The purpose of this study is study of the physical and chemical properties of the overburden of the Dzherdanak deposit. The chemical and mineralogical composition of the overburden of the Djerdanak deposit has been studied by the methods of X-ray and thermography, electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The main phases are quartz, kaolinite and muscovite. The study of the fine structure of the rock under an electron microscope showed the homogeneity of the rock with pronounced uniform inclusions, which is preserved even after firing. Changes in the rock after firing at 1050 °C have been determined. The formation of mullite at this temperature has been established.