Minerals provide tints and possible binder/extender in pigments in san rock paintings (South Africa)

Minerals such as iron oxides and clays provide high tinting strength and improve the adhesive properties of pigments. In this study, we investigated the mineral composition of pigments from samples of San rock art. We used X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to determine the mineral composition and micromorphology of pigments. Results showed that the major minerals in pigments in San rock art are whewellite, quartz, gypsum, hematite, and various alumino‐silicate minerals. The red hue in the pigment is due to hematite; gypsum and clays provide the white coloration, whereas black might be due to amorphous manganese compounds. We believe that whewellite with globular habit was extracted from plant sap (e.g., aloe vera) and added to the pigment, perhaps as binder, extender, or whitener. Whewellite with needle‐shaped morphology was present in cracks that developed in pigments and indicated an early stage of deterioration of the rock art. We propose that conservationists should seriously evaluate any change in the environmental conditions at the art site (e.g., removal of vegetation to improve touristic view) because such changes might significantly increase thermal fluctuations in pigments and promote crack formation and hence the decay of the San rock art. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

广东曲仁两套红层的重矿物组合特征与地层对比

本研究以广东曲仁煤田两套红色地层为对象。工作中各选择了中侏罗统和上白垩统一个完整的地层剖面,进行碎屑重矿物组合、标志特征,重矿物成因和演变,韵律特征和矿物或熟度等研究,初步查明了它们的蚀源母岩类型;揭示了重矿物组合和区域岩石类型变化的原因;指出以重矿物为标志的韵律性和标志层的存在;探讨了矿物成熟度在重矿物研究中的意义;进而提出了划分、对比两套红层的重矿物标志。     

西藏波密多依弄巴铅锌矿床地质特征及找矿标志

多依弄巴铅锌矿床产于中上泥盆统松宗组碳酸盐岩地层中,受北西西向断裂破碎带控制。矿石矿物主要为方铅矿、闪锌矿、水锌矿。蚀变类型为白云石化、硅化、大理岩化和重晶石化。构造、地层岩性、重砂和化探异常是重要的找矿标志。     

Intercrystalline stable isotope diffusion: a fast grain boundary model

We formulated a numerical model for stable isotope interdiffusion which predicts the temperatures recorded between two or more minerals, and the intragranular distribution of stable isotopes in each mineral, as functions of mineral grain sizes and shapes, diffusivities, modes, equilibrium isotopic fractionations, and the cooling rate of a rock. One of the principal assumptions of the model is that grain boundaries are regions of rapid transport of stable isotopes. This Fast Grain Boundary (FGB) model describes interdiffusion between any number of mineral grains, assuming that local equilibrium and mass balance restrictions apply on the grain boundaries throughout the volume modeled. The model can be used for a rock containing any number of minerals, and number of grain sizes of each mineral, several grain shapes, and any thermal history or domain size desired. Previous models describing stable isotope interdiffusion upon cooling have been based on Dodson's equation or an equivalent numerical analogue. The closure temperature of Dodson is the average, bulk temperature recorded between a mineral and an infinite reservoir. By using Dodson's equation, these models have treated the closure temperature as an innate characteristic of a given mineral, independent of the amounts and diffusion rates of other minerals. Such models do not accurately describe the mass balance of many stable isotope interdiffusion problems. Existing models for cation interdiffusion could be applied to stable isotopes with some modifications, but only describe exchange between two minerals under specific conditions. The results of FGB calculations differ considerably from the predictions of Dodson's equation in many rock types of interest. Actual calculations using the FGB model indicate that closure temperature and diffusion profiles are as strongly functions of modal abundance and relative differences in diffusion coefficient as they are functions of grain size and cooling rate. Closure temperatures recorded between two minerals which exchanged stable isotopes by diffusion are a function of modal abundance and differences in diffusion coefficient, and may differ from that predicted by Dodson's equation by hundreds of degrees C. Either or both of two minerals may preserve detectable zonation, which may in some instances be larger in the faster diffusing mineral. Rocks containing three or more minerals can record a large span of fractionations resulting from closed system processes alone. The results of FGB diffusion modeling indicate that the effects of diffusive exchange must be evaluated before interpreting mineral fractionations, concordant or discordant, recorded within any rock in which diffusion could have acted over observable scales. The predictions of this model are applicable to thermometry, evaluation of open or closed system retrogression, and determination of cooling rates or diffusion coefficients.     

