Precambrian • Ediacaran

Salt Range Formation

Late Precambrian (Ediacaran)

Stratigraphic position

In the Salt Range column

Shale / mudGypsum / evaporiteFossils recordedConformable

Band colour = period; texture = dominant rock type. Lines between bands mark the contact type. True scale makes height ∝ recorded thickness; hatched = thickness not recorded. Ages approximate, for ordering.

This unit (highlighted) within its province column; faded ends continue above and below. Line style marks the contact type.

The oldest exposed formation in the Salt Range, consisting of evaporites deposited in a restricted marine environment. Contains the world-famous Khewra Salt Mine, second largest in the world. Includes Sahwal Marl Member, Bandar Kas Gypsum Member, and Billianwala Salt Member.

Significance. Records Late Precambrian evaporite deposition; economically significant for rock salt; contains oil shales with hydrocarbon potential

Lithology: Rock salt (Billianwala Salt Member), gypsum (Bandar Kas Gypsum Member), marl (Sahwal Marl Member)
Thickness: 800-1500 m
Type locality: Khewra, Salt Range, Punjab
Economic importance: Major source of rock salt (Khewra Salt Mine), gypsum, and potential oil shales

Fossils

StromatolitesAlgal mats

Provinces

Salt Range Kohat Basin Potwar Basin

Related units

Above · younger

Khewra Sandstone

Cambrian