SRO_GSI_11031

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

(Progress Report For The Field Season 1986-87)

PART I

LARGE SCALE MAPPING IN PARTS OF

POLLACHI TALUK TO THE EAST OF PALGHT GAP,
COIMBATORE DISTRICT

PART II

INVESTIGATION OF GYPSUM OCCURRENCE

IN PARTS OF POLLACHI TALUK, COIMBATORE DISTRICT,
TAMIL NADU

By

H.J. MAHARAJA SINGH

Geologist (Sr.)

OPERATIONS:

TAMIL NADU, KERALA & PONDICHERRY

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 SRO_GSI_11031

LARGE SCALE MAPPING OF THE AREA TO THE EAST

OF PALGHAT GAP IN PARTS OF POLLACHI TALUK,
COIMBATORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU (58 B/14)

By

H.J. Maharaja Singh,

Geologist (Sr.),
Geological Survey of India.

CONTENTS Page No.

ABSTRACT (PART I & II) ........................................................................................... 4

INTRODUCTION (PARTS I & II) ............................................................................... 6
PART I ........................................................................................................................... 7
I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 7
Communication .................................................................................................. 7
Physiography and Drainage ............................................................................... 7
Climate ............................................................................................................... 8
Flora & Fauna .................................................................................................... 8
Acknowledgement ............................................................................................. 8
Pre-field studies ................................................................................................. 8
II. PREVIOUS LITERATURE ...................................................................................... 9
III. GEOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 9
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 9
DESCRIPTION OF ROCK TYPES ................................................................ 10
Charnockite ................................................................................................. 10
Grey hornblende biotite gneiss/Migmatite gneiss ....................................... 11
Pink Granitoid with associated Migmatites ................................................ 12
Pegmatite/quartz veins ................................................................................ 13
Kankar ......................................................................................................... 13
Alluvium ..................................................................................................... 13
Black cotton soil.......................................................................................... 14
IV. STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................ 14
Foliation ........................................................................................................... 14
Folds ................................................................................................................. 14

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Faults ................................................................................................................ 15
Shears ............................................................................................................... 16
Joints ................................................................................................................ 16
V. RESULTS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS............................................................... 17
VI. ECONOMIC MINERALS..................................................................................... 17
VII. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ................................................................... 18
APPENDIX-I: Details of results of chemical analysis of bed rock samples collected
from Pollachi Taluk (Parts of Toposheet 58 B/14) ...................................................... 19
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 23
LOCALITY INDEX .................................................................................................... 24
LIST OF PLATES: ...................................................................................................... 25
Plate 1. Geology of the area around Ambarampalayam, Pollachi taluk, Coimbatore
district, Tamil Nadu ..................................................................................................... 25
Plate 2.Structural map of the area around Ambarampalayam, Pollachi taluk,
Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. ................................................................................ 26

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 SRO_GSI_11031

LARGE SCALE MAPPING OF THE AREA TO THE EAST OF PALGHAT GAP

IN PARTS OF POLLACHI TALUK, COIMBATORE DISTRICT (PART I)

AND GYPSUM INVESTIGATION IN PARTS OF POLLACHI TALUK,
COIMBATORE DISTRICT (PART II), TAMIL NADU

(Progress Report for the field season 1986-87)

By
H.J. Maharaja Singh,
Geologist (Sr.),
Geological Survey of India.

ABSTRACT (PART I & II)

Second generation mapping in parts of Pollachi taluk of Coimbatore district,

Tamil Nadu was taken up during the field season 1986-87, An area of 170 sq. km.
falling in parts of toposheet 58 B/14 was mapped (on 1:25,000) and 40 rock chip
samples were collected. Also mapping of an area of 60 sq. km. on 1:25,000 and
collection of 46 pit samples for analysis of gypsum were carried out in parts of 58 F/2.

The area falling in parts of toposheet 58 B/14 forms a flat country and the rock
types exposed in the order of abundance include grey hornblende-biotite
gneiss/migmatite gneiss and charnokite (migmatised to varying degrees) of Archaean
age, and pink granitoid with associated migmatite and pegmatites/quartz veins of (?)
Proterozoic age. The rock types show a general N.600-800E - S.600-800W trend with
steep dips on either side. Three generations of folds have been discerned. The F1 folds
responsible for the regional gneissocity could not be seen. The F2 folds are developed
on a regional scale with their axial traces trending in a ENE-WSW direction having a
WSW plunge. The F3 folds are developed as gentle warps along NW-SE on the limbs
of F2 Folds. There is no major fault in the area. The analytical results of the three bed
rock samples collected from the pink migmatite show values up to 20 ppm and six
samples show values up to 10 ppm for tin.

In parts of toposheet 58 F/2 an area of 60 sq. km was mapped and 28 pits put
at 1.5 km, grid pattern with the excavation of 55 cu.m. Of material for gypsum
investigation. The pits were located in the black cotton soil area as well as in the
adjacent loamy soil area. The pits were extended till they touched the bed rock. The
depth of the pits varied from 0.95 m. to 4.10 m. From among the 17 pits put in the
black cotton soil, only eight pits yielded gypsum. Based on the results of pitting, a
preliminary resource appraisal for gypsum has been made. Three blocks of gypsum
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bearing areas namely the jottampatti block, Block northwest of Nagur and Block
southeast of Nagur have been identified, and a total resource potential of 2, 19,560
tonnes of nodular/lumpy gypsum has been estimated.

The report is given in two parts-the first one dealing with the mapping work in
parts of 58 B/14 and the second one summarizing the results of the pitting work for
resource appraisal for gypsum in parts of toposheet 58 F/2.

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INTRODUCTION (PARTS I & II)

General

In accordance with the field season programme of Geological Survey of India

for the year 1986-87 vide item No. SGM/58 BF/SR/TN/86/92 of Operation: Tamil
Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry, second generation mapping of an area of 230 sq. Km.
was carried out on 1:25,000 and in addition 28 test pits were put for gypsum, in the
black cotton soil area and the adjoining areas covered by loamy soil, with a total
excavation of 55 cu.m. of material. The work was taken up to study the structural and
lithostratigraphic set up of the area to the east of Palghat gap and make a preliminary
assessment of the potentiality of gypsum resource. The work was carried out in parts
of Pollachi taluk, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu during the period from 12.1.87 to
16.7.87, under the guidance and supervision of Shri A.V, Krishnamurthy, Director,
Regional Geology Division III (Op. T.K. & P), Madras. The area covered falls
0 0 0
between the Co-ordinates:10 35'00" N. & 10 40'00" N latitudes and 76 50'00" E. &
0 0
77 00'00" E. longitudes in Survey of India toposheet No.58 B/14 and 10 39'30" N. &
0 0 0
10 45'00" N. latitudes and longitudes 77 06'00" & 77 09'30" E. in the Survey of
India toposheet 58 F/2.

The work was initially taken up in the western part in parts of Toposheet 58
B/14, where no gypsum incidence could be established. Therefore, the adjacent black
cotton soil covered tract in parts of 58 F/2 was taken up to assess the gypsum
resource. The report is in two parts. The first part covers the details of mapping
carried out just south west of Pollachi around Ambaram- palayam in parts of
toposheet 58 B/14 and the second part embodies the details of gypsum investigation
carried out in the eastern part of Pollachi taluk around Jottamoatti and Nagur in parts
of toposheet 58 F/2.

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PART I

LARGE SCALE MAPPING OF THE AREA TO THE EAST OF PALGHAT GAP

IN PARTS OF POLLACHI TALUK, COIMBATORE DISTRICT TAMIL

NADU (58 B/14)

I. INTRODUCTION

The present work was taken up to study the structural and lithostratigraphic set
up of the eastern part of the Palghat gap in parts of toposheet 58 B/14. The mapping
envisaged is in continuation of the mapping completed in the Palghat gap area in
Kerala. An area of 170 sq. km. was mapped on 1:25,000 scale falling in parts of
toposheet 58 B/14 and a total of 40 bed rock samples were collected.

Communication

The area is well connected by a network of roads. Pollachi, the headquarters of

the taluk lies on the northeastern corner of the area and is well connected by roads and
rail. The Coimbatore-Pollachi-Dindugal metre-gauge line of the Southern Railway
passes through the north eastern part of the area and the Coimbatore-Palghat-Cochin
railway line passes right across the central part of the area extending roughly in an E-
W direction, dividing the area into almost two parts. Anaimalai railway station is
situated in the central part of the area and Pollachi is the nearest and important
junction on the line.

The Coimbatore-Dindugal State Highway passes through the northern part of

the area. Two other State Highways Coimbatore-Valparai via Pollachi in the eastern
part and Coimbatore- Palghat in the northern part passes through the area. There are a
number of fair-weather roads connecting the interior parts of the area.

