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USGS2003

Goldquarryite, a new Cd-bearing phosphate mineral from the Gold Quarry mine, Eureka County, Nevada

Goldquarryite, idealized formula CuCd2Al3(PO44F2(H2O)10(H2O 2, structure-derived formula (Cu0.70???0.30??1.00(Cd1.68Ca0.32??2.00Al3 (PO44F2(H2O)10[(H2O 1.60F0.40]??2.00, is triclinic, space group P1, with unit-cell parameters derived from crystal structure: a = 6.787(1), b = 9.082(2), c = 10.113(2) A??, ?? = 101.40(1)??, ?? = 104.27(1)??, ?? = 102.51(1)??, V = 568.7(3) A??3, a:b:c: = 0.7473:1:1.1135, Z = 1. The strongest seven reflections in the X-ray powder-diffraction pattern are [d(A??)(I)(hkl)]: 9.433(100)(001); 4.726(30)(002); 3.700(30)(022); 3.173(30b)(122, 113, 120, 003); 3.010(30)(122, 212); 2.896(30)(211); 2.820(50)(022). The mineral occurs on a single specimen collected from the 5,425-foot bench, Gold Quarry mine, Eureka County, Nevada, as isolated clusters of radiating sprays of crystals and as compact parallel crystal aggregates, which are both found on and between breccia fragments. Sprays and aggregates never exceed 3 mm in longest dimension and typically average about 0.5 mm in size. Goldquarryite is a late-stage supergene mineral associated with opal, carbonate-fluorapatite and hewettite, on a host rock composed principally of brecciated and hydrothermally rounded jasperoid fragments which have been lightly cemented by late-stage silicification. Individual euhedral crystals are acicular to bladed, elongate [100], with a length-to-width ratio of approximately 20:1; the maximum size is 1.5 mm but most crystals do not exceed 0.4 mm in length. Forms are {010}, {001} major and {100} very minor. The mineral is pleochroic; translucent (masses) to transparent (crystals); very pale blue to blue-gray (crystals) or blue (masses); with a white streak and a vitreous to glassy luster. Goldquarryite is brittle, lacks cleavage, has an irregular fracture, and is nonfluorescent; hardness (Mohs') is estimated at 3-4; measured density is 2.78(1) g/cm3 (sink-float techniques using methylene iodide-acetone mixtures), calculated density is 2.81 g/cm3 (for formula and unit-cell parameters derived from crystal structure). Optically, it is biaxial positive, ?? = 1.570, ?? = 1.573, ?? = 1.578; 2V (meas.) = ???30??, 2V (calc.) = 76??; dispersion r < v, strong. Average electron-microprobe analysis: K2O = 0.17, CuO = 5.33, CaO = 1.25, NiO = 0.23, ZnO = 0.05, CdO = 26.24, Al2O3 = 15.22, V2O3 = 0.05, P2O5 = 28.04, F = 3.63, H2O (calculated assuming stoichiometry) = [22.19], -O = F = -1.53, total = 100.87 weight %, corresponding to [(Cu0.66Ni0.03Zn0.01) ??0.70.

Mineralogical Record↗

USGS2004

Petrography and character of the bedrock surface beneath western Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cores collected during recent drilling in western Cape Cod, Massachusetts provide insight into the topography and petrology of the underlying bedrock. 62 drill sites spread over a ???140 km2 study area produced cores of granitoids (31), orthogneisses (20), basalts/diabases (4), amphibolites (3), felsic mylonites (2), and dolomitic rock (2). Granitoid cores range in composition from granite to tonalite to quartz diorite, but are dominated by single-mica granites. Alteration is common in nearly all cores examined in this study, and is evidenced by the secondary growth of chlorite and epidote. The granitoids resemble rocks of the Dedham and Fall River terranes (Wones and Goldsmith 1991). Gneisses from the study area generally contain the mineral assemblage hornblende+plagioclase+quartz+biotite+epidote??chlorite?? sphene??K-feldspar??sericite+oxides. Based on mineral assemblages, we estimate peak metamorphic grade to be of lower amphibolite facies. X-ray powder diffraction of unmetamorphosed dolomitic cores shows presence of layered silicates (clays), plagioclase, and possible magnesite. Contours of the bedrock surface show locally irregular topography suggesting erosion by glacial scour. The distribution of lithologies suggests a possible continuation of the New Bedford gneissic terrane that outcrops 25 km to the west. Dolomitic rocks may represent a lithified fault gouge material at the eastern edge of the gneissic zone. Basalts/diabases are interpreted to be post-metamorphic dikes of Late Paleozoic age, or possibly associated with Mesozoic rifting.

