Geochemistry of rock units at the potential repository level,Yucca Mountain,Nevada

The compositional variability of the phenocryst-poor member of the 12.8 Ma Topopah Spring Tuff at the potential repository level was assessed by duplicate analysis of 20 core samples from the cross drift at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Previous analyses of outcrop and core samples of the Topopah Spring Tuff showed that the phenocryst-poor rhyolite, which includes both lithophysal and nonlithophysal zones, is relatively uniform in composition. Analyses of rock samples from the cross drift, the first from the actual potential repository block, also indicate the chemical homogeneity of this unit excluding localized deposits of vapor-phase minerals and low-temperature calcite and opal in fractures, cavities, and faults. The possible influence of vapor-phase minerals and calcite and opal coatings on rock composition at a scale sufficiently large to incorporate these heterogeneously distributed deposits was evaluated and is considered to be relatively minor. Therefore, the composition of the phenocryst-poor member of the Topopah Spring Tuff is considered to be adequately represented by the analyses of samples from the cross drift. The mean composition as represented by the 10 most abundant oxides in wt.% or g/100 g is: SiO₂, 76.29; Al₂O₃, 12.55; FeO, 0.14; Fe₂O₃, 0.97; MgO, 0.13; CaO, 0.50; Na₂O, 3.52; K₂O, 4.83; TiO₂, 0.11; and MnO, 0.07.     

光石沟晶质铀矿:一种潜在的铀矿物电子探针定量分析标准样品

电子探针定量分析是采用元素A在待测样品中的特征X射线强度与标准样品中元素A特征X射线强度相比较而进行的,要实现未知样品的元素定量分析必须要具有相应的标准样品,目前可用于铀元素分析的电子探针分析标准样品极少,且缺乏与天然矿物成分、结构近似的标准样品。国际和国内已经制定了电子探针标准物质研制的规范(GB/T 4930—2008/ISO14595:2003),按该规范规定的方法研究了产于陕西光石沟铀矿床的晶质铀矿,结果表明:这些晶质铀矿晶形发育好,颗粒大,具备良好的纯度、均匀性和稳定性。随机选择30个颗粒进行均匀性检测,UO₂和PbO在95%的置信区间的平均浓度不确定度分别为0.275%和0.060%,具备非常好的均匀性;该晶质铀矿在电子探针电子束长时间(如360s)轰击下和在自然条件下存放,均具有良好的稳定性;采用五家实验室化学分析定值方法确定了该晶质铀矿的化学成分,并计算了不确定度,主量元素UO₂为(86.80±0.36)%,PbO为(4.80±0.07)%,其他元素也给出了参考值。综合以上研究结果:产于光石沟铀矿床的晶质铀矿满足GB/T 4930—2008关于电子探针定量分析标准样品的各项判据,是一个潜在的适用于铀矿物化学成分电子探针定量分析使用的天然矿物标准样品。     

Quantitative analysis of clay minerals and their admixtures

Clay minerals are of non uniform composition and particle size. Also their identification and nomenclature have given much confusion. Examples are given. Quantitative analysis of clay minerals from deposits and soils, by X-ray, thermo- and infrared analysis is treated. Examples are given of the large variability in the results; even for X-ray and electron microscope pure- and 85 to 90% chemical pure samples of kaolinite a well defined clay mineral. They are caused mainly by varying conditions of crystal growth from which result differences in isomorphous replacements, structure, ordering and strain. An amorphous weathering substance coating the mineral particles (Beilby layer) upsets in particular quantitative analyses of the finer kinds of clay minerals. Clay minerals from soils have, as compared to those from pure deposits, in particular formed by hydrothermal action, only poor characteristics of small intensity. Examples are given. Quantitative analyses are further hindered by specific characteristics for a certain mineral being masked by those of other minerals which usually occur in the same sample. Examples are given.     

