Extensive authigenic quartz overgrowths in the gas-bearing Haynesville-Bossier Shale, USA

Petrographic evidence indicates three processes in the development of quartz overgrowths. Mica and pyrite are (i) engulfed and (ii) displaced by quartz overgrowth cement. The absence of a supportive, primary granular framework surrounding engulfed detrital and early authigenic minerals would indicate that quartz overgrowths are also (iii) replacive. Pressure dissolution of detrital quartz silt grains and smectite-to-illite transformation are likely sources of silica for quartz cement. This study is the first to document large-scale, replacive, authigenic quartz overgrowth development within a producing mudstone.