“北京人”遗址洞穴碎屑堆积的矿物组分特征及其意义

“北京人”遗址洞穴堆积物的研究,已有五十多年的历史。多方面的研究成果,也先后报道。近年来,作者分层测制了周口店第一地点西壁、南壁、探井以及上砾石层和下砾石层等几个剖面。还在周河口、羊耳峪东岭、三福村采集样品55个。所有样品均进行筛分,分级进行镜下鉴定,单矿物系统折光率测定,个别矿物辅以X-射线分析,分别对轻、重组份物质成分、百分含量做了系统计量,并着重研究重组份特征。本文是在这些工作基础上,对这一地区的地层划分、沉积物来源和古气候变迁等进行讨论。 一、物质来源和蚀源母岩 野外观察和沉积矿物成份分析表明,第一地点洞穴堆积有洞壁崩塌和外部携入两个来源。碳酸岩角砾和碳酸岩岩块大量出现,在特定层位尤其发育,它们是洞壁崩塌的产物。外来物质尽管矿物含量时有变化,但矿物种类大体相近,构成不同矿物组合。轻组份有石英、酸性斜长石、微斜长石、白云母组合,千枚岩、角岩、板岩岩屑组合以及滚圆状石英、石英岩、硅质岩岩屑组僵。     

On thermobarometry

Thermobarometry, the estimation of the pressure–temperature ( P – T ) conditions of metamorphism, can be undertaken by using pseudosection calculations as well as by conventional methods. Conventional thermobarometry uses only the equilibrium thermodynamics of balanced reactions between end-members of minerals, combined with the observed compositions of minerals. In contrast, pseudosections involve a forward calculation of mineral equilibria for a given rock composition. When related to observed rock data such as mineral assemblages, mineral proportions and mineral compositions, pseudosections have the power to provide valuable additional thermobarometric information. This is because the rock composition provides added constraints on P – T , unavailable in conventional thermobarometry, such as when minerals in the mineral assemblage are no longer stable, or when additional minerals join the mineral assemblage. Considering both conventional and pseudosection thermobarometry, a minimum requirement is that they use the same thermodynamic data and activity–composition models for the minerals involved. A new thermocalc facility is introduced that allows pseudosection datafile coding to be used for conventional thermobarometry. Guidelines are given and pitfalls discussed relating to pseudosection modelling and conventional thermobarometry. We argue that, commonly, pseudosection modelling provides the most powerful thermobarometric tools.     

Rock Maker: an MS Excel? spreadsheet for the calculation of rock compositions from proportional whole rock analyses, mineral compositions, and modal abundance

Rock Maker is a simple software tool that computes bulk rock compositions resulting from mixing or unmixing of rocks or minerals. The calculations describe the chemical expression of processes such as magma mixing, fractional crystallization, assimilation, residual melt extraction, or formation of solid solutions. Rock Maker can also be used for the elimination of thermodynamically inactive or unwanted chemical components from the whole rock composition, such as cores of porphyroblasts that are considered not to be in equilibrium with the matrix. The calculation of the resulting rock composition is essentially based on modal proportions and compositions of different components in rocks, which may include specific portions of the rock or individual mineral phases. Compositional data, obtained using XRF, ICPMS, EDS, or EPMA, may include major and trace element concentrations. Depending upon the nature of the problem to be solved, the concentrations of oxidic and elemental components can be added to, or subtracted from, each other, producing the calculated normalized whole rock composition after completion of the investigated process (mixing, unmixing, depletion, enrichment, etc.). Furthermore, the software allows the calculation of whole rock compositions from ideal mineral compositions, for which modal proportions can be chosen from pre-defined mineral compositions. The data set includes the most common rock forming minerals and allows the addition of further phases. This section can be used to calculate the approximate whole rock compositions from petrographic modal analysis. This part of Rock Maker is specifically suitable as a teaching tool that illustrates the interrelationship between mineral compositions, modes, and the corresponding whole rock compositions.     