Massachussets↗

USGS1989

Mineralogic and textural relations in deeply buried rocks of the Simpson Group (Middle Ordovician)--implications in diagenesis and petroleum geology

The mineral composition and petrography of sandstones, shales, carbonates, and intermediate lithologies were determined on 112 core samples of the Middle Ordovician Simpson Group in the Sunray DX Parker No. 1 Mazur well, Grady County, Oklahoma. Core was recovered from present depths of about 15,900-17,200 ft and included all or parts of the Bromide, Tulip Creek, McLish, Oil Creek, and Joins Formations. The bulk-rock mineral composition of Simpson Group rocks is diverse. The mean weighted composition of 50 sandstone samples is 66% quartz, 14% clay, and 18% carbonate, as determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Some sandstones from the Oil Creek and Tulip Creek Formations contain as much as 96% quartz. These quartz-rich sandstones were cemented early by silica. Feldspar averages 2%; some sandstones from the McLish Formation contain as much as 15% feldspar. Potassium feldspar is commonly more abundant than plagioclase; potassium feldspar overgrowths are found in some of the sandstones. Most of the shales are clay-rich and quartz-poor, averaging about 85% clay minerals, 7% quartz, and 3% feldspar, by weight, as determined by XRD. Carbonate, fluorapatite, and pyrite are present in variable amounts. Such high clay/quartz ratios are not characteristic of shales and suggest that silica has been expelled by diagenetic processes during burial. The main clay mineral in the Simpson Group at these depths is illite, although iron-rich chlorite is locally concentrated in sandstones. Illite typically makes up >90 wt. % of the clay minerals in sandstones and >95 wt. % of those in shale and carbonate. Total clay content, determined from XRD, correlates closely with total gamma-ray intensity from geophysical logs, because illite is the primary potassium-bearing phase in these deeply buried rocks. Therefore, the gamma-ray log is a good indicator of "shaliness" in potential Simpson reservoirs at similar depths. Much of the carbonate was introduced into the sandstones during burial as calcite, dolomite, or ankerite cement. Early iron-free calcite is commonly replaced by iron-bearing calcite, dolomite, or ankerite. Sandstones and carbonate rocks also contain rhombic dolomite. Many of the dolomite rhombs contain overgrowths of ferroan dolomite or ankerite, as evidenced by staining. Ankerite cementation is later and less selective than earlier dolomite and commonly replaces earlier carbonate or silica cements. Dolomite commonly replaces detrital clay and calcite. Spatial and textural relations suggest that the conversion of smectite to illite contributed, in part, to the formation of dolomite and ankerite cements. Scanning electron miscroscopy reveals that much of the diagenetic illite occurs as tabular fibers in pores or as pseudomorphic intergrowths after smectite. Most chlorite in sandstones is authigenic and occurs as a pore-lining cement or as a pseudomorphic replacement after kaolinite. Secondary porosity, formed mainly from the dissolution of intergranular carbonate cements, is best developed in sandstones from the Oil Creek and Tulip Creek Formations.

Oklahoma↗

USGS1974

Mineralogical studies of the nitrate deposits of Chile IV. Brüggenite, Ca(IO3)2-H2O, a new saline mineral