Comparison of metal homogeneity in grab,quartered, and crushed — sieved portions of stream sediments and metal content change resulting from crushing — sieving activity

Restricted grain size sediment samples were collected along two streams. Metal content in some samples may have been influenced by landfill emissions. Each sample was divided into a grab portion, a quartered portion, and a portion crushed and sieved to a smaller size and then quartered. A duplicate sample from each of these portions was extracted. The Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Ba, Fe, Mn, and Ca quantities were determined for each duplicate sample. Relative standard deviation was used to reflect homogeneity of metal content. Metal occurrence represented speciated metals or major components of chemical phases. Results indicated that variation of metal content among portions was uniform and did not vary as a function of absolute metal quantity. Homogeneity was similar in the same size grab and quartered samples. A more homogeneous metal state was displayed by the crushed and sieved sediments. However, this activity enriched softer chemical phases and associated speciated metals. It was concluded that sediments need not be quartered to obtain a better homogeneity of metal distribution and that field samples should not be crushed and sieved prior to chemical analyses. Assessment of sediments affected by metal emission sources must include a knowledge of metal homogeneity in individual samples.     

Disequilibrium in co-existing clinopyroxene and garnet from blueschist-facies Fe-rich eclogites, Voltri Group, Italy

Abstract Clinopyroxenes and garnets from 11 blueschist-facies Fe-rich eclogite samples from the Voltri Group show a wide range of chemical compositions. Detailed analyses of single pyroxene and garnet grains show wide and scattered chemical inhomogeneity, the K_D(K_D= (Fe₂₊/Mg)^Gt/(Fe²⁺/Mg)^Cpx) ranges from 20 to 87 based on rim analyses only. The data obtained indicate that the mineral pairs never attained equilibrium under uniform P-T conditions and that the compositions of the metamorphic minerals were influenced mainly by the composition of the pre-metamorphic minerals and by topotactical reactions.     

老挝田黄石的宝石学与矿物学特征

运用静水称重法、X射线粉晶衍射仪、傅立叶红外光谱仪、全岩化学分析、环境扫描电镜、激光剥蚀等离子质谱等测试手段,对老挝田黄石的矿物学特征进行了研究.结果表明,老挝田黄石含有多种高岭石族矿物,并以地开石为主.Fe3+为老挝田黄石呈黄色的致色离子.样品中高岭石族矿物颗粒直径为3~5μm,呈假六方片状,表面平整,呈三维堆垛或叠瓦状紧密排列.样品中矿物颗粒越小,结晶程度越好,自形程度越高,样品的透明度越高.微量元素分析可对老挝田黄石与田黄进行产地区分.老挝田黄石中Ga元素的质量分数高于田黄,而Co、Rb、Ni等元素的质量分数明显低于田黄.Co-Ga、Rb-Ga、Ni-Ga元素的投点图能较好区分老挝田黄石和田黄.老挝田黄石样品表现出轻稀土元素富集、重稀土元素亏损的特征,且轻稀土元素的分馏明显.     

中国北方三流域河流—沙漠过渡带地表沉积物化学元素空间差异分析

通过对克里雅河、毛布拉格孔兑以及西拉木伦河三流域的河流-沙漠过渡带地表沉积物的7种常量氧化物以及15种微量元素进行因子分析,结果显示:三个流域之间或不同河段因子分析提取的公因子均可以概括为较稳定的铁锰矿物、较不稳定的长石类和方解石（白云石）类等硅酸盐矿物以及稳定的稀土元素和重矿物等类别;河流间因子分析结果表明,自西向东三个流域沿河地表沉积物的化学元素富集与迁移程度呈递增趋势,化学风化程度增强;流域内因子分析结果表明,自上游至下游,样点化学组成均愈变复杂,不同河段或不同河岸沉积物化学元素空间分布规律与其物源、地貌格局以及水分条件等因素有关;自河床至阶地,不同地貌单元地表沉积物化学元素呈相异的递变规律,这与在距离河道远近不同,物源、动力因素的分配不同有关。     

Origin and significance of high nickel and chromium concentrations in Pliocene lignite of the Kosovo Basin, Serbia