Physiography and Drainage

The area forms a gently undulating plain country. It lies at the northern foot
hills of the Anaimalai Range of the Western Ghats and forms the eastern part of the
prominent geomorphic feature - "the Palghat Gap". The general elevation varies from
293 m. in the east to 200 m. in the west.

Aliyar, the perennial river of the area originates from the Peak Grass Hills of
the Anaimalai ranges and is known as Torakadau Ar at its source. It enters the plains
near the Vannathorai Bridge at Anaimalai village. It is joined by Upper River from
the west near Anaimalai and Polar river from the east a little down. Aliyar has a
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 SRO_GSI_11031

westerly course in the mapped area and enters the Kerala State as Chittur Puzha
River.

The Parambikulam-Aliyar Project with its main canals and feeder canals
supply water periodically to this area. However, many of the villages face water
scarcity during summer months.

Climate

The area experiences a tropical climatic condition. It is pleasant during

January and February months. Gradually towards April-May the weather becomes
warmer. However, with the onset of southwest monsoon from June to August the
violent winds accompanied by showers reduce the temperature. By October the
northeast monsoon sets in and brings in good rainfall.

The average rainfall is about 100 cm. in a year and the temperature fluctuates
0 0 0 0
between 16 C & 20 C in winter and 38 C to 48 C in summer.

Flora & Fauna

The area is devoid of any forest and wild life except for the occasional jackals
and foxes.

The Parambikulam-Aliyar Project has enhanced active cultivation and in

recent years the farmers have switched over to paddy from the traditional dry crops
like cotton, chilies, turmeric etc. There are a good number of coconut grooves and
sugar cane fields in this area.

Acknowledgement

The work was carried out under the supervision of Shri A. Krishnamurthy,
Director, RGD III Division, Tamil Nadu Project. The author is thankful to him and to
Shri T.M. Ganesan, coordinator for their valuable guidance, field discussions and
useful suggestions in the furtherance of field work and in finalization of the report.

Pre-field studies

Prior to taking up the field work, photo-geological study of the area was taken
up and interpreted. Pre-field photo geological field map was prepared on a photo
mosaic. The structural and lithological details tallied very much with the field
observations.

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The photos studied were on 1:25,000 scale (approx.) and include Task No.790
A, Run 25/32-35, Run 26/34-38, Run 27/28-33 and Run 28/6-11.

II. PREVIOUS LITERATURE

Narasimhan (1961-62) was the first to map parts of toposheets 58 B/13 & 14.
He grouped the lithounits of the area under the Archaeans and described them as
Hornblende granite, biotite gneiss, charnockite, leptynite, granite (pink and pinkish
grey), pegmatites and quartz veins. He also described the various occurrences of
limestone in the area and their analysis.

The adjoining area to the west in Kerala has been mapped in recent years by
Muraleedharan and Raman (1982-86) and the rock types viz., pyroxene, granulite,
calc-granulite and garnetiferous sillimanite-gneiss with graphite have been grouped
under the Basement-charnockite-Khondalite Complex and the gneissic rocks, namely,
the hornblende biotite gneiss, charnockite gneiss, granite gneiss, granite/aplite have
been grouped under Peninsular gneissic complex.

The area to the north falling in parts of toposheet 58 B/13, 14 & 15 and F/1 &
2 has been covered by Mani and Anjan Kumar Basu (1972-73). They have grouped
the rocks under charnockite and khondalite groups of the Archaeans. Their work
brought out that the Palghat Gap formed an area of intense migmatisation resulting in
migmatite gneiss, which due to their relatively easy susceptibility to weathering gave
rise to the geomorphic gap, in contrast to the relatively more resistant charnockite on
either side.

III. GEOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

The area for the most part is marked by paucity of outcrops. Due to
reclamation of the rocky outcrops by leveling and extensive cultivation, there is
extensive soil cover. However, the rock types could be seen in river sections, well
sections, road cuttings, intermittent linear outcrops and a few massive hillocks.

The rock types of the area belong to Archaean represented by grey

hornblende-biotite gneiss, migmatite gneiss and charnockite (migmatised to varying
degrees); pink granitoid with associated migmatite and pegmatite/quartz veins of (?
Proterozoic age.

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The following is the tentative geological succession of the rock types

recognized in the field!

Sub-Recant to Recant Black cotton soil, Alluvium

and kankar

(?)Proterozoic Younger intrusives Pegmatite and quartz veins

Pink granitoid with
associated migmatite

Archaean Charnockite Group Grey hornblende biotite

gneiss/migmatite gneiss
Charnockite (Migmatised)

Geologically, the area may be divided into two blocks, namely, the western
block and the eastern block separated by the Aliyar river. The western block consists
mainly of hornblende-biotite gneiss, with bands of pink migmatite, granitic injections
and isolated outcrops of charnockite. In the eastern block, charnockite forms the
major rock type with a few linear patches of pink migmatite and pink permeations of
granitic composition.

DESCRIPTION OF ROCK TYPES

Charnockite

Charnockite occurs in the western part of the area as small, linear lensoid
bodies within the migmatised gneiss west of Kolathupudur, north of Kolathupudur,
southeast of Kolathupudur, south of Ramanathapuram, west of Anaimalai Forest rest
house, south of Anaimalai Railway Station, south west of Kaliappa Kavundanpudur,
north of Nagur and northeast of Attupollachi. In the eastern part charnockite occurs in
force, occupying a major part of the area and this has been injected by occasional pink
granite and pegmatites.

Charnockite has a typical greasy bluish grey appearance with fine to medium
grained texture. The rock shows effects of migmatisation with development of
gneissosity. The gneissic banding is more prominent on the surface. However, with
the increase in depth as seen in well sections, the banding and the incipient foliation
become indistinct and the rock attain a massive look, Examination of the quarries
around Kelipalaiyam, in the western part of the area seems to indicate that the

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hornblende- biotite gneiss is a derivative of charnockite and it shows a gradational

contact with transitional variation in composition and texture.

In thin section (SC.6826), the charnockite collected from North West of Tattur
shows coarse anhedral to subhedral grains of 40% quartz, 30% plagioclase of
andesine to labrodorite composition, orthoclase 5% and pyroxene 10%. The
accessories include biotite, apatite, zircon and opaques. Pressure shadows are
common. Alteration from hypersthene to biotite is Common, Thin sections (SC
No.6842 and 6845) collected from Kalipalaiyam quarries, show effects of
migmatisation. Thin section No.SC.6845 consists of about 35% quartz, 25%
hypersthene, 20% plagioclase feldspars, 5% orthoclase and the rest formed by biotite,
opaques, zircon and apatite. The other section (SC No.6842) shows quartz 20%,
hypersthene 10%, potash feldspar 30%, plagioclase feldspar 30%,accessories like
biotite (altered from hornblende and hypersthene) 5% and the rest by zircon, apatite
and opaques.

In general, the micro sections in the area reveal effects of migmatisation and
retrogression to migmatite gneiss.

Grey hornblende biotite gneiss/Migmatite gneiss

It is the major rock type of the area and it occurs in great force in the western
part of the area as compared to the eastern part. Presence of this litho unit, though, has
been delineated on the basis of well sections and a few outcrops, the general
topography as a low lying plain marks the continuity of this rock type, A few enclaves
as well as thick bands of charnockite and permeations of pink granitoid bodies are
observed within the grey migmatite gneiss.

In general, the grey migmatite gneiss shows varying proportion of hornblende

and biotite. The rock is well foliated and carries inclusions, lenses and bands of
charnockite and pyroxenites. In well sections, the rock shows transition to charnockite
at depth indicating that the gneiss is the resultant product of charnockite on
migmatisation. Migmatite structures like magmatic, stromatic, surratic and
ophthalmic structures are observed in the gneisses during the course of mapping.

Megascopically, the rock is grayish white in colour, medium to coarse grained

with darker minerals constituting more than 50% of the bulk composition. Relict
pyroxene granulite as ribbon/ thin veins are common in this rock.

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In thin sections (SC Nos.6829,6832,6833,6838,6939,6841,6846, 6848 and

6649), the rock shows granoblastic inequigranuler texture with subhedral to anhedral
grains of quartz up to 15 to 20/, plagioclase feldspar 20%, perthites up to 40%,
hornblende/hypersthene 5-10%, biotite 5% and the accessories which include zircon,
apatite & opaques. In many of the sections, hornblende grains show transition to
biotite which may be due to migmatisation effect.