Characterization of bauxite deposits from Kachchh Area,Gujarat

The bauxites deposits of Kachchh area in Gujarat are investigated to characterize them based on mineralogical and petrographic studies. The major bauxitic mineral in these occurrences is gibbsite, with minor concentration of boehmite and diaspore. Apart from the bauxitic minerals, the other associate minerals are kaolin, calcite, alunite and the iron ore minerals such as hematite and goethite and titanium rich anatase. The iron ore minerals (hematite and goethite) are 10-50microns in size and are disseminated throughout the oolitic and pisolitic bauxitic minerals. At places the goethite exhibits colloform texture. The preservation of basaltic texture in some of the samples indicate that the insitu nature of these bauxites, which are formed by the alteration of calcic plagioclase from the parent basalt. Although, the basalt occurs as the main parent rock for these bauxites, the presence of calcite in some of the samples represent the possibility of having a limestone parent rock at least in some of the bauxite occurrences.     

Compositional classification of “kimberlitic” and “non-kimberlitic” ilmenite

Ilmenite is one of the common kimberlitic indicator minerals recovered during diamond exploration, and its distinction from non-kimberlitic rock types is important. This is particularly true for regions where these minerals are present in relatively low abundance, and they are the dominant kimberlitic indicator mineral recovered. Difficulty in visually differentiating kimberlitic from non-kimberlitic ilmenite in exploration concentrates is also an issue, and distinguishing kimberlitic ilmenite from those derive from other similar rocks, such as ultramafic lamprophyres, is practically impossible. Ilmenite is also the indicator mineral whose compositional variety has the most potential to resolve provenance issues related to mineral dispersions with contributions from multiple kimberlite sources.

Various published data sets from selected kimberlitic (including kimberlites, lamproites, and various ultramafic lamprophyres) and non-kimberlitic rock types have been compiled and evaluated in terms of their major element compositions. Compositional fields and bounding reference lines for ilmenites derived from kimberlites (sensu stricto), ultramafic lamprophyres, and other non-kimberlitic rock types have been defined primarily on MgO–TiO₂ graphs as well as MgO–Cr₂O₃ relationships.     

Spectroscopic study of rocks of Hutti-Maski schist belt,Karnataka

Recent developments in sensor technology have given an onset for studying the earth surface features based on the detailed spectroscopic observation of different rocks and minerals. The spectroscopic profiles of the rocks are always quite different than their constituent minerals however, the spectral profile of a rock can be broadly reconstituted from the spectral profile of each constituent minerals. Interpretation of rock spectra using the spectra of constituent minerals based on relative spectral matching can bring out interesting information on the rock. Present study is an effort toward this and it highlights how visible-near infrared-shortwave-infrared (VNIR-SWIR) rock spectroscopy acts as an useful tool for understanding the rock-mineralogy in indirect and rapid way. It has also been observed that spectral signatures of rocks; studied in present case, are related to spectral signatures of constituent minerals although absorption features of constituent mineral in the rock are also modified by the other minerals juxtaposed in the rock fabric. However, each rock of the study area has their significant absorption features, but many of the absorption signatures are closely spaced, as altered rock has significant absorption at 2305 nm whereas amphibolite has its important absorption signature in 2385 nm and metabasalt has its significant absorption at 2342 nm. Therefore spectral measurement of high spectral resolution with appreciable signal to noise ratio (SNR) only can detect rocks from each other based on the absorption signatures mentioned above (each of which is 10 to 20 nm apart from the other) and therefore spectroscopy of rock is an innovative technique to map rocks and minerals based on the spectral signatures.     

A mineral quantification method for wall rocks at open pit mines,and application to the Martha Au–Ag mine,Waihi, New Zealand