Br ü ggenite, Ca(I0 3 )2 - H2 0, is found in veins of high-purity soda niter in rhyolite tuff at Pampa Pique III, Oficina Lautaro, Chile, as long columnar anhedral crystals, as prismatic crystals, and as irregular anhedral crystals or encrusting masses. The mineral is colorless to bright yellow, and transparent to translucent, has vitreous luster and a hardness of about 3 1 / 2 , is brittle, and has conchoidal fracture. It is biaxial and has variable optic angle and refractive indices, which were determined by the spindle-stage method. Refractive indices are as follows: n α =1.772-1.779, n β =1.795-1.802, and n γ =1.817-1.824 (all ± 0.003); optic angle shows a range of 2 V Z = 86°-96°; Z = b and X ∧ c = -47°; dispersion (Z) is r < v , moderate. Brüggenite is monoclinic, space group P 2 1 / c , with a=8.509±0.001 A, b = 10.027±0.002 A, c = 7.512±0.001 A, β = 95°16.00'±0.55', volume 638.2 A 3 , Z = 4, G (calc) = 4.244, G (meas) =4.24±0.01. The X-ray diffraction powder pattern of brüggenite has the following strong lines ( hkl , d hkl 1 ): 031, 3.051 A (100); 220, 3.238 A (90); 200, 4.235 A (80); 002, 3.739 A (60); 012, 3.503 A (60); 231, 2.522 A (60). The composition was confirmed by chemical analyses.

Antofagasta Province↗

USGS2013

Powder X-ray diffraction of florencite-(Nd)

Florencite-(Nd) [(Nd,Ce)Al 3 (PO 4 ) 2 (OH) 6 ], was first described by Milton and Bastron (1971) from fracture surfaces in weathered cherts of the Franciscan Complex, south of Sausalito in Marin County, California. Florencite-(Nd) occurred there as a moderate-brown pulverulent earthy material; individual crystals were not discernible under microscopic examination. A semi-quantitative spectrographic analysis showed the presence of Nd (3 wt. %) and Ce (0.5 wt. %). No powder data for florencite-(Nd) exists in the current powder diffraction file.

California↗

USGS2014

Powder X-ray diffraction laboratory, Reston, Virginia

The powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) laboratory is managed jointly by the Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources and Eastern Energy Resources Science Centers. Laboratory scientists collaborate on a wide variety of research problems involving other U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) science centers and government agencies, universities, and industry. Capabilities include identification and quantification of crystalline and amorphous phases, and crystallographic and atomic structure analysis for a wide variety of sample media. Customized laboratory procedures and analyses commonly are used to characterize non-routine samples including, but not limited to, organic and inorganic components in petroleum source rocks, ore and mine waste, clay minerals, and glassy phases. Procedures can be adapted to meet a variety of research objectives.

Virginia↗

USGS2021

Unmixing multiple metamorphic muscovite age populations with powder X-ray diffraction and 40Ar/39Ar analysis

A combination of modal estimates from powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments and argon isotopic data shows that muscovite 40 Ar/ 39 Ar total gas age correlates with muscovite composition near the retrograde Bald Mountain shear zone (BMSZ) in Claremont, New Hampshire, and that the shear zone was active at ∼245 Ma. Petrologic study demonstrates that chemical disequilibrium is preserved in muscovite grains in these samples. The recognition of this preservation is critical to the interpretation of the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar step-heating experiments, which never produce age plateaus and yield spectra with steps that range in age by ∼20 Ma. Petrographic, compositional, and crystallographic data all indicate that the age spectra reflect dissolution of metastable Na-rich muscovite and precipitation of stable Na-poor muscovite associated with deformation in the BMSZ.Comparison of whole rock and muscovite concentrate XRD patterns from individual samples demonstrates that the mineral separation process can fractionate these muscovite populations. Therefore, four muscovite concentrates of varying magnetic susceptibility were prepared from a single hand sample, analyzed by XRD, and dated. These four splits define a mixing line that resolves end-member ages of 244.5 ± 4.2 Ma and 302.5 ± 12.5 Ma (1σ). Although the ages are imprecise, the petrologically supported conclusion that these schists preserve two discrete ages is distinct from an interpretation that the spectra reflect cooling through closure at ∼270 Ma, as might be concluded in the absence of petrologic characterization. The XRD results also demonstrate that, even well above anchizone conditions, petrologic information relevant to 40 Ar/ 39 Ar dating is observable in subtle variations in the crystallography of muscovite grains.