Pink Granitoid with associated Migmatites

Pink granitoid/granitic gneiss of varying dimensions is intimately associated

with pink migmatite. But, mappable bodies of descrete pink granite are exposed only
in a few localities, namely-(1) around Kelathupudur in the eastern closure of the
regional synformal fold, (2) 1.5 km. to southwest of Kolathupudur (3) 250 m. to NE
of Marappakaundanpudur and (4) one kilometer to WSW of Kaliappa Kaundanpudur,
Pink migmatite forms continuous, linear and prominent outcrops in this area. It occurs
generally parallel to the regional foliation and its map pattern often brings out the fold
geometry. The regional WSW plunging synformal structure of the area is brought out
by closure of pink migmatite east of Anaimalai Railway Station, and also around
Periyapodu. The other synformal fold exposed west of Kaliappakavundonpudur is
represented by the closure of pink migmatite with a few patches of pink granitoid
gneisses. However, in the eastern part of the area, the pink migmatite occur only as
small lenses, pods end patches between Kunjupalaiyam and Vakkampalaiyam.

The prominent temples namely Keliatha Koil located 1 km. north of

Alankadavu and Bathrakali koil located about 1 km. north of Ramanathapuram are
situated on the top of pink migmatite mounds. In addition, the present day quarries for
building stones are being opened up in pink migmatite/granitoid gneiss outcrops in the
following localities, namely, southeast of Tattur, just behind the forest rest house,
southeast of Periyapodu and 1 km. north of Alankadavu. The Anaimalai village is
itself situated on the pink migmatite, while pink granite is exposed in the nearby
Jainkaldrug mound.

In the fold closure south east of Periyapodu, the rock shows wide variation in
composition from a true pink granite to grey migmatite with resistites of charnockite
and it passes again into granite. Similar transitions from pink migmatite to grey
migmatite and vice versa have been observed in the sections between Anaimalai and
Tattur, Periyapodu to Marappakavundanur and Vazhaikombu to Anaimalai Railway
Station. The pink migmatite is differentiated from the grey migmatite/grey hornblende
biotite gneiss when the pink granitic material exceeds 50% of bulk of the rock unit.

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Being resistant to weathering, the pink migmatite/granitoid gneiss forms

relatively uncultivable raised ground.

In hand specimen, the pink migmatite is medium to coarse grained consisting

of quartz, pink feldspar, biotite, hornblende and magnetite, whereas, the granitoid
gneiss is chiefly composed of quartz, feldspar and biotite and it exhibits crude
foliations.

In thin section (SC N0.6825,6828,6236,6637,6340 and 6344) the rocks show

inequigranular texture with subhedral to anhedral grains of perthites about 30%,
Quartz 30%, plagioclase feldspar or albite to oligoclase composition of 15%, potash
feldspar 20%, and the accessories which include apatite, zircon, hypersthene, biotite
and opaque, Sericitisation of potash feldspar is common.

Pegmatite/quartz veins

Numerous thin intrusions of pegmatite and quartz veins are noticed in the area.
They are mostly of unmappable dimensions and traverse the country rock in a
0 0 0 0
N.30 E- S.30 W and N.20 W-S.20 E directions, which coincide with the two major
sets of joints. The pegmatite exposed in the river section about 0.5 km. northwest of
Subbaikavundanpudur, running in a NE- SW direction is the prominent one. It is
about 2 m. in width and extends over a length of about 350 m. Quartz veins occur
mostly as short, thin veins and are of unmappable scale. The one exposed east of
Kelipalaiyam has a measured length of 7 m. and thickness of 1.5 m. and is the
prominent quartz vein of the area.

Kankar

Formation of kankar is ubiquitous in the western part of the area, in the

hornblende biotite gneissic country. Well sections and road cuttings show about 0.5
m, thick kankar below the soil cover in the profile. However, in the black cotton soil
area viz., towards Kerala border in the south western part, kankar has a maximum
thickness of 2.5 m. around Marappakavundanur and west of Kilavanpudur.

Alluvium

The alluvium formation is restricted in the vicinity of the Aliyar and the Palar
river courses. The alluvium is grey coloured. The thickness of alluvium measured east
of Subbaikavundanpudur is around 10 to 12 m. and it supports extensive paddy and
betal leaf cultivation. The river beds carry loose sands of 0.5 to 1 m. thickness and is
being retrieved and transported for use in building construction.

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 SRO_GSI_11031

A large part of the area mapped is covered by thick soil cover. It varies from
0.3 to 1.8 m. The soil in the area consists of different types-depending upon the
country rock over which it occurs. The soil occurring near the charnockite is deep
reddish brown in colour, whereas, those in the gneissic country are greyish brown
coloured with patches of clayey soil. The soil in the pink migmatite/granitoid gneiss
area is sandy to loamy type.

Black cotton soil

Black cotton soil occurs in the nala course south west of Kilavanpudur, north
of Gandhi Ashram and west of Marappakavundanur within the grey migmatised
country. The black cotton soil has a measured thickness of 1.2 m. and is sticky when
wet. It is underlain by a kankar zone and the weathered gneisses. However, no trace of
gypsum could be seen in this area.

IV. STRUCTURE

Foliation

The rock units of the area show a distinct foliation which is the only dominant
penetrative planar fabric noticed in the area. The attitude of this surface has been
0 0
marked as the regional foliation. Its trend is more or less uniformly N.70 E- S.60 W
to E-W with steep dips on either side.

Folds

Based on the swerving of the foliation trends and the disposition of the
mappable bands, three generations of folds have been worked out in the area.

F1 Folds

The folding episode responsible for the development of the regional foliation
in the country rock is taken as the earliest fold or F1fold. Its fold geometry could not
be worked out since no relict folds (with the axial plane schistosity showing
transecting relation with the hinge) of the above type could be deciphered in the area,
due to paucity of good outcrops and suitable quarry sections.

F2 Folds

These are folds of the foliation developed on a regional scale in the area. The
0
major structure of the area is itself a regional synform plunging 25-30 to WSW of F2
type. This fold axis is clearly traced over a distance of 10 km. from near east of
14
 SRO_GSI_11031

Anaimalai Railway Station in the east up to north of Periapodu in the west. The axis
0
probably extends further west up to the mapped limits (Long.76 50'); and similarly
towards east up to ESE of Uttukuli (Plato II). The above regional fold is brought out
by the closure of the two pink migmatite bands exposed around Kolathupudur and
0
Anaimalai. In either of the cases, the pink migmatite shows a N.70 E trend with steep
southerly dips to SE in the north, which gradually swings towards east to N-S, with
0 0
25 -30 dip to west and again swerve to ENE trend with steep northerly dips in the
south, through NNE to NE strikes with northwesterly dips. The fold at the closure part
is brought tight fold showing moderate plunges. But along the limbs, the fold shows
overturned dips to north. Another F2 fold is traced in the pink migmatites exposed
0
west of Kaliappakavundanpudur. The fold axis plunges 15-20 to the west and the
axis is traced over a distance of 3.5 km. from Kaliappakavundanpudur and the same
extends further into Kerala, west of the mapped limits. In between the above two fold
axial traces where a complimentary antiformal axis must pass at around a km. south
of Kaliappakavundanpudur, the foliation trends are not seen to show a closure which
might indicate a faulting along the anticlinal axis.

The foliation trends when extended to form trend surface maps show that the
steep dips of foliation in one place, often laterally passes to vertical dips and then a
steep dips in the opposite direction. This indicates the prevalence of overturning of the
near vertical limbs of the fold.

F3 Folds

These are somewhat less penetrative structures, manifested as gentle warps

along NW-SE direction. These are discerned in the foliation trend surface maps by the
broad swings in the foliation and also from the swings in the axial trace of F2 folds.

Faults

There are no major faults in the area mapped. There are however, minor
0 0
unmappable local displacements of the nature of cross faults along N.10 W-S.10 E
0
direction, west of Marappakavundanur and 1 km. north of Kilavanpudur in a N.40 E-
0
S.40 W direction in the hornblende biotite gneiss.

Minor faults filled with acid intrusions, such as pegmatite and quartz veins are
seen displacing the grey migmatite at the following places;

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(1) In the river bed km ½ Km. north of Subbaikavundanpudur, the pegmatite veins
traversing the grey migmatite gneiss is a NE-SW direction has caused displacement of
a basic granulite patch within the gneiss, and

0 0
(2) About 100 m. south of Nagur, a pegmatite vein trending in a N.20 E-S.20 W
direction within the grey migmatite has dislocated the mafic band seen within the
gneiss.

Shears

Effects of shearing are locally seen in this area. Southeast of Tattur, just
behind the forest rest house, the undigested patch of charnockite seen within the grey
0 0
gneiss shows effects of shearing in a N.30 W-S.30 E direction, peripheral to a small
pegmatite vein. Incipient xylonite banding is developed parallel to the shear over a
distance of 12 m.

To the east of Anaimalai Railway Station, effects of shearing have been

noticed in the grey migmatised gneiss along the railway cutting. The shear planes
0 0
trend in a N.20 E-S.20 W direction and to the west of Anaimalai Railway Station,
0 0
they trend in a N.20 W-S.20 E direction too

About ½ km. east of Puchanari village, shearing and jointing are prominent in
0 0
a N.20 E-S.20 W direction over a distance of 20 m. in the hornblende biotite gneiss.

