Fluorine, a direct indicator of fluorite mineralization in local and regional soil geochemical surveys

Little information is available on the use of fluorine as a direct indicator of fluorite mineralization in geochemical exploration. Until the last five to ten years, analytical methods were generally lacking good precision and were cumbersome, time-consuming and expensive, thus restricting their use in geochemical exploration work. Recently developed, rapid, partial and total fluoride extraction methods with subsequent analysis using the selective-ion electrode have made practicable the use of fluorine as a direct indicator of fluorite mineralization. This paper outlines some results of fluorine studies on soils from the fluorine province of Derbyshire, England. Some partial extraction and total fluoride analytical methods are described. Their applicability to the location of vein fluorite mineralization, concealed below both residual soil and soil developed over transported overburden, is demonstrated. Where drainage is virtually absent and soils offer the only suitable regional sampling medium, as in Derbyshire, England, soil geochemistry is shown to be a reliable tool in reconnaissance exploration work for fluorite deposits.