Pit lakes that result from open pit mining are potential water resources or potential environmental problems, depending on lake water quality. Wall rock mineralogy can affect lake chemistry if surface water inputs and/or groundwater inputs and/or lake water in contact with submerged wall rocks react with the wall rock minerals. This study presents a mineral quantification method to measure the distribution and concentration of wall rock minerals in open pit mines, and applies the method to the Martha epithermal Au–Ag mine, Waihi, New Zealand. Heterogeneous ore deposits, like Martha, require a large number of wall rock samples to accurately define mineral distributions. X-ray diffraction analyses of 125 wall rock samples identified the most abundant minerals in the wall rocks as quartz, adularia, albite, illite, chlorite, kaolinite, pyrite and calcite. Distribution maps of these minerals defined 8 relatively homogenous areas of wall rock referred to as “mineral associations”: weakly-altered, propylitic, fresh-argillic, weathered-argillic, oxidized, potassic, quartz veins, and post-mineralization deposits. X-ray fluorescence, Leco furnace, and neutron activation analyses of 46 representative samples produced the geochemical dataset used to assign quantities of elements to observed minerals, and to calculate average mineral concentrations in each association. Thin-section petrography and calcite concentrations from Sobek acid-digestions confirm the calculated mineralogy, providing validation for the method. Calcite and pyrite concentrations allowed advanced acid–base accounting for each mineral association, identifying 3 potential acid-producing associations and one potential acid-neutralizing association. The results target areas, where detailed hydrologic and kinetic tests would be valuable in the next stage of pit lake evaluation. Detailed understanding of wall rock mineralogy will help strengthen predictions of pit lake water quality.     

思茅盆地石盐矿物的原位元素含量特征对成矿模式的启示

思茅盆地江城含盐带勐野井地区在“二层楼”钾盐成矿理论的指导下,逐步在侏罗系钾盐资源调查中取得重要成果,但盆地内其他含盐带研究程度薄弱。本文以整董含盐带的磨黑L2井勐野井组(K₁m)盐岩样品为研究对象,通过显微镜观察、扫描电镜能谱分析、石盐矿物元素含量电子探针微区原位测试方法的建立,精细研究了样品岩相学、石盐矿物学及元素含量特征。同时,测试了江城含盐带勐野井地区MK-1井花开左组(J₂h)石盐样品。对比研究两个井样品中石盐矿物微量元素K和Br含量及10³Br/Cl值(质量分数比)特征,结合研究区地质演化,取得以下认识。L2井K₁m(含)泥砾盐岩中石盐矿物发育两类产状:一类是胶结碎屑颗粒的主体石盐,具塑性流变特征;另一类是析出在碎屑中被盐类或黏土矿物碎屑包裹的石盐,两类包裹体特征指示均属次生成因。电子探针测得L2井K₁m的主体石盐、碎屑包裹和勐野井MK-1井J₂h含钾盐层石盐的K含量分别为≤0.09%、≤0.18%和≤0.13%,Br含量分别为≤60×10^-6、70×10^-6~410×10^-6和70×10^-6~500×10^-6,10³Br/Cl值分别为≤0.10、0.12~0.71和0.12~0.85,主体石盐显著低于后二者,处于陆源或海陆混合源石盐阶段或重结晶石盐阶段,而后二者数值接近,大多处在海源石盐阶段,小部分处在海源母液结晶钾石盐阶段和光卤石阶段。推断磨黑L2井碎屑包裹的石盐属深部古盐体刺穿贯入的证据,可能的成矿模式为深部中侏罗统海相古盐体受盐底辟作用迁移到浅层下白垩统勐野井组后,部分被盆地内侧向迁移来的中侏罗世残留海水、盆地周缘汇入的陆源水以及深部热液的共同溶蚀淋滤和混染改造形成新的卤水,部分以固体古石盐砾保留下来,在早白垩世晚期新母液卤水蒸发成盐过程中被形成的盐类和陆源碎屑矿物包裹,后期在母液结晶的主体石盐胶结下沉积成岩和成矿。以上认识完善了“二层楼”成矿理论在整董含盐带的勘探实践。     

An electron microprobe study of P645/T390: Evidence for an Early Helladic III Lerna–Aegina connection

Middle Helladic Aeginetan Ware is widely distributed throughout the Aegean. It is characterized by a “gold mica or volcanic ash” fabric and is abundant at Lerna on the Argive plain, Greece, in the Middle Helladic and Late Helladic I periods. A group of Early Helladic III ceramics at Lerna includes P645/T390, which also has a volcanic fabric. We have sampled all the major rock types of the separate volcanic episodes on Aegina, Methana, and Poros and analyzed the constituent minerals with the electron microprobe. These analyses provide a reference standard against which the mineralogy of P645/T390 and other potential Aeginetan wares can be compared. The compositions of amphibole, clinopyroxene, plagioclase, and biotite in P645/T390 are identical to the same minerals in dacites on Aegina, suggesting an origin on that island. Compositional mismatches with the minerals of Methana and Poros indicated the ceramic was not manufactured at these locations. This narrow‐necked jar represents the earliest occurrence of Aeginetan Ware on mainland Greece that has been confirmed by a quantitative method. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