Joints

Joints are commonly noticed in all the rock types. They are found to be
0 0 0 0
prominently developed in a N.20 E-S.20 W and in N.30 W-S.30 E directions.
0 0 0 0
However, joints on N-S, N.60 E-S.60 W and N.50 U-S.50 E directions are also
common.

16
 SRO_GSI_11031

V. RESULTS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS

A total of 40 bed rock samples were analysed for the elements Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni,
Co, Mo, Ba, La, Sn, Cr and V. The samples include 17 of pink migmatite, 13 of grey
hornblende biotite gneiss and 10 of charnockite, Analytical results of the samples
indicate values for copper ranging from 20 to 110 ppm; lead values from <20 to 60
ppm; Zn values from 50 to 130 ppm; Ni values from 11 to 130 ppm; Co values range
from <10 to 30 ppm; Mo values less than 10 ppm; Ba values from less than 20 ppm to
occasional 150 ppm; The La values range between <30 ppm and 200 ppm. The Sn
values from <10 ppm to 20 ppm, Cr values from less than 5 ppm to 200 ppm and
Vanadium values range between less than 10 ppm and 100 ppm.

From among the values, tin shows some interesting results. Four samples of
pink migmatite collected from the outcrops around Tattur, Pattrakali koil and
Kolathupudur show values of 20 ppm. Also two sample of pink migmatite showed 10
ppm of tin. Of the 13 samples of grey gneiss analysed, five samples showed 10 ppm
of Sn. Except for this, the results do not indicate any significant values for any other
elements.

VI. ECONOMIC MINERALS

Building stones and Road metals

The charnockite, grey migmatite and pink migmatite/granitoid gneiss are

being quarried extensively for use as building stones, road metals and railway ballast.

There are a number of quarries in charnockite, viz., south of

Karuppanpalaiyam, 2 km. east of Anaimalai Railway Station near the confluence of
rivers, and southeast of Periyapodu.

Grey hornblende biotite gneiss is being quarried southeast of Tattur and

southeast of Periyapodu.

Pink migmatite/granitoid gneiss is being quarried extensively around Kaliatha

koil, Patharakali koil, southeast of Tattur, southeast of Periyapadu, 1 km. north of
Alankadavu and in the Jainkaldrug located just south of the area. The pink migmatite
are quarried as dimension stones and is in great demand in Pollachi town. This rock
type may yield good polished stones of export quality.

17
 SRO_GSI_11031

VII. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

An area of 170 sq. km. was mapped on 1:25,000 scale and 40 bed rock
samples were collected in parts of Pollachi Taluk forming parts of toposheet No.58
B/14 to study the lithostratigraphic set up of the eastern part of the Palghat Gap. The
different rock typos exposed in this area in the order of abundance are: - hornblende-
biotite gneiss, charnockite (migmatised to varying degrees), pink migmatite, pink
granite, pegmatite and quartz veins.

0 0 0 0
The rock types show a general N.60 to 80 E to S.60 to 80 W trending
gneissosity with steep dips on either side The F1 folds responsible for the regional
gneissosity of the rocks could not be seen in the area. F2 folds are folds of the
foliation, which are developed on a regional scale in the area. The major structure in
0
the area is a regional synform plunging 25-30 to WSW of F2 type. The above fold
and a few folds parallel to it are marked by swerving of foliation trends, and closure
of pink granitic/migmatite bands emplaced parallel to the foliation. F3 folds are
manifested as gentle warps along NW-SE axis. The geochemical analysis of the 40
bed rock samples did not give any significant values except a few samples of pink
migmatite and grey gneiss showing 10-20 ppm of Sn. The black cotton soil in the area
do not show incidence of gypsum.

18
 SRO_GSI_11031

APPENDIX-I

APPENDIX-I: Details of results of chemical analysis of bed rock samples collected from Pollachi Taluk
(Parts of Toposheet 58 B/14)

SI.No. Cu Pb Zn Ni Co Mo Ba La Sn Cr V
Location Rock type
( Values in ppm)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Grey gneiss 35 <20 65 50 20 <10 <20 30 <10 50 100

1/JMS North of Vazhaikombu
Grey gneiss 110 <20 50 100 20 <10 <20 75 <10 75 150
2/JMS West of Subbaikavundanpudur
Grey gneiss 70 <20 100 50 20 <10 <20 75 <10 75 150
3/JMS Ambarampalayam
Charnockite 45 <20 65 20 10 <10 <20 100 <10 10 100
4/JMS Attupollachi
Pink migmatite 100 <20 85 100 30 <10 <20 <30 10 75 150
5/JMS Anaimalai R.S.
Grey gneiss 75 <20 70 120 30 <10 <20 100 <10 100 100
6/JMS 100 m. E.of Sengutturai
Pink migmatite 45 <20 130 20 <10 <10 <20 100 20 <5 150
7/JMS Pathrakali Koil
Grey gneiss 70 <20 65 100 20 <10 <20 50 <10 75 20
8/JMS 200 m. W of Orakaliyur

19
 SRO_GSI_11031

SI.No. Cu Pb Zn Ni Co Mo Ba La Sn Cr V
Location Rock type
( Values in ppm)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
50 m. N. of
Grey gneiss 40 <20 80 50 20 <10 <20 50 <10 30 150
9/JMS Marchmayakanpalaiyam
Grey gneiss 35 <20 65 40 20 <10 <20 <30 <10 20 100
10/JMS 200 m. W.of Bodio alaiyam
Charnockite 50 <20 70 50 20 <10 <20 <30 <10 20 100
11/JMS Uttukuli
Charnockite 80 30 75 100 20 <10 <20 <30 <10 50 50
12/JMS 500 m.N.of Uttukuli
Chornockite 70 <20 85 130 20 <10 <20 <30 <10 200 75
13/JMS 500 m. W. of Pollachi
Chornockite 35 <20 80 50 20 <10 50 50 <10 10 20
14/JMS 100 m. E. of Kunjupalaiyam
Chornockite 30 <20 120 30 20 <10 50 50 <10 <5 20
15/JMS 50 m. E. of Kalipalaiyam
Pink migmatite 25 <20 70 50 10 <10 150 <30 <10 10 20
16/JMS 20 m. N. of Kalipalaiyam
Pink migmatite 60 <20 75 130 30 <10 150 <30 <10 50 20
17/JMS Karuppan palaiyam
Pink migmatite 70 <20 105 50 10 <10 50 50 <10 20 20
18/JMS Uakkampalaiyam
Pink migmatite 35 <20 60 40 20 <10 <20 75 <10 20 30
19/JMS 20 m. west of Singanallur

20
 SRO_GSI_11031

SI.No. Cu Pb Zn Ni Co Mo Ba La Sn Cr V
Location Rock type
( Values in ppm)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Charnockite 35 <20 60 10 <10 <10 <20 75 <10 <5 10

20/JMS 100 m. SE of Ambarampalaiyam
Pink migmatite 20 <20 65 10 10 <10 <20 100 20 <5 10
21/JMS 50 m. Northwest of Tattur
Pink migmatite 40 <20 70 70 30 <10 200 <30 10 20 10
22/JMS 200 m. southeast of Tattur
Pink migmatite 20 <20 70 20 10 <10 <20 50 <10 10 <10
23/JMS Ainaimalai
Charnockite 50 <20 80 40 30 <10 <20 30 <10 <5 20
24/JMS 100 m. E. of Nagur
Grey migmatite 60 <20 100 50 20 <10 <20 <30 <10 <5 <10
25/JMS 50 m. N.of Nagur
Charnockite 105 <20 70 90 30 <10 <20 30 <10 20 100
26/JMS 50 m.NW of Ramanathapuram
Grey gneiss 25 <20 50 10 <10 <10 <20 75 10 <5 20
27/JMS Ramanathapuram
Grey gneiss 25 <20 95 20 20 <10 <20 50 <10 <5 20
28/JMS Periyapodu
Pink Migmatite 25 <20 60 20 10 <10 <20 50 <10 10 100
29//JMS 100 m. S. of Periyapodu
Pink Migmatite 25 <20 75 50 20 <10 100 <30 <10 <15 <10
30//JMS 100 m. S. of Diwansapudur

21
 SRO_GSI_11031

SI.No. Cu Pb Zn Ni Co Mo Ba La Sn Cr V
Location Rock type
( Values in ppm)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Pink Migmatite 30 20 70 60 20 <10 50 <30 <10 10 100