Trace element data from 59 Pliocene lignite cores from the lignite field in the Kosovo Basin, southern Serbia, show localized enrichment of Ni and Cr (33–304 ppm and 8–176 ppm, respectively, whole-coal basis). Concentrations of both elements decrease from the western and southern boundaries of the lignite field. Low-temperature ash and polished coal pellets of selected bench and whole-coal samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. These analyses show that most of the Ni and Cr are incorporated in detrital and, to a lesser degree, in authigenic minerals. The Ni- and Cr-bearing detrital minerals include oxides, chromites, serpentine-group minerals and rare mixed-layer clays. Possible authigenic minerals include Ni---Fe sulfates and sulfides. Analyses of three lignite samples by a supercritical fluid extraction technique indicate that some (1–11%) of the Ni is organically bound. Ni- and Cr-bearing oxides, mixed-layer clays, chromites and serpentine-group minerals were also identified in weathered and fresh samples of laterite developed on serpentinized Paleozoic peridotite at the nearby Glavica and ikatovo Ni mines. These mines are located along the western and northwestern rim, respectively, of the Kosovo Basin, where Ni contents are highest. The detrital Ni- and Cr-bearing minerals identified in lignite samples from the western part of the Kosovo Basin may have been transported into the paleoswamp by rivers that drained the two Paleocene laterites. Some Ni may have been transported directly into the paleoswamp in solution or, alternatively, Ni may have been leached from detrital minerals by acidic peat water and adsorbed onto organic matter and included into authigenic mineral phases. No minable source of Ni and Cr is known in the southern part of the lignite field; however, the mineral and chemical data from the lignite and associated rocks suggest that such a source area may exist.     

Process Mineralogy of Lateritic Nickel Ore

This paper presents a methodology for studying low grade lateritic nickel ore, which usually presents complex mineralogy, with widespread nickel in several mineral phases. The study is focused on determining the mineralogy and the distribution of nickel in the bearing minerals. Laboratory assays comprise homogenization, sampling and particle size analysis. Chemical analyses by X-ray fluorescence are performed in all fractions sizes, while mineralogical assessments by X-ray diffraction are carried out for head sample. The mineralogical composition of the samples and the partition of main elements in the bearing minerals are assayed by size fraction through automated image analysis software (MLA) coupled to a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical compositions of the several minerals identified in MLA are determined during systematic observations on SEM with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS).     

Patterns of rare earth and other trace elements in Paleogene and Miocene clayey sediments from the Mondego platform (Central Portugal)

In the present study the origin of clay deposits occurring in an inland platform, in central Portugal, was investigated by their mineralogical and chemical composition. The clay deposits, exploited for ceramic industry are composed of silt-clay facies, the Monteira Member and the Arroça Member, which are assigned to the Coja Formation (Paleogene) and the Campelo Formation (Miocene), respectively. These clayey facies show almost compositional homogeneity, especially concerning texture. The mineralogical composition of the Monteira Member displays slightly higher content in smectite and interstratified clay minerals, which is supported by the chemical composition of samples analyzed. Both members present similar REE patterns, displaying an intense weathering record and little variation in the source area composition. Minor element geochemistry suggests low content in heavy minerals and transition metals. REE patterns and ratios of geochemical parameters support the dominant metasedimentary provenance, with a granite source contribution and also mature recycled sediments of continental origin. The study results’ suggest that the clays of these two members have the same source in terms of lithology and recycled sediments from the Hesperian massif. During the deposition of the Arroça Member, a major remobilization of the Monteira Member is suggested, explaining the geochemical similarity of both facies.     

Rare-earth elements in Luochuan loess section,Shaanxi province

TheΣ REE in loesses of different ages in the Luochuan section shows a narrow range of variation, indicating the homogeneity of loessic materials in chemical composition. The REEs in loess are concentrated mainly in silt-sized detrital minerals. Loesses and paleosols of different ages all are relatively enriched in rare-earth elements of the Ce family, and show similar REE distribution patterns. The fractionation among various REEs in the loess is different from that in morainic, marine and lacustrine sediments, but is similar to that in sand samples from deserts in Northwest China. The ratios of Ce/Ce* and Eu/Eu* reflect that the provenance of loessic materials and their accumulating area are all in an oxidation environment with weakly basic mediums under arid or semi-arid climate.     

