arbitrary boundaryxdrawn along thextrendxofxgranitoidsxfromxKelantanxto
southxJohor. Furthermore, Carbo-Permian age is highly associated with the sediments
in the Eastern belt in most of the sediment. Sediment in southern part of the basin are
dates back to Lower Triassic and Upper Mesozoic.

2.2 Stratigraphy of three Main Belts in Peninsular Malaysia

The entire tractxofxthexWesternxBeltxfromxthexKintaxValleyxsouthwardsxto

Malaccaxis underlain overwhelmingly byxPalaeozoicxrocks (Figure 2). InxthexKinta
Valley, generally thickxlimestones prevail andxthey extend from Silurian to Permian.
ThexstratigraphicxrecordxfromxKamparxdoesxnotxdemonstratexanyxbreakxin
deposition from DevonianxtoxPermian (Suntharalingam, 1968). InxthexKuala Lumpur
zonexgenerallyxthickxlimestonexofxSilurian age happens also, itxisxoverlain by
axmudstone-sandstonexsequencexofxunprovenxage yet prominently accepted to be
UpperxPalaeozoic. The arrangement of KennyxHillxArrangementxisxbroad in
Selangor andxmayxevenxbexavailablexin Malacca. Elsewhere in thisxtract, schists,
phyllites, quartzites, somexvolcanics and uncommonxlimestones occurs. Onexofxthe
limestonexfocal points inxschists in thexTanjung Malim range hasxyieldedxOrdovician
fossils (Kobayashixand others, 1979).

The range of thexWesternxBeltxinxnorthwestxMalaya involvingxKedah, Perlis

and north Perak in general hasxaxfairly extraordinary stratigraphicxhistory contrasting
with the region specified previously. In thexLangkawi-Perlis region, thexLower
Palaeozoicxisxrepresented byxUpperxCambrian arenaceousxMachinchang Formation

10
succeededxsimilarly in thexOrdovician-SilurianxbyxthexSetul Formationxwhich is to
a great extent consist of limestonexwithxdetrital groups. In PulauxLanggunxthe highest
point of the

Setul Arrangement is axdetritalxbandxofxLowerxDevonianxagexwhichxis

made upxofxlayers of ineffectively fossiliferous detritalxrocks. Fossiliferousxred
mudstonexofxUpperxDevonian - LowerxCarboniferousxagexoverlies unfossiliferous
groups. Itxis unverifiable whetherxan unconformityxexists promptly underneath
thexredxmudstone. This redxmudstone hasxbeenxtakenxtoxbexthexbasexofxthe
succeeding SingaxFormation which is comprised of mudstone, sandstone (some
calcareous) and incidental rather thinxskylines of pebblyxmudstones. Thexpebblesxand
uncommon rocks have been translated as a glacialxdropstonesxbyxsomexand asxslump
depositsxbyxthe rest (Khoo et al., 1983). The Carboniferous Singa Formation is
succeeded by thexfossiliferous Permianxlimestonexformationxcalled Cuping. InxPerlis
andxKedah, clasticxrock occurs above Setul Formationxandxthesexrocksxcalledxthe
KubangxPasuxFormationxhavexbeenxfoundxtoxrangexfromxUpperxDevonianxtoxLo
werxPermian. The Kubang Pasu Formation is overlainxconformablyxbyxthexChuping
limestone.

But in thexmainland of Kedah, thexstratigraphyxis vary The Jerai Formation

has oldestxstrata and it is comparable to MachinchangxFormation. Itxisxmade up of
lowerxschistxandxupper arenaceousxseries which is then succeeded byxargillaceous
rock and classifiedxasxSungai PatanixFormationxbyxBradford (1972). Thin
fossiliferousxlimestone ofxpossiblexOrdovician-Silurian agexoccurs in Pulau Bidan,
Gunung Jerai. The SetulxFormation clearlyxdisappearedxtowards thexsouthxandxeast.
The Sungai Patani Formationxwas laterxclassifiedxas Mahang Formationxwhich is
exposedxfurtherxsoutheast. The black mudstone of Silurian to Lower Devonian age are
primarily made up of Mahang Formation.

In northern Perak and east Kedah, LowerxPalaeozoic rocksxofxlimestones and

metasedimentsxoccur. According to Khoo (1983), over muchxofxnorthxKedah, south

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Kedahxand the Semanggolxarea ofxnorthxPerak, marinexTriassicxarenaceousxand
argillaceousxrocksxwithxchert bandsxoccur. These rocks have turbidite characteristics.
In the MudaxDam area ofxeasternxKedah, thisxsequencexcalled thexSemanggol
Formationxunderlies axsequence ofxprobablexpost-Triassic redbedsxunconformably.
Faultsxarexinterpreted inxcontacts betweenxthexSemanggolxandxolderxformations.
Moreover, north Kedahxcomprises of Triassic limestones. The Tertiaryxrocksxin the
whole ofxthe WesternxBelt arexrepresented byxsmallxbasinal rocksxof shalexand
other clasticsxwith coalxbands (Khoo et al., 1983).