New Hampshire↗

USGS1975

Quantitative determination of dawsonite in Green River Shale by powder-sample X-ray diffraction; effect of grinding

In an effort to evaluate the method of quantitative analysis by X-ray diffraction as a means of determining dawsonite abundances in Green River" oil shale, we performed a series of grinding experiments. Weighed mixtures of dawsonite + quartz and dawsonite + quartz + shale were ground for preset lengths of time, and the following X-ray diffraction peaks were measured for intensity: dawsonite (110) at 15.6 2 θ and (211) (002) at 32.1° 2 θ , and quartz (100) at 20.9° 2 θ and (101) at 26.6° 2 θ . Heights and areas were measured. Intensity ratios were plotted as functions of grinding time with a calculated probable error. Intensity ratios generally decrease as grinding time increases. The intensity of the 15.6° peak, D 15.6° , is most affected, and the most drastic reduction occurs during the first 20 min of grinding. The D 32.1° peak is least sensitive to grinding but is subject to interference by other minerals in the shale. We conclude that the X-ray diffraction method is not well adapted to the routine quantitative determination of dawsonite in oil shale of the Green River Formation.

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey↗

USGS2018

Delindeite titanosilicates and lourenswalsite, two new from the Magnet Cove region, Arkansas

Delindeite and lourenswalsite are two new barium titanosilicate minerals found as microscopic crystals in miarolitic cavities in nepheline syenite in the Diamond Jo quarry, Hot Spring County, Arkansas. Delindeite is found as aggregates of flake-like crystallites in compact spherules, light pinkish grey in colour, with a resinous, pearly lustre. The flakes are biaxial positive with average n ∼ 1.813; the measured density is 3.3 g/cm 3 . Electron diffraction revealed a monoclinic unit cell in space group C 2 l m or subgroup, with a = 21.617(13), b = 6.816(5), c = 5.383(3) Å, β = 94.03(5)° (refined from X-ray powder data). The strongest X-ray lines are ( hkl , d obs , I rel ): (200, 10.80, 100); (311, 3.54, 24); (6̄01, 3.083, 28); (601, 2.888, 31); (2̄21, 2.806, 20); (910, 2.262,18). The crystals are submicroscopically twinned on (100) and also produce additional continuous diffraction streaks parallel to a *, which double the b and c axes. The formula derived from electron and ion probe analyses (H 2 O by difference), as constrained by density and molar volume data, is approximately (Na,K) 2.7 (Ba,Ca) 4 (Ti,Fe,Al) 6 Si 8 O 26 (OH) 14 , with Na > K, Ba ≫ Ca, Ti ≫ Fe,Al; Z = 1. Lourenswalsite occurs as very thin hexagonal plates in rosettes, silver grey to light brownish grey in colour. The crystals are biaxial negative with very low 2 V angle. Indices of refraction are n α = 1.815, n β ≈ n γ = 1.840; the measured density is 3.17 g/cm = 1.840; the measured density is 3.17 g/cm 3 . X-ray and electron diffraction show a sharp pseudohexagonal lattice with a = 5.244 Å, but extremely diffuse diffraction streaks normal to the hk 0 plane. In these streaks a period of 20.5 Å can be discerned. A hexagonal unit cell with a = 5.244(2) Å, c = 20.49(3) Å can be refined from the powder diffraction data but does not account for some lines, probably because of extreme layer disorder as shown by precession single-crystal patterns. The strong X-ray powder lines are (002, 10.22, 20); (-, 3.93, 20); (111, 2.608, 100); (300, 1.5145, 80); (220, 1.3111, 25). The formula given by microprobe analyses, constrained by density and molar volume data, is approximately (K,Ba) 2 (Ti,Mg,Ca,Fe) 4 (Si,Al,Fe) 6 O 14 (OH) 12 with K > Ba, Ti ≫ (Mg,Ca,Fe), Si > Al > Fe; Z = 1. These minerals are formed under oxidizing weathering conditions, and iron is assumed to be in the Fe 3+ state.