Hydrothermal alterations of the chemical composition in grain size fractions of sediments in the Guaymas Basin,Gulf of California

The paper presents data on the contents of macro- and microelements (rare earth elements included) determined in grain size fractions of the Upper Pleistocene hydrothermally altered and unaltered sediments from the Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California). Sediments subjected to high-temperature hydrothermal alteration were recovered by DSDP Hole 477A. In the finely dispersed fractions, which are mainly composed of clay minerals, alteration of the chemical composition was provoked by the hydrothermal transformation of terrigenous clay minerals. The concentration of microelements in these fractions takes place primarily at the cost of the hydrothermal finely dispersed ore minerals. Alteration of the chemical composition of the coarse-grained fractions is related to the replacement of clastogenic minerals by the secondary varieties and the formation of new minerals (including ore minerals and native metals) from the solutions. Hydrothermal alterations of the chemical composition of bulk samples depend on the degree of chemical element concentration in fractions and their content in samples.     

Talc rock weathering (Nikolayev Massif,Ukrainian SSR)

Thermal analysis, optical determinations, and comparisons of mineral and chemical composition of samples from an ocher type section, 25-60 m thick, preserved on the ultrabasics in which the talc of the lower part is replaced by hypergenetic minerals in the upper horizons. Characterized by indistinct zonation, all the rocks are identified in the section and a generalization of the sequence of mineral replacement as shown by the analyses is given.—IGR Staff.     

Evaluation of a Quality Control Monitor Material for the Routine Electron Probe Microanalysis of Kimberlite Exploration Garnets

Election probe microanalysis of indicator minerals is extensively used in the exploration for kimberlite deposits, the evaluation of specific kimberlite occurrences for their diamond bearing potential and to classify grains into different chemical and lithological mantle associations. Kimberlite exploration programmes can involve several tens of thousands of indicator mineral analyses. Procedures for monitoring data quality and consistency of analyses across large data sets are commonly absent. Suitable monitor minerals should be used to verify the data quality of kimberlite exploration and evaluation data sets. This material should have a suitable composition, be homogenous, be available in sufficient quantities and have a similar appearance to the unknown samples. Garnet P1, a megacryst garnet from the Premier kimberlite, was found to have a suitable composition as a monitor for kimberlite garnet analyses. Data were collected on the monitor material at regular intervals during routine analyses, over an extended period, both as a fixed grain mounted on the sample holder and as separate grains set within batches of routine samples. The data were evaluated to assess the quality and consistency in the analyses of large data sets over time. The monitor material was also analysed at independent laboratories using their routine analytical set-up and calibration procedures for comparative purposes. Values are given for the mean ± 2s range, which can serve as guide values for acceptable analyses for all elements.     

A new simple approach to evaluate pedogenic clay transformation in a Vertic Calcisol

The aim of this study is to characterize the pedogenic clay minerals by using simple approach: mixing mineralogical and geochemical findings.The fine clay fractions (< 0.1 μm) of a Vertic Cambisol profile were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and cation exchange capacity (CEC).Qualitative and quantitative mineralogical compositions of the clay mixture were determined.Moreover, chemical equilibria and thermodynamic stabilities of minerals (calcite, gypsum, kaolinite, smectites and illites) were studied using results of ionic activities obtained from total concentration of various aqueous species in water extracts from soil-saturated pastes.XRD analysis shows a good homogeneity in the mineralogical composition of the soil material, with depth of soil profiles. The identified clay minerals are mainly illite–smectite mixed layers (I/S) and kaolinite. The chemical analysis of saturated paste extracts with clay minerals shows a slight undersaturation of the illitic phase while smectites and also calcite and gypsum reach the thermodynamic equilibrium along the soil profile.     