Central Belt is different from WesternxBelt whichxis largelyxunderlainxby

Palaeozoicxrocks. But, thexCentral Belt isxdominated by rocksxof thexMesozoicxand
Permian. The oldestxrocks inxthe CentralxBelt are thosexbordering thexeasternxflank
of thexMainxRange Granite. Various names are assigned for the rocks such as Foothills
Formation, Bentong Group, etc. Schists, amphibolites, small bodies of serpentinite and
conglomerates and other elastics are associatedxwith the schist. Rocks atxthe topxof
thisxgroup ofxrocks havexyielded Devonianxand Silurianxgraptolites. Other than that
some Carboniferousxrocks arexexposed inxKuala Lipisxand thexTaku Schistsxmay
includexmetamorphose Carboniferousxorxolder rocks. The MarinexPermianxand
Triassic rockxcover thexgreater partxof thexBelt. They arexrepresentedxby shale,
mudstonexfinexsandstone, limestone andxvolcanics. The rocks are not conformable as
the evidence claiming it is absent. In the latexTriassic, the marine rocksxgave wayxto
depositionxof continentalxdeposits of the Tekai Groupxranging fromxJurassic -
Cretaceous (Khoo et al., 1983).

12
Figure 2. Three fold division of Peninsular Malaysia into Western,

Central and Eastern Belts, Tate et al., 2009.

13
2.3 Lithology of Kinta Valley

There are number of major litholigies found in Kinta Valleyxsuch asxgranite,

interbeddedxsandstone andxmudstone, shalexand limestone.

2.3.1 Granite

The Kinta Valley are made up of massive and homogenous igneous

granitic rocks which form high elevations exceeding 700m. At Main Range, the flank
valley is 400km long, stretching from Malaysia-Thai border in the north to Melaka.
But, Kledang Range is only stretching up to 40km long. These two batholiths form high
mountains in part because the granitic rocks are composed mainly of weathering-
resistant minerals notably like quartz. High relief with steep hill sides is the general
appearance of these granitic mountain, many of which correspond to highly elevated
faults. A highly conspicuous joint pattern is discernible in the rocks. The fractured rocks
are highly competent and had undergone brittle deformation.

In the Main Range region, the granite average age is 230-207Ma

according to Bignell & Snelling (1977) and Darbyshire (1988). The U-Pb age in zircons
which extracted from granite of the Cameron Highland, has suggested Main Range
granite intruded in the same period, which is 220-210Ma.The radiometric datings of the
Kledang Range granite, appear to be in the same age, i.e 213-198 million years ago/Ma
(biotite) and 206-193Ma (muscovite). Tectonic activity results in uplifting of granitic
batholiths to form mountain range.

2.3.2 Limestone

Many small karstic hills with vertiginous flanks stand out from the
flat alluvial plain just along the eastern flank of the Kinta Valley and adjacent to the
foot of Main Range granite. The features are clearly identical in DEM and the hills have
heights covering from few tens of meters to a few hundred meters, and their areal extent

14
may reach up to 20 square kilometres. Fractures are well developed in these hills,
although less pronounced when compared with those in the granitic ranges. Chee Meng
et al. (2014) believed that the drainage on the limestone hills are simple, and are usually
developed along the steep flanks of the hills, with some cutting deep into the hill sides
albeit some may disappear after a short distance. Drainage channels that disappears
suggesting the capture of the surface drainage by a subsurface groundwater system and
a subsurface river flows through the base of the limestone hill. Final product such as
karsts such as caves, caverns, dolines, sinkholes, etc. will be produced as a result from
dissolution of limestone.

A tectonic event occurred after the deposition of the limestone in the

Kinta Valley during the Triassic that led to the deformation (folding) of all existing
lithologies. Other than that, 80% of the valley floor covered by bedrock that has been
formed by limestone (Chee Meng et al., 2014).