泥质岩成岩作用中的黏土矿物研究

文章通过对泥质岩的黏土质矿物组分、成岩作用中黏土质矿物变化综合研究,认为泥质岩中存在大量黏土矿物,且泥质沉积物由松散到固结成岩实质上是黏土矿物组成的变化。泥质岩中主要黏土矿物包括高岭石、蒙皂石、绿泥石、伊利石以及其组成的混层型矿物伊利石/蒙皂石、绿泥石/蒙皂石,其成岩过程可划分为成岩早期的压实阶段、成岩晚期的黏土矿物转化阶段。压实阶段的泥质沉积物中黏土矿物具有物源的继承性、沉积水体古环境指示意义;受压实作用孔隙水、层间水被排出,原生絮凝团被压破,使片状质点趋于平行排列,黏土矿物与孔隙水发生反应,亦形成少量的新生作用矿物,因而黏土矿物具继承源和新生作用源特性。成岩晚期阶段发生层间水释放及层间阳离子交换,从而使得矿物晶体结构与成分发生变化,主要表现为一元黏土矿物向二元混层型转化,最后再到一元型黏土矿物的转化,最终形成转变源黏土矿物。     

Amphibole-bearing assemblages as indicators of microdomain-scale equilibrium conditions in metabasites: an example from Alpine ophiolites of the Meliata Unit, NE Hungary

Summary The polymetamorphic evolution of metamorphosed Mesozoic ophiolitic rocks in NE Hungary was studied by microtextural and mineral chemical analyses of metagabbros and metabasalts. Both rock types preserved their original textures remarkably well. By contrast, magmatic minerals (especially clinopyroxene) were preserved only in the metagabbros. The original magmatic whole-rock and mineral chemical features had a strong influence on the formation and preservation of the various metamorphic assemblages as testified by the chemically different amphiboles (and other major minerals) formed in various microdomains. The calculated metamorphic P-T conditions are in part different for metabasalts and metagabbros. These results are in accordance with the observed petrographic features, among which the sequence of crystallisation of Na-amphibole and actinolite in the two rock types is most characteristic. Crystallisation of actinolite is followed by Na-amphibole in metabasalts, while Na-amphibole formed first in the metagabbros. Overall equilibrium conditions were not attained throughout the NE Hungarian Mesozoic ophiolite unit during Alpine metamorphic evolution. Additionally, various disequilibrium metamorphic assemblages with several generations of chemically complex amphiboles were formed even on the thin section scale. Various P-T paths during the tectonic evolution of the accretionary wedge were experienced by parts of the dismembered ophiolite sequence, which originally formed a coherent unit, and were brought back into close spatial relationship only during the post-metamorphic exhumation processes.     

Preoperational assessment of solute release from waste rock at proposed mining operations