湘南多金属矿集区燕山期成矿花岗岩的造岩矿物特征及其成因意义

湘南地区燕山期成矿花岗岩有3种类型,其主要造岩矿物化学成分和种属明显不同;矿物的化学成分变异特征均显示出壳幔岩浆混合成因的特点：①角闪石均属于钙质角闪石亚类。②MC型早期次花岗岩中的黑云母多属镁质黑云母;CM型晚期次花岗岩中的黑云母主要为铁质黑云母;C型花岗岩中的黑云母主要为铁叶云母-铁黑云母,且多为铁锂黑云母。3类型花岗岩中黑云母的成分变异呈线型关系,暗示有成因联系。③3类型花岗岩中斜长石有明显区别,MC型多为中长石,CM的多为更长石,C型多为钠长石。斜长石环带构造发育程度不同,CM型早期次单元花岗岩中的斜长石环带最发育。④CM型花岗岩及其暗色微粒包体中的碱性长石主要属于相对富钾的正长石,包体中的个别属歪长石,表明其形成温度较高;C型花岗岩中碱性长石为相对贫钾的钠正长石及微斜长石。⑤造岩矿物特征和成分变异显示了成矿花岗岩的形成与壳幔岩浆混合作用有关,形成MC型和CM型早期次单元花岗岩的岩浆演化主要是岩浆混合作用,而CM型花岗岩晚期次的花岗岩类和C型花岗岩类的岩浆演化可能还存在分离结晶作用。     

褶皱变形过程中的构造化学效应

通过扫描分析电镜（ＳＥＭ）对２个褶皱样品的主要造岩矿物化学成分进行分析，探讨了在中－深部地壳的变形环境下，褶皱变形作用导致变形岩石化学成分分异的规律以及褶皱变形的构造化学效应。     

硅灰石矿化学物相分析方法

硅灰石是一种钙的偏硅酸盐矿物,它作为工业矿物仅有二十多年的历史。从六十年代起,硅灰石用作陶瓷原料有了迅速地发展,由于能低温快速烧成,可大幅度降低燃料消耗,缩短生产周期,提高生产率。因此,大量用于釉面砖的生产。此外,硅灰石还在涂料工业、塑料与橡胶工业、磨料工业、电焊和绝缘产品等方面也得到应用,特别是把硅灰石处理成超细粒材料后,更有广阔的发展前景。     

石灰岩中游离二氧化硅化学物相分析方法的标准化研究

介绍了石灰岩中游离二氧化硅的化学物相分析方法,选择磷酸溶矿,再以氟硼酸解聚已溶出的硅酸,使游离二氧化硅与其他矿物分离,再用重量法进行测定,并按ＧＢ３７９－８６测试方法的精密度,通过实验室间试验确定标准测试方法的重复性和再现性,通过取样、制样、样品均匀性检查、精密度试验等步骤,对该方法进行了标准化研究。     

Effect of saline water bodies on the hydrogeochemical evaluation of groundwater at Kalpakkam coastal site, Tamil Nadu

Geochemical signatures of groundwater in Kalpakkam plant site were used to identify the geochemistry of the unconfined coastal aquifer. Ground water samples collected from 14 borewells around the study area were studied for four different seasons viz. Summer, South-west monsoon, North-east monsoon and Post-monsoon to identify the major geochemical processes activated in the study area. Data obtained through chemical analyses of groundwater samples were used for graphical plots and geochemical calculations. Piper, Chloro alkaline indices and Chadda’s diagram were determined for geochemical classification of the groundwaters. Identified geochemical processes were verified and quantified using hydrogeochemical aqueous speciation model, PHREEQC to find out the Saturation Indices (SI) of the possible minerals of the study area. It was observed that majority of the bore well samples were under saturated with respect to minerals such as Gypsum, Aragonite and oversaturated with respect to dolomite and calcite. Parameters such as ion exchange and reverse ion exchange, saline water incursion were observed due to the presence of saline water bodies in addition to dissolution of minerals.