2.3.3 Interbedded sandstone and mudstone

Sandstone and mudstone that classified as clastic sedimentary rocks,

are found in southwest of Kinta Valley, especially in Seri Iskandar area. But, sandstone
that is highly resistant to weathering are given exception and the interbedded mudstones
are susceptible to weathering. The interbedded sandstone and mudstone strike in a
nearly north-south direction and have very steep dip angles. Brittle deformation of the
rocks in response to tectonic activity results in the formation of numerous sets of
fractures in the rocks (Chee Meng et al., 2014). Trending ridges in North-South (N-S)
are observed in Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Ridges spotted in DEM are known as
remnants of sandstone beds that is resistant to weathering and they also have narrow-
steep flanks which are good indicative of high angle dips.

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 2.3.4 Shales

Shales are commonly form homogenous and low hills with a relief
which is just slightly higher than the flat alluvial plain forming the floor of the Kinta
Valley. According to Chee Meng et al. (2014) stated that Weak jointings. In these rocks
indicate that the lithology is soft and had undergone brittle deformation. The shales
found shows a dendritic drainage pattern, which is almost same to the drainage network
observed in the granite. The low permeability in nature of the shales do not permit the
surface runoff to infiltrate easily and hence, the surface runoff generally carved out well
developed drainage channels forming a dendritic pattern.

The mineralogical and textural composition of shales has the presence

of carbonaceous fine grained clay minerals, the rock experiences a high rate of erosion.
Hence, it causes the formation of gentle rolling hills with a low relief. DEM obtained
shows the texture of the region is made up of thin beds with different hardness and high
rate of erosion contributes to the formation of short ridges and troughs which, most
likely, follow the intrinsic beddings or foliation of the rocks (Chee Meng et al., 2014).

16
 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 Previous Studies

Data collection is done through extensive research from past studies done by
other geologists. Most of the research papers are found on the Internet and are mainly
online journal articles. Very few studies have been carried out by other researchers on
this topic and the information attained from the papers are used as a reference to further
verify the geology of the area and the background of study.

3.2 Fieldwork

A site visit is planned to the area of study, which is at Kek Lok Tong in Gunung
Rapat, Ipoh. The site visit is done for the purpose of observing outcrops to study the
geology of the area, collecting samples to perform thin section and XRF analysis and
also data collection on strike and dip measurements to study the fracture system.
Pictures of outcrops are also to be taken as a guide for mapping and as data in written
reports.

3.3 Lithostratigraphy

3.3.1 Description

A total of 20 rock samples was taken from the main outcrop but in a
different location within 25cm vertically to each sample. Additional samples was
collected from outcrop for geochemical analyses. The 5 rock sample used to describe
the lithological heterogeneities and recognition of stratigraphic contacts on the field and
recorded for assistance in further analyses. 10 set of strike/dip reading was also
recorded and the visible fractures was take noted.

17
 3.3.2 Petrography Study

Other than that, the rock sample will then be examined and described
under transmitted light using a petrographic microscope to identify mineral
composition. Hence providing better understanding on the sample examined. The
procedure of preparing thin section is as:

1. Prepare the glass slide by frosting the slide to ensure the slide is flat in
order for the rock section to have a constant thickness.
2. Mark the portion of the rock sample that will be cut for the thin section.
3. Cut the slab from the rock sample along the marked portion.
4. Reduce the size of the slab using a special rock-cutting blade. The slab is
then glued onto the glass slide by applying resin onto the base of the
sample. It is then left under UV-ray for a day to ensure it is perfectly dry.
5. Grind the slide until the correct thickness is achieved. The slide must be
grinded carefully as to not eliminate the whole sample. If the thickness is
too thin, the steps must be repeated using a different sample.

3.4 Geochemical Study

The 5 rock sample will be analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques to
extract elemental and mineralogical constitutes. Analytical methods such as XRF are
particularly important to analyze and obtain information regarding carbonate rocks.
XDF analyses will be done using a designated powder and software. Then, XRF is
also used to examine major chemical elements and trace elements present in the rock
Finally, the data obtained from field observations, petrographic descriptions, and
geochemical analyses will be gathered for interpretation. Other than that, XRF
analysis can only be done to samples that comply to these conditions:

1. XRF can only examine a large sized sample of more than 1g.
2. Samples that can be broken down to powder form and homogenized.

18
 3. Samples with similar composition in nature.
4. Samples that contain high abundances of elements in which the absorption
and fluorescence effects are easily recognized.

3.5 FYP 1 Gantt Chart

Figure 3: Gantt chart showing expected timeline and key milestone for FYP 1.

19
3.6 FYP 2 Gantt Chart

Figure 4: Gantt chart showing expected timeline and key milestone for FYP 2.

20
 3.7 Project Milestones

Several milestones were achieved for FYP 1 and FYP 2.