31//JMS Marappa Kavundanur
Pink Migmatite 50 60 90 60 30 <10 50 <30 20 30 100
32//JMS Kolathupudur
Pink Migmatite 10 <20 65 20 10 <10 <20 200 <10 <5 20
33//JMS 50 m. S.of Kilavanpudur
Grey gneiss 40 40 80 50 20 <10 <20 30 10 50 20
34//JMS Kilavanpudur
Pink migmatite 45 30 80 50 20 <10 50 30 10 50 30
35//JMS Gandhi Ashram
Grey gneiss 25 <20 65 20 20 <10 <20 50 <10 5 10
36//JMS Alankadavu
Pink migmatite 60 20 80 40 20 <10 <20 <30 <10 5 10
37//JMS 150 m. N. of Alankadavu
Charnockite 50 20 75 80 20 <10 150 50 <10 5 20
38//JMS Puchanari
Grey gneiss 30 <20 85 20 20 <10 100 50 10 5 30
39/JMS Kaliappakavundanudur
200 m. W.of
Pink migmatite 40 <20 80 40 20 <10 100 30 <10 20 20
40/JMS Kaliappakavundanpudur

22
 SRO_GSI_11031

REFERENCES

Madras District (1966) Coimbatore, Govt. of Madras

Gazetteers
Mani, G. (1973) Report on the structural mapping of Palghat
gap area in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu
(Unpublished Progress Report of GSI for the
field season 1971-72)
Mani, G. and Anjan (1972-73) Resort on the structural mapping of Palghat
Kumar Basu gap in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu
(Unpublished Progress Report of GSI for the
field season 1972-73)
Muraleedharan, M.P. (1984-86) Report on the systematic mapping of Palghat
and Raman, M.S. gap in Palghat district, Kerala (Unpublished
Progress Report of GSI for the field season
1984-85 and 1985-86)
Narasimhan, A.S. (1961-62) Report on the systematic mapping of Pollachi
taluk, Coimbatore district, Madras State
(Unpublished Progress Report of GSI for the
field season 1962-63)
Subramanian, K.S. & (1985) Origin of Palghat gap in South India - (A
Muraleedharan, M.P. synthesis Journal of Geological Society of
India Vol.26, pp.28 to 37)

23
 SRO_GSI_11031

LOCALITY INDEX

PART-I

Locality Latitude Longitude T.S. No.

Alankadavu 10 37 50 76 53 00 58 B/14
Anaimalai R.S. 10 37 00 76 56 00 58 B/14
Anaimalai Forest Rest 00 00
10 36 76 56 58 B/14
House
Anaimalai 10 35 00 77 56 00 58 B/14
Ambarampalayam 10 38 00 76 56 15 58 B/14
Attupollachi 10 38 30 77 55 30 58 B/14
Bodipalayam 10 39 00 76 57 30 58 B/14
Diwansapudur 10 35 30 76 52 10 58 B/14
Jain Kal drug (.1474) 10 35 00 76 55 00 58 B/14
Kaliappa Kavundan 00 00
10 38 76 55 58 B/14
Pudur
Kaliatha Koil 10 38 00 76 54 00 58 B/14
Kalipalaiyam 10 38 00 76 59 10 58 B/14
Karuppanpalaiyam 10 40 00 76 58 00 58 B/14
Kilavanpudur 10 35 30 76 50 45 58 B/14
Kolathupudur 10 36 30 76 54 00 58 B/14
Kunjupalaiyam 10 38 20 76 58 30 58 B/14
Manakkadavu 10 39 30 76 53 00 58 B/14
Marappa Kavundanur 10 35 30 76 52 40 58 B/14
Nagur 10 36 45 76 55 00 58 B/14
Nanje Kavundan
10 37 30 76 57 30 58 B/14
Pudur
Pathrakali koil 10 36 30 76 55 20 58 B/14
Periyapodu 10 36 30 76 53 00 58 B/14
Pollachi 10 40 00 77 0 00 58 B/14
Puchanari 10 38 00 76 54 30 58 B/14
Ramanatnapuram 10 36 10 76 55 10 58 B/14
Senguthurai 10 39 30 76 56 30 58 B/14
Subbai Kavundan 00
10 37 10 76 56 58 B/14
Pudur
Tattur 10 35 0 76 56 00 58 B/14
Uttukuli 10 39 00 76 58 30 58 B/14
Vakkampalaiyam 10 36 30 76 59 00 58 B/14
Vazhaikombu 10 39 00 76 54 55 58 B/14

24
 SRO_GSI_11031

LIST OF PLATES:

Plate 1. Geology of the area around Ambarampalayam, Pollachi

taluk, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu

PLATE-I

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

GEOLOGICAL MAP OF PARTS OF POLLACHI TALUK, COIMBATORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU
(A PART OF TOPOSHEET No. 58B/14)
SCALE = 1: 25,000

INDEX

SUB RECENT TO RECENT

Alluvium CHARNOCKITE Grey hornblende biotite
GROUP
gneiss/migmatite gneiss
Pegmatite vein
Charnockite
YOUNGER INTRUSIVES
Pink Granite
Strike and dip of foliation
Pink migmatite with
granitoid gneiss
Plunge of Synforms H.J. Maharaja Singh
Geologist.Sr.
F.S.1986-87

GSI, OU, TNK & P. DO. No. B/459/89.

T. Kausalya

25
 SRO_GSI_11031

Plate 2.Structural map of the area around Ambarampalayam,

Pollachi taluk, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.

PLATE-II
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
STRUCTURAL MAP OF PARTS OF POLLACHI TALUK, COMBATORE DISTRICT, TAMILNADU
(A PART OF TOPOSHEET No. 58B/14)
SCALE = 1: 25,000

I N D E X

Axial trace of antiforms showing

Fault
Pink Grani Strike and dip of foliation plunge direction generation of folding
H.J.Maharaja Singh
Pink Migmatite Plunge of Synforms Axial trace of synforms showing
plunge direction generation of folding
Geologist.Sr.
F.S.1986-87

GSI, OU, TNK & P. DO. No. B/455/89.

T. Kausalya

26
 SRO_GSI_11031

LARGE SCALE MAPPING AND GYPSUM INVESTIGATION

IN PARTS OF POLLACHI TALUK, COIMBATORE DISTRICT,
TAMIL NADU (58 F/2)

CONTENTS Page No.

PART II........................................................................................................................ 27
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 28
Communication ................................................................................................ 28
Physiography and Drainage ............................................................................. 28
II.PREVIOUS WORK ................................................................................................. 29
III.GEOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 29
IV. PROSPECTING FOR GYPSUM .......................................................................... 30
V. BLOCK WISE DESCRIPTION OF GYPSUM OCCURRENCE AND
RESOURCE APPRAISAL .......................................................................................... 31
VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS .................................................................... 33
LIST OF REFERENCES ............................................................................................. 35
LOCALITY INDEX .................................................................................................... 36
APPENDIX-IIA: Details of Pit Log and resource appraisal for gypsum in Jottampatti
(Block A), NW of Nagur (Block B) and SE of Nagur (Block C) ................................ 37
APPENDIX II-B: Chemical Analysis Data Of Sampe Collected From Pits Excavated
For Gypsum In Jottampatti Area, Coimbatore ............................................................. 41
PLATE III . Geological map of the area around Jottampatti, Pollachi Taluk,
Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, showing pit locations for gypsum (scale 1:25,000)
...................................................................................................................................... 44

27
 SRO_GSI_11031

PART II

LARGE SCALE MAPPING AND GYPSUM INVESTIGATION

IN PARTS OF POLLACHI TALUK, COIMBATORE DISTRICT,
TAMIL NADU (58 F/2)

INTRODUCTION

In continuation of the mapping carried out in the western part of Pollachi in

parts of toposheet 58 B/14, mapping on 1:25,000 and investigation for gypsum was
taken up in the eastern part of Pollachi around Jottampatti-Nagur, in parts of Survey
of India toposheet 58 F/2. The objective of the investigation is to assess the
potentiality of gypsum resource that occurs beneath the black cotton soil. During the
course of field work an area of 60sq.km. was mapped on 1:25,000 scale between
Pasaripatti and Pudupalayam in the south and Perianegamam and Nanjakavundanur in
the north. A total of 28 pits were put in a north-south and east-west grid pattern at 1.5
km. interval, and a total of 55cu. m. of material was excavated. The area of
0 0
investigation falls between north latitudes 10 39'38" & 10 45'00"and east longitudes
0 0
77 06 '00" & 77 09 '30", in the Survey of India toposheet No.58 F/2. The work was
carried out during the period from 17.6.1987 to 17.7.1987.

Communication

Pusaripatti and Nagur are two important villages in the area which are located
on the Pollachi-Dharapuram State Highway. The other prominent villages, namely
Jottampatti, Virugelpatti and Nigamam are connected by fair weather jeepable roads
and canal roads. Pollachi situated at 8 km. west of the area is the nearest railway
station which lies on the metre gauge line between Dindugal and Palghat.