Environmental assessments are conducted prior to mineral development at proposed mining operations. Among the objectives of these assessments is prediction of solute release from mine wastes projected to be generated by the proposed mining and associated operations. This paper provides guidance to those engaged in these assessments and, in more detail, provides insights on solid-phase characterization and application of kinetic test results for predicting solute release from waste rock. The logic guiding the process is consistent with general model construction practices and recent publications. Baseline conditions at the proposed site are determined and a detailed operational plan is developed and imposed upon the site. Block modeling of the mine geology is conducted to identify the mineral assemblages present, their masses and compositional variations. This information is used to select samples, representative of waste rock to be generated, that will be analyzed and tested to describe characteristics influencing waste rock drainage quality. The characterization results are used to select samples for laboratory dissolution testing (kinetic tests). These tests provide empirical data on dissolution of the various mineral assemblages present as waste rock. The data generated are used, in conjunction with environmental conditions, the proposed method of mine waste storage, and scientific and technical principles, to estimate solute release rates for the operational scale waste rock.Common concerns regarding waste rock are generation of acidic drainage and release of heavy metals and sulfate. Key solid phases in the assessments are those that dissolve to release acid and sulfate (iron sulfides, soluble iron sulfates, hydrated iron-sulfate minerals, minerals of the alunite–jarosite group), those that dissolve to neutralize acid (calcium and magnesium carbonates, silicate minerals), and those that release trace metals (trace metal sulfides, hydrated trace metal-sulfate minerals). Conventional mineralogic, petrographic, and geochemical analyses generally can be used to determine the quantities of these minerals present and to describe characteristics that influence their dissolution. A key solid-phase characteristic is the mineral surface area exposed for reaction, which is influenced by mode of occurrence (included, interstitial, liberated) and the extent of mineral surface coating. Short-term dissolution tests can estimate the extent of hydrated sulfate minerals present. Longer term dissolution tests are necessary to describe the dependence of drainage pH and solute release rates on solid-phase variation. The extensive data compiled from baseline pre-development definition, the operational plan, solid-phase characterization, and dissolution testing are ultimately synthesized by means of a modeling exercise requiring considerable technical and scientific expertise. The predicted rates (model outputs) are expressed as probability distributions to allow assessment of risk. This exercise must be technically defensible and transparent so that regulators can confidently assess the results and evaluate the operational plan proposed. Technical and non-technical challenges involved in implementing such programs are identified to benefit management planning for both industry and government.     

柴北缘中侏罗统湖相泥页岩储层矿物组成与脆性特征

运用X射线衍射技术,对柴北缘中侏罗统46块岩心泥页岩样品和15块露头泥页岩样品进行了定性和定量分析。结果表明研究区泥页岩矿物成分中黏土矿物含量最高,介于33%~79.7%之间,平均54.3%;其次为石英,含量介于14.5%~57.8%之间,平均35.4%;碳酸盐矿物含量较少,总量一般介于0~13%之间,个别样品大于15%,露头样品与岩心样品矿物成分有差别。黏土矿物组合特征反映出研究区进入中成岩阶段,对应有机质演化的成熟阶段,具有适宜页岩油气形成的成熟度条件。扫描电镜显示,研究区泥页岩发育3种孔隙类型。与海相页岩相比,柴北缘中侏罗统泥页岩黏土矿物含量高但敏感性矿物含量低,石英、长石等脆性矿物含量偏低但达到湖相泥页岩开发标准,脆性指数平均为42.6%,整体上具有较好的脆性和可压性,有利于该区湖相页岩的压裂改造。     

新疆克兰盆地红墩铅锌矿床与铁木尔特铅锌矿床的对比研究

虽然红墩铅锌矿床与铁木尔特铅锌矿床均产于新疆阿尔泰山南缘中部的克兰裂谷盆地,且二者的矿体产状与地层走向一致,具有明显的纹层状构造,但是在某些主要地质特征上,二者却存在显著的差异.例如,前者赋存于中泥盆统阿勒泰镇组的沉积碎屑岩,与海相基性火山岩有关,表现为锌多铅少,不含铜,且闪锌矿为含铁较少的低温闪锌矿;而后者却赋存于下泥盆统康布铁堡组的火山碎屑-碳酸盐岩中,与海相酸性火山岩有关,表现为铅多锌少,富含铜,且闪锌矿为含铁较多的高温闪锌矿.综合对比研究表明,红墩铅锌矿床属于SEDEX型铅锌矿床,而铁木尔特铅锌矿床则属于VHMS型铅锌矿床.     

粘土矿物对古气候指示作用浅析

由于粘土矿物的成分、组合、含量以及结晶度的变化可以反映母源区气候冷、暖周期性变化，因此利用粘土矿物重建古气候环境近年来得到广泛的应用。然而，由于粘土矿物的敏感性，其气候记录的信息往往会被其他影响因素(如母源区、沉积环境、成岩作用等)掩盖。因此，在利用粘土矿物重建古气候环境时，需要综合考虑气候以及非气候的各种影响因素。     

A review of indicator minerals and sample processing methods for geochemical exploration

Geochemical exploration based on the analysis of indicator minerals (IMs) is becoming increasingly used as an effective method for mineral exploration for many types of mineral deposits. The types of IMs used or recommended for exploration for different types of deposits, their properties suitable for concentrating them, as well as those of other common minerals from which they must be separated are listed.