October December

 Extended Proposal  Interim

Report
 Proposal Defence)

September November

 FYP Title FYP Title

Confirmation Confirmation &
& Overview Overview

Figure 5: FYP 1 and FYP 2 Key Milestone

October December

 Data Interpretation  VIVA

 Progress Report  Submission of
Dissertation

September November

 Preliminary  Data and Sample

Study on Collection
Research During
Paper Fieldwork

21
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Map of Study Area: Base Map

Figure 6. Perak Base map

22
4.2 Map of Study Area: Geological Map

Kek Lok Tong

Figure 7: Geological Map created with ArcGIS

23
4.3 Field Analogue

4.3.1 Outcrop of Site Visit

Figure 8: Main outcrop

24
 Figure 9: Rock Sample 1 from outcrop

The outcrop is situated at Kek Lok Tong with coordinates N 4°33'30.4" E 101°07'46.5". The
outcrop is approximately 5m in height and 6m in length. The outcrop has fractures that visible
and has undergone weathering. The lithology of the outcrop is interbedded limestone. The
limestone has weathered in to marble and consist of fine-grained calcite and quartz mineral.
Thickness of the iron ranges from 0.2cm to 50cm. A Hydrochloric acid was used to test the
reaction of it with the rock. Then, a few bubbles was produced which indicates the presence
of calcite with pH less than 7.

25
 Figure 10: Rock sample 2 from outcrop

Other than that, the outcrop also features a non-systematic joints. In many rocks, there
are presence of iron fillings and visible to naked eye. The iron that fill the rock has a
thickness ranging from 0.1cm to 5cm.

26
 4.3.2 Dunham Classification

Figure 11: Dunham Classification of carbonate rock, Dunham, 1962.

A total of 10 rock sample was used to examine and classify the carbonate
rock. Each were observed carefully to know the deposition texture. The Dunham
classification was used as it is better suited for rock descriptions that employ a hand
lens or binocular microscope. Thus, it was discovered that the carbonates in Kek Lok
Tong are crystalline carbonate where the depositional textures not recognized.

27
 4.3.3 Fracture reading from outcrop

From the outcrop, ten of major fracture readings were recorded.

Figure 12: Fracture set in the outcrop

Strike/Dip:

1) 268/83
2) 273/62
3) 292/50
4) 156/60
5) 274/61
6) 280/59
7) 276/76
8) 313/64
9) 006/60
10) 149/78

28
 4.4 XRF Readings Analysis

XRF is a preferred non-destructive technique for qualitative and quantitative

analysis. Technique is to radiate a sample with X-rays of sufficient energy to ionise the
atoms, knocking an electron from the inner shell. An electron from a higher energy
shell can drop down to fill this vacant spot, emitting an X-ray photon whose energy is
characteristic of the transition and of the element involved such as Kα radiation for L-
shell to K-shell transitions and Ks radiation for M-shell to K-shell transitions.

XRF Analysis

Element/ Sample 1 2 3 4 5
Ca 93.5% 97.8% 88.9% 96.9% 92.4%
Si 1.46% 0.264% 2.99% 0.596% 1.68%
Fe 1.37% 0.318% 2.46% 0.656% 2.02%
Mg 1.06% 0.811% 0.999% 0.522% 1.34%
K 0.96% 0.169% 1.72% 0.39% 0.482%
Al 0.958% 0.157% 1.98% 0.357% 1.12%
P 0.277% 0.304% 0.366% 0.254% 0.387%
Ti 0.146% 0.403% 0.0626% 0.187%
Mn 0.0716% 0.0547% 0.0527% 0.069% 0.163%
Cl 0.0611% 0.0717% 0.0623% 0.0707%
S 0.0434% 0.103% 0.0322% 0.0357% 0.0411%
Sr 0.0404% 0.0333% 0.0292% 0.0433% 0.0373%
Cu 0.017% 0.013% 0.0196% 0.0177% 0.016%
Ni 0.0109%
Zn 0.009% 0.0189%
Rb 0.007% 0.0113%
Table 1: Elemental Composition in Sample 1, 2,3,4,5.

29
 I have provided a total of 5 powdered rock sample for XRF analysis to
Centralised Analytical Laboratory (CAL). Before that, the rock sample was grinded in
to powder at block 16 with the help from lab assistant. Then, the result obtained after
XRF analysis, indicates variations in the reading of elements in all sample. All the
reading obtained represented in Table 1 to identify the dominant minerals.

XRF Analysis

Oxide/ Sample 1 2 3 4 5
CaO 91.5% 96.8% 85.9% 95.9% 90.0%
MgO 1.49% 1.03% 1.27% 0.798% 1.84%
Fe2O3 1.26% 0.317% 2.23% 0.607% 1.81%
SiO2 2.57% 0.513% 4.94% 0.984% 2.95%
Al2O3 1.41% 0.248% 3.05% 0.542% 1.79%

Table 2: Main oxide content found in sample 1, 2,3,4,5.