Physiography and Drainage

The area is a flat terrain sloping gently towards northwest and forms the
drainage basin of the Upper Odai. The Upper Odai originating from the Pasuripatti-
Adivalli area has a northeasterly course and passes through Virugalpatti in the
northern part. The water in the area is brackish and is therefore unfit for any
cultivation. The main canal of the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project flows along the
western part of the area. With the periodic supply of water by the canal system and
reclamation of land, a few patches of banana and sugar cane fields are seen in this
area.

28
 SRO_GSI_11031

II.PREVIOUS WORK

Occurrences of gypsum have been recorded by Mani (1960) and Narasimhan

(1966) in the area around Jottampatti and Pasaripatti. Mani (op.cit) has given a
detailed account on the occurrence of gypsum in the vicinity of Jottampatti
Narasimhan(1966) did systematic work for assessment of gypsum around Pusaripatti
by pitting and a reserve of 15,200 tonnes of gypsum has been estimated to occur in
Pusaripatti block. The southern continuity of Pusaripatti also, work has been done up
to Gomangalam Pudur by Narasimhan (1966) and a reserve of 26,000 tonnes of
gypsum has been estimated.

III.GEOLOGY

About 60% of the area (36 sq. km.) is covered by black cotton soil, while 25%
of the area is covered by loamy soil and the rest is covered by isolated outcrops of
pink migmatite/ granite, grey migmatite, charnockite & pyroxene granulite, and
kankar. Many of the villages are located on kankar soil.

The most common country rock of the area is the grey hornblende biotite
gneiss. On weathering, the rock shows transition to kankar formation. The pink
migmatite is seen as isolated resistant linear outcrops around Pusaripatti, which on
weathering gives rise to loamy to sandy soil. Charnockite is exposed in the eastern
part of the area around Nanjekavundenur and the prominent reddish brown soil is
typical around these out crops. Pyroxene granulite occurs as small linear bodies south
of Puduppalayam.

Gypsum is seen to be confined only to the area covered by the black cotton
soil. The overburden of clayey soil is approximately one metre thick. Gypsum had
been exploited locally in several localities within many of the patta lands. There are
many such old workings north of Pusaripatti and around Jottampatti whose precise
limits are not easily discerned. However, these are generally manifested by the growth
of thorny bushes.

The strike of foliation of the rocks encountered varies from ENE-WSW to E -

W with dips varying from 50-80"on either side.

29
 SRO_GSI_11031

IV. PROSPECTING FOR GYPSUM

During the course of mapping, the black cotton soil tract within the area was
demarcated, as gypsum is reported to occur below such a soil. A total of 28 pits were
put at 1.5 km. interval with the uniform 1 m ×1 m. dimension. The depth of pits
varied from place to place due to topography. The pits were extended till they touched
the bed rock. The depth of the pits varied from 0.95 to 4.10 m. In some of the places
like Nagur and Karappadi, advantage was taken of the existence of nearby wells and
old workings to ascertain the continuity of gypsum/weathered bed rock.

While pitting, the materials from gypsum bearing clay horizons were dumped
separately depth-wise. The horizon bearing fragmentary flaky gypsum which is
normally encountered above the lumpy-nodular gypsum zone was also dumped
separately to assess its weight percentage. The lumpy nodular gypsum that occurs
above 1 m. below the general ground level was hand-picked and allowed to dry up
before weighing. The entire gypsum thus got recovered was weighed to calculate the
recovery for each horizon of lumpy and nodular gypsum in each pit. Representative
samples for analysis were drawn out by coning and quartering. In general, the gypsum
lumps and nodules recovered are of the size of 7 to 10 cm. in cross section. The
fragmentary flaky gypsum being too small in size, not recoverable from the clay and
hence not reflected in the resource appraisal.

The generalized section of the gypsum bearing area as deduced from pit
sections is as follows:-

Depth in metres Lithology

00.00 - 0.5 Sticky black cotton gritty soil with shell fragments and iron pisolites
0.5 - 1.0 Gypsaceous clay with pellets and fragments of clay
1.0 - l.5 Grey to brownish gypsaceous clay with lumps and nodules of gypsum
0.5-2.50 Kankar with gypsum
Below 2.50 m Weathered hornblende biotite gneiss with kankar

Out of the 28 pits put, 17 were in the black cotton soil area
(2,4,5,6,7,9,10,11,12,15,16,18,19,20,22,26 and 27), 8 were in loamy soil
(13,14,17.21,23,24,25 and 28) and the rest in kankary soil (1,3 and 8).

From among the 17 pits in the black cotton soil, only 8 pits, namely pit
Nos.5,7,10,15,16,18,26 and 27 yielded gypsum as lumps and nodules. The lumpy and
nodular gypsum is confined to the brownish-grey clay of the soil profile, which is
encountered at around a depth of about 0.5 to 1.5 m. In rest of the pits in the black

30
 SRO_GSI_11031

cotton soil, a gypsaceous clay horizon with fragments of gypsum occurs above the
brownish grey clay horizon or the fragments occur sporadically in the entire soil
profile and it gradually merges into the underlying kankar zone and ultimately the
weathered gneiss is encountered. Conspicuously the fragmentary and nodular gypsum
are invariably absent in the pits put in the loamy soil areas.

A preliminary resource appraisal of recoverable lumpy and nodular gypsum

has been made on the basis of the results of pitting. The recovered gypsum from each
horizon was weighed after drying and the yield of gypsum in kg. Per cubic metre of
the gypsum bearing clay horizon was determined in each pit. Further, based on the
presence of old workings and recovery results of the pits, three blocks having gypsum
potential have been delineated and the resource potential has been calculated. The
boundary of the potential blocks has been demarcated half way between the gypsum
bearing pit and the nearest barren one. The arithmetic mean of the thickness of the
gypsum horizon in the different pits in a block is taken as the average thickness for
the block. The average yield of gypsum per m3 of gypsaceous clay horizon is also
calculated in a similar way. The total resource of gypsum for the block is given by the
product of the area of the block, the thickness of the horizon, and the average yield of
the horizon (in kg/m3). The three blocks delineated are named as Block A (Jottampatti
block) (2) Block B (block NW of Nagur and (3) Block C (block SE of Nagur). The
map showing the limits of the blocks and locations of pits is shown in Plate III.

V. BLOCK WISE DESCRIPTION OF GYPSUM OCCURRENCE

AND RESOURCE APPRAISAL

Jottampatti Block (Block A)

Jottampatti is located in the central part of the area. A number of old workings
are seen around this village. Black cotton soil occurs all around the village except for
the western part, wherein loamy soil is exposed. Towards east of the village, there is
an increase in thickness of black cotton soil and in turn the gypsum content. However,
in the western part, it shows gradual increase in thickness of loamy soil, and it is
devoid of gypsum.

In this block, the gypsum bearing black cotton soil occurs over an area of 5.65
sq. km, with the average thickness of gypsaceous clay up to 1.16 m. Gypsum occurs
as lumps and nodules and are up to the size of 5 cm. in cross-section. The lumpy and
nodular gypsum is confined to the brownish grey clay of the soil profile that occurs at
about 0.60 m. depth. The average yield of the nodular and lumpy gypsum is of the
order of 12.6 kg/cu. m. Out of the gypsum bearing 5.65 sq. km. an area of 0.55 sq.
km. has been deleted for the purpose of potential resource calculation of gypsum, as it
31
 SRO_GSI_11031

forms the area of old workings. Therefore, an area of 5.10 sq. km. has been taken to
be potential for gypsum. The potential area demarcated is based on the results of
pitting (Pit No.15, 16 and 18) and presence of old workings. The estimated resource
potential of gypsum in this block is 76,790 tonnes with CaO 27.3 t0 28.00% and SO3
36.06 to 37.91%.

Block Northwest of Nagur (Block B)

This block is located in the south western part of the area and lies close to the
west of Nagur village. Pits No 0.5 and 10 put in this block have revealed the presence
of gypsum and in addition, the old workings and the prospecting pits located between
these pits indicate the lateral extension of gypsum. Pit No 0.5 located on the western
part of the area marks the boundary between the loamy soil to its west and black
cotton soil to the east. In the gypsum bearing black cotton soil area, there is a marked
increase in the soil profile from west to east. Gypsum occurs about 1 m. to 1.7 m.
below the ground level. The average thickness of the gypsum bearing clay is 1.72 m.
and gypsum occurs as lumps and nodules. The maximum size of the lumps/ nodules is
about 6 cm. in cross section and it occurs in the brownish grey clay of the soil profile.
The thickness of the gypsum bearing clay as well as the content of gypsum shows
increase from west to east. The pit No.5 located in the western part shows 1.4 m. of
gypsaceous clay and to the east in pit No.10 it increases to 2.04 m. Fragments of
gypsum occurs above the nodular/ lumpy horizon but are not recoverable.

