PHYSICAL AND INDEX PROPERTIES OF LATE PRECAMBRIAN AND CAMBRIAN SALT RANGE ROCKS OF PUNJAB

Thirteen rock types including Sandstone, Siltstone, Dolomite, Shale, Gypsum and Rock Salt, collected from five different formations of Salt Range area of Pakistan, were tested to assess their physical and index properties. Specific gravity, dry and wet unit weight, moisture content, porosity, water absorption and slake durability index were determined. Results indicate that most of the rocks have their specific gravity and unit weight values in the standard range. Higher durability indices and low water absorption values of sandstones and dolomite make them suitable as construction material. Assuming an appropriate seal, the higher porosity values of the Baghanwala sandstone, Lower Khewra sandstone and Upper Khewra sandstone indicate not only their potential to trap hydrocarbon but also as an ideal candidate for greenhouse gases sequestration in the subsurface.