The main mineral oxide to be taken in account are Calcium Oxide (CaO),
Magnesium Oxide (MgO), Iron (III) Oxide (Fe2O3), Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), and
Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3).All the sample shows CaO content of more than 90% except
sample 3. This is because that particular sample has undergone extensive weathering
compared to others. These oxide elements are important to determine the rock type and
plotted in Figure 18, Figure 19 and Figure 20. Based on the result, we can plot few
graphs to know the relationship between CaO/MgO, CaO/SiO2 and CaO vs Al2O3 by
utilizing Todd (1996) Table 3 as a criterion for chemical classification of rock.

30
 CaO vs MgO
2

1.8
1.6

1.4
1.2
1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2
0
84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98

Figure 13: Mutual relationship between CaO vs MgO

CaO vs SiO2
6

0
84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98

Figure 14: Mutual relationship between CaO vs SiO2

31
 CaO vs Al2O3
98

96

94

92

90

88

86

84
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5

Figure 15: Mutual relationship between CaO vs Al2O3

The Bivariate plots of SiO2 and MgO shows negative relationship that
indicates MgO percentage increases with the reduction of CaO. The Al2O3 vs CaO plot
indicates indirect relationship. The Ca vs Mg and its corresponding Mg vs CaO ratio in
Kek Lok Tong were utilized by Todd’s (1966) Table 3 as a guideline for chemical
classification. In Table 4, Ca/Mg ratio ranges from 120.18% to 48.86% and Mg/Ca ratio
ranges from 0.02% to 0.008%. Generally, Ca/Mg ratio represents stability condition
when carbonate rocks are formed and decrease in Ca/Mg ratio could indicate increase
in salinity (Marshner, 1968). A very high Ca/Mg ratio shows inarguably less
evaporation of sea water during deposition of limestone.

The Ca/Mg ratio of the rock are not balanced with Mg/Ca ratio of carbonate
sediment increases on moving further from shoreline that’s related Mg rich minerals.
Data from the XRF Analysis indicates Kek Lok Tong, Kinta Valley limestone falls in
Pure Limestone and deposition takes place in shallow marine. It also shows high values
in Ca/Mg suggests less evaporation sea water and medium salinity that influenced
during the formation of limestone.

32
 Table 3: Chemical classification of Carbonates, Todd,1966

Sample CaO MgO Ca/Mg Mg/Ca Name

1 91.5 1.49 61.4094 0.016284 Pure

limestone

2 96.8 1.03 93.98058 0.01064 Pure

limestone

3 85.9 1.27 67.6378 0.014785 Pure

limestone

4 95.9 0.798 120.1754 0.008321 Pure

limestone

5 89.9 1.84 48.8587 0.020467 Pure

limestone

Table 4: Chemical Classification of Kek Lok Tong, Kinta Valley.

33
 4.5 Thin Section Analysis

KLT 1 KLT 2 KLT 3

Figure 16: Thin Section of KLT 1, KLT 2, and KLT 3

Thin section analysis shows all the sample has no real rhombohedral shape.
KLT 2 shows the highest content of Calcite compared to KLT 1 and KLT 3. All rock
sample shows almost no Magnesium content. It is notable that Calcium content
increases with decrease of Magnesium. Calcite and dolomite are easily been recognized
as they possessed euhedral to subhedral shaped with cleavage and noticeable twinning.
A very clear cleavage (red arrow) can be seen in samples KLT1. The difference of
mineral contents, grains size, and the compositions can help in justifying the particular
characteristics of each of the carbonate rocks like colour, strength, and moisture
content. The comprehensive of petrographic and geochemical of carbonate rocks in
Kinta Valley can lead in understanding the secondary process including karstification,
dolomization and dissolution processes.

34
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The understanding of the geology and geochemistry is important in order

to characterize Paleozoic carbonates in Gunung Rapat, Kinta Valley. Based on the
results of this research, the Kek Lok Tong limestone can be classified as pure limestone
that dominated by calcite mineral. The carbonates believed to have chemical
composition of almost homogenous and the samples shows cement grade composition.
The Kek Lok Tong carbonate have high economic potential and can be used as raw
material for cement material, flux material, powder source of carbonate with high
calcium, dimension stone and aggregate material.

35
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37
 APPENDICES

XRF reading for sample elements

38
39
40
41
42
XRF reading for sample oxides

43
44
45
46
47