The block measures an area of 1.95 sq. km. out of which an area of 0.15 sq.
km. falling under the category of old workings and kankar has been deleted for the
purpose of resource calculation. The average yield of the nodular and lumpy gypsum
is 40.4 kg/cu. m. A resource potential of gypsum estimated for this block is of the
order of 1, 25,078 tonnes with CaO 23.8 - 25.8% and So3 33.3% - 34.3%.

Block southeast of Nagur (Block C)

This block is located in the southern part of the area about 300 m. southeast of
Nagur village. This block has been delineated on the basis of the results of pitting and
the presence of old workings located to the northeast of Nagur. Gypsum occurs as
lumps and nodules in the black cotton soil over an area of 0.2 sq. km. In pit No.7
which is located within this block, the lumpy and nodular gypsum is recovered from
the brownish grey clayey soil profile encountered between 0.25 and 0.95 m, and again
from 1.15 m. to 1.45 m. depth. The thickness of the lumpy/ nodular gypsaceous clay
is 1 m. and the average gypsum yield is of the order of 118 kg/cu. m.

32
 SRO_GSI_11031

An area of 0.20 sq. km. has been demarcated as gypsum bearing, of which
about 0.05 sq. km. has already been exploited. The area has an estimated resource
potential of 17,700 tonnes of nodular/lumpy gypsum with CaO around 25.8% and SO3
34.3%.

In addition to the above three blocks of gypsum occurrences, gypsum within

the area also occurs at about 1 km. south of Puduppalayam (Pit No.4) and 2 km. east
of Periya Nigamam (Pit No 0.26). However, the incidence of gypsum in these
localities is restricted and there are no old workings around, probably, by extending
the limits of the area further to the south/west of Puduppalayam and to the northeast
of Periya Nigamam, new areas of gypsum could be identified by trial pits.

Based on the present, work, three gypsum bearing blocks have been identified,
namely the Jottampatti block, Block northwest of Nagur and Block southeast of
Nagur. The present investigation has indicated a resource potential of 2,19,568 tonnes
of gypsum from these three blocks covering an area of 7.80 sq. km. The details of the
pit log and the resource appraisal are given in Appendix-II.

VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

An area of 60 sq. km. was mapped and investigated by pitting for gypsum
between Pusaripatti and Puduppalayam in the south and Perianegamam-
Nanjakavundanur in the north. The country rock of the area is hornblende biotite
gneiss with formation of kankar on weathering. Pink migmatite is seen as isolated
resistant linear outcrops. The pink migmatite on weathering gives rise to loamy to
sandy soil. Charnockite occupies the eastern part of the area and develops reddish
brown soil which is typical around these outcrops. Pyroxene granulite occurs as small
linear bodies.

Out of the area surveyed, about 60% is covered by black cotton soil, while
25% is covered by loamy soil and the rest is covered by isolated outcrops of pink
migmatite/granite, grey migmatite, charnockite and pyroxene granulite. A total of 28
pits were put in a N-S, E-W grid at 1.5 km. interval. The pits were deepened till they
touched the bed rock or kankar.

Out of the 28 pits, 17 were in black cotton soil, eight in loamy soil and 3 in
kankary soil. Gypsum occurs as nodular and lumps in a brownish grey clay horizon,
underlying the black cotton soil, at a depth of 0.5 to 1.5 m.

The pits located on the loamy and kankary soil did not yield gypsum. Based
on the results of pitting, three areas or blocks with gypsum potential were demarcated,

33
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and the average thickness and the average yield of gypsum in kg/per cubic metre of
the gypsum horizon were calculated for each block, and a preliminary resource
appraisal of recoverable gypsum was made, A total resource potential of 2, 19,568
tonnes has been worked out in three blocks namely:-

(1) Block-A (Jottampatti) with an average thickness of 1.16 m. of gypsaceous

clay, average yield of 12.6 kg/cu. m. and an area of 5.10 sq. km. gypsum bearing area
(excluding the areas occupied by old workings). The recoverable resource is 76,790
tonnes with CaO 27.3 to 28% and SO3 36.06 to 37.91%.

(2) Block-B (NW of Nagur) with an average thickness of 1.72 m. of

gypsaceous clay, average yield of 40.4 kg/cu. m. and an area of 1.8 sq. km. gypsum
bearing area (excluding the areas of old workings). The recoverable reserve is 1,
25,078 tonnes with CaO 23.8 to 25.8% and SO3 33.30 to 34.30%.

And (3) Block-C (SE of Nagur) with an average thickness of 1.0 m. of

gypsaceous clay, average yield of 118 kg/cu. m. and an area of 0.15 sq. km. of
gypsum bearing area (excluding the areas occupied by old workings). The resource
potential is 17,700 tonnes with CaO around 25.8% and SO3 34.3%.

34
 SRO_GSI_11031

LIST OF REFERENCES

Arogyaswamy, R.N.P. (1958) The origin of Palghat gap Rec. G.S.I.

Vol. 93. Part 2 pp. 129-134
Mani, G. (1959) Report on the investigation of the
occurrence of limestone and gypsum in
Pollachi Taluk, Coimbatore district,
Madras. Unpublished Progress Report of
GSI for 1957-58
Narasimhan, A.S. (1964) Report on the investigation of the
gypsum deposits in the vicinity of
Sirukukulandai village, Pollachi Taluk,
Coimbatore District, Madras State.
Unpublished Progress Report GSI for
1963-64
Narasimhan, A.S. (1966) Report on the Investigation of gypsum
occurrence in Goman-galam-Pudur and
Pusaripatti villages, Pollachi Taluk,
Coimbatore District. Unpublished
Progress Report of G.S.I. for 1965-66
Subramaniam, M. A. (1948) Note on gypsum in some black soils
around Palladam Taluk, Coimbatore
District, Madras State. Unpublished
Progress Report of G.S.I. for 1947-48

35
 SRO_GSI_11031

LOCALITY INDEX

PART II

Locality Latitude Longitude T.S. No.

Adivalli 10 41 50 77 09 30 58 F/02

Jottampatti 10 42 30 77 08 00 58 F/02

Nagur 10 40 45 77 08 10 58 F/02

Nanje Kavundanur 10 44 00 77 09 00 58 F/02

Periya Negamam 10 44 30 77 06 30 58 F/02

Puduppalaiyam 10 40 30 77 09 00 58 F/02

Pusaripatti 10 40 00 77 07 00 58 F/02

Pollachi 10 40 00 77 00 00 58 F/02

Virugalpatti 10 43 00 77 09 00 58 F/02

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 SRO_GSI_11031

APPENDIX-IIA

APPENDIX-IIA: Details of Pit Log and resource appraisal for gypsum in Jottampatti (Block A), NW of Nagur
(Block B) and SE of Nagur (Block C)

Yield of
Volume
Length Thickness gypsum
of Depth Totall
and of Total yield of per cubic
Depth of occurrence of Gypsum of bed depth
Pit No Breadth gypsum gypsum in Kg. metre of Remarks
gypsum in m. gearing rock of pit
of pit in bearing nodular type containing
clay in in m in m.
m. clay in m. clay
cu. m.
(kg/cu.m)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

1 1m×1m Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1.83 1.83

2 1m×1m Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 2.2 2.2
3 1m×1m Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 2.45 2.45
4 1m×1m 0.4 to 0.7 0.30 0.30 2 6.5 2.10 2.10
5 1m×1m 1.0 to 2.4 1 .4 1 .4 18 12.85 2.60 2.60
6 1m×1m 0.55 - 2.05 1.50 1.50 Nil 2.30 2.30
7 1m×1m 0.25 - 0.95 & 1.15 - 1.45 1.00 1.00 118 118 2.05 2.05
8 1m×1m Nil Nil Nil Nil 1.90 1.90
9 1m×1m 1.10 1.10

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 SRO_GSI_11031

Yield of
Volume
Length Thickness gypsum
of Depth Totall
and of Total yield of per cubic
Depth of occurrence of Gypsum of bed depth
Pit No Breadth gypsum gypsum in Kg. metre of Remarks
gypsum in m. gearing rock of pit
of pit in bearing nodular type containing
clay in in m in m.
m. clay in m. clay
cu. m.
(kg/cu.m)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10 1m×1m 2.04 2.04 139 68 4.10 4.10

11 1m×1m 1.85 1.85
12 1m×1m 2.3 2.3
13 1m×1m 2.30 2.30
14 1m×1m 1.4 1.4
15 1m×1m 0.65-1.55 0.90 0.90 16 16.66 1.80 1.80
16 1m×1m 0.60-2.00 1.40 1.40 18 12.7 2.30 2.30
17 1m×1m 2.40 2.40
18 1m×1m 0.25-1.45 1.20 1.20 10 8.33 2.00 2.00
19 1m×1m 1 .9 1.9
20 1m×1m 0.10-0.60 0.5 0.50 1.70 1.70
21 1m×1m 3.20 3.20
22 1m×1m 1.0-2.10 1.10 1.10 2.30 2.30
23 1m×1m 1.4 1 .4
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 SRO_GSI_11031

Yield of
Volume
Length Thickness gypsum
of Depth Totall
and of Total yield of per cubic
Depth of occurrence of Gypsum of bed depth
Pit No Breadth gypsum gypsum in Kg. metre of Remarks
gypsum in m. gearing rock of pit
of pit in bearing nodular type containing
clay in in m in m.
m. clay in m. clay
cu. m.
(kg/cu.m)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

24 1m×1m 1.8 3.9

25 1m×1m 0.95 0.95
26 1m×1m 0.65-1.95 1.30 1.30 18 14 2.15 2.15
27 1m×1m 0.35-0.85 0.50 0.50 Recovery negligible 1.25 1.25
28 1m×1m 0.4-1.94 1.90 1.90 Recovery negligible 2.55 2.55

(1) Block A a) Total area of Gypsum bearing horizon = 5.65 sq. km.
Pits 15,16,18 b) Area under old workings = 0.55 sq. km.
c) Gypsum bearing area (a - b) = 5.10 sq. km. or
51,00,000 sq. m.
d) Average thickness of Gypsum = 1.16 m.
e) Average yield of Gypsum (kg/cu.m.) = 12.6 kg/cu.m.
f) Reserves: 51,00,000 x 1.16 x 12.98/ 1,000 = 76,790 tonnes
39
 SRO_GSI_11031

(2) Block B a) Total area of gypsum bearing horizon = 1.95 sq. km,
Pits:5 & 10 b) Area under old workings = 0.15 sq. km.
c) Gypsum bearing area (a - b) = 1.80 sq Mm. or
18,00,000 sq. m.
d) Average thickness of gypsum = 1.72 m.
e) Average yield of Gypsum kg/cu.m. = 40.4 kg/cu.m.
f) Reserve 18,00,000 x 1.72 x 40.4/1,000 = 1,25,078 tonnes
(B) Block C a) Total area of gypsum bearing horizon = 0.2 sq. km.
Pit No.7 b) Area under old workings = 0,05 sq. km.
c) Gypsum bearing area (a - b) = 0.15 aq. km or
1,50,000 sq. m.
d) Average thickness of gypsum = 1.0 m.
e) Yield of gypsum (kg/cu.m.) = 118 kg/cu.m.
f) Reserves 1,50,000 x 1.0 x 118/1,000 = 17,700 tonnes
Total Resenrce of A,B & C Block = 2, 19,568 tonnes

40
 SRO_GSI_11031

APPENDIX II-B
APPENDIX II-B: Chemical Analysis Data Of Sampe Collected From Pits Excavated
For Gypsum In Jottampatti Area, Coimbatore

Reference
Pit No. P.R.No. CaO% SO3% Remarks
No.
1A 1145-1 1/JMS/87 44.2 0.82 Kankar
1 1145-2 2/JMS/87 44.8 0.86 Kankar
2 1145-3 3/JMS/87 37.5 0.70 Clay + Kankar
2 1145-4 4/JMS/87 34.7 0.67 Kankar
3 1145-5 5/JMS/87 25.8 0.89 Clay
4 1145-6 6/JMS/87 24.6 0.62 Clay + kankar
5 1145-7 7/JMS/87 25.8 34.3 1 to 2.4 m gypsum+clay
7 1145-8 8/JMS/87 25.2 35.50 0.25-1.45 m gypsum+clay
8 1145-9 9/JMS/87 5.6 3.6 Weathered gneiss plus
9 1145-10 10/JMS/87 7.3 4.60 Kankar
10 1145-11 11/JMS/87 19.6 24.22 0 to 1 m.
10 1145-12 12/JMS/87 23.8 33.30 Gypsum 1.7 - 3.7 m.
10 1145-13 13/JMS/87 3.64 0.23 Clay
11 1145-14 14/JMS/87 37.1 0.22 Kankar
Black cotton soil+gypsum
0.37
11 1145-15 15/JMS/87 11.9 flakes
12 1145-16 16/JMS/87 13.3 0.40

12 1145-17 17/JMS/87 31.5 0.47 Kankar

13 1145-18 18/JMS/87 31.5 0.49 Kankar
13 1145-19 19/JMS/87 29.4 0.42 Kankar+Weathered gneiss
13 1145-20 20/JMS/87 31.0 0.40 Kankar
14 1145-21 21/JMS/87 32.9 0.56 Kankar
14 1145-22 22/JMS/87 32.9 0.23 Kankar
15 1145-23 23/JMS/87 35.0 0.38 Kankar
15 1145-24 24/JMS/87 34.3 0.39 Kankar
15 1145-25 25/JMS/87 28.7 36.57 0.65 to 1.55 m. gypsum
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Reference
Pit No. P.R.No. CaO% SO3% Remarks
No.
16 1145-26 26/JMS/87 28.0 36.06 0.62 to 2 m.(gypsum)
16 1145-27 27/JMS/87 27.3 37.91

18 1145-28 28/JMS/87 27.3 37.04

19 1145-29 29/JMS/87 4.9 0.35 Clay+fragments of gypsum

20 1145-30 30/JMS/87 4.9 0.46

20 1145-31 31/JMS/87 9.8 7.26 Clay with a few pebbles

21 1145-32 32/JMS/87 8.4 7.59

22 1145-33 33/JMS/87 30.1 31.67

22 1145-34 34/JMS/87 30.1 31.20

23 1145-35 35/JMS/87 33.6 1.92 Kankar

23 1145-36 36/JMS/87 35.0 0.87 Kankar
24 1145-37 37/JMS/87 25.2 0.42 Kankar
25 1145-38 38/JMS/87 39.9 8.12 Kankar
26 1145-39 39/JMS/87 16.1 0.72 Clay + Kankar
26 1145-40 40/JMS/87 28.7 40.10 Gypsum 0.65 to 1.95
26 1145-41 41/JMS/87 28.0 0.59

27 1145-42 42/JMS/87 17.5 0.29

27 1145-43 43/JMS/87 51.1 0.95 Kankar

27 1145-44 44/JMS/87 27.3 34.05 Gypsum
28 1145-45 45/JMS/87 35.0 2.72 Kankar
28 1145-46 46/JMS/87 32.2 0.49 Kankar

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 SRO_GSI_11031

ANNEXURE-I
010
010 Security Classification :
012 Form of Distribution Printed
120 Report Number:
(FSP Item No) SGM/58 BF/SR/TN/86/92
200 Title : Large scale Mapping of the area to the east of Palghat Gap
in prats of Plllachi Taluk, Coimbatore Dt., Tamil Nadu.
Large scale mapping and Gypsum investigation in parts of
Pollachi taluk, Coimbatore Dist., Tamil Nadu.

300 Author: H.J Maharaja Singh

310 Corporate Author :
330 Originating Unite RGD-II Operations: TNKP
440 Date of Submission 1987
460 Physical Description Pages : 30
(Pages, Figures, Maps) Maps : 3
500 1986-87 510 Topo/Degree 58 B/14, Sheet covered : 58
Field Season : F/2
600 Abstract : Large scale mapping in parts of toposheet 58 B/14 Forms a
flat Country and rock types exposed include Horblende-
biotite gneiss/migmatite gneiss and Charnokite
(migmatesed to varying degress of Archaean age and pink
granitoid with associated migmatite and pegmatites/ quartz
veins of (?) Proterozoic age. The analytical rasults of three
bed rock samples of migmate show values up to 20 ppm
and six samples show values up to 10 ppm for tin. Gypsum
investigation in 58 F/2 over an area of 60 sq. km. has been
made and a preliminary resource appraisal of recoverable
gypsum of 2,19,56 tonnes has been worked out in three
blocks viz., the Jottampatti block, NW of Nagur and SE of
Nagur
610 Classification No.
(UDC)
620 Subject Descriptors/ Large scale mapping- Coimbatore Dist., gypstm
Key words investigation

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 SRO_GSI_11031

PLATE III . Geological map of the area around Jottampatti, Pollachi Taluk,
Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, showing pit locations for gypsum (scale
1:25,000)

PLATE-III
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE AREA AROUND JOTTAMPATTI

POLLACHI TALUK, COIMBATORE DISTRICT, TAMILNADU
(A PART OF TOPOSHEET No. 58F/2)

SCALE = 1: 25,000

I N D E X

Loomy Soil Strike and dip of foliations

Black Cotton Soil

Old Workings
Kanker
Pit/Well

Pink Migmatite Nala

Basic Granulite Gypsum bearing block

Charnockite
H.J. Maharaja Singh
GSI. OU. TNK & P. DO. No. B/462/89. Geologist.Sr.
T. Kausalya. F.S.1986-87

44