Arkansas↗

USGS2005

Arsenate adsorption mechanisms at the allophane: Water interface

We investigated arsenate (As(V)) reactivity and surface speciation on amorphous aluminosilicate mineral (synthetic allophane) surfaces using batch adsorption experiments, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The adsorption isotherm experiments indicated that As(V) uptake increased with increasing [As(V)] o from 50 to 1000 μM (i.e., Langmuir type adsorption isotherm) and that the total As adsorption slightly decreased with increasing NaCl concentrations from 0.01 to 0.1 M. Arsenate adsorption was initially (0−10 h) rapid followed by a slow continuum uptake, and the adsorption processes reached the steady state after 720 h. X-ray absorption spectroscopic analyses suggest that As(V) predominantly forms bidentate binuclear surface species on aluminum octahedral structures, and these species are stable up to 11 months. Solubility calculations and powder XRD analyses indicate no evidence of crystalline Al−As(V) precipitates in the experimental systems. Overall, macroscopic and spectroscopic evidence suggest that the As(V) adsorption mechanisms at the allophane−water interface are attributable to ligand exchange reactions between As(V) and surface-coordinated water molecules and hydroxyl and silicate ions. The research findings imply that dissolved tetrahedral oxyanions (e.g., H 2 PO 4 2 - and H 2 AsO 4 2 - ) are readily retained on amorphous aluminosilicate minerals in aquifer and soils at near neutral pH. The inner-sphere adsorption mechanisms might be important in controlling dissolved arsenate and phosphate in amorphous aluminosilicate-rich low-temperature geochemical environments.

Environmental Science & Technology↗

USGS1996

Heat capacity and entropy at the temperatures 5 K to 720 K and thermal expansion from the temperatures 298 K to 573 K of synthetic enargite (Cu3AsS4)

The heat capacity of synthetic Cu3AsS4 (enargite) was measured by quasi-adiabatic calorimetry from the temperatures 5 K to 355 K and by differential scanning calorimetry from T = 339 K to T = 720 K. Heat-capacity anomalies were observed at T = (58.5 ?? 0.5) K (??trsHom = 1.4??R??K; ??trsSom = 0.02??R) and at T = (66.5 ?? 0.5) K (??trsHom = 4.6??R??K; ??trsSom = 0.08??R), where R = 8.31451 J??K-1??mol-1. The causes of the anomalies are unknown. At T = 298.15 K, Cop,m and Som(T) are (190.4 ?? 0.2) J??K-1??mol-1 and (257.6 ?? 0.6) J??K-1??mol-1, respectively. The superambient heat capacities are described from T = 298.15 K to T = 944 K by the least-squares regression equation: Cop,m/(J??K-1??mol-1) = (196.7 ?? 1.2) + (0.0499 ?? 0.0016)??(T/K) -(1918 000 ?? 84 000)??(T/K)-2. The thermal expansion of synthetic enargite was measured from T = 298.15 K to T = 573 K by powder X-ray diffraction. The thermal expansion of the unit-cell volume (Z = 2) is described from T = 298.15 K to T = 573 K by the least-squares equation: V/pm3 = 106??(288.2 ?? 0.2) + 104??(1.49 ?? 0.04)??(T/K). ?? 1996 Academic Press Limited.

Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics↗

USGS2012

Mineralogical, chemical, and crystallographic properties of supergene jarosite-group minerals from the Xitieshan Pb-Zn sulfide deposit, northern Tibetan Plateau, China

Supergene jarosite-group minerals are widespread in weathering profiles overlying Pb-Zn sulfide ores at Xitieshan, northern Tibetan Plateau, China. They consist predominantly of K-deficient natrojarosite, with lesser amounts of K-rich natrojarosite and plumbojarosite. Electron microprobe (EMP) analyses, scanning electron microcopy (SEM) investigation, and X-ray mapping reveal that the jarosite-group minerals are characterized by spectacular oscillatory zoning composed of alternating growth bands of K-deficient and K-bearing natrojarosite (K 2 O >1 wt.%). Plumbojarosite, whenever present, occurs as an overgrowth in the outermost bands, and its composition can be best represented by K 0.29 Na 0.19 Pb 0.31 Fe 2.66 Al 0.22 (SO 4 ) 1.65 (PO 4 ) 0.31 (AsO 4 ) 0.04 (OH) 7.37 . The substitution of monovalent for divalent cations at the A site of plumbojarosite is charge balanced by the substitution of five-valent for six-valent anions in XO, 4/sub> at the X site. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of representative samples reveal mass losses of 11.46 wt.% at 446.6 °C and 21.42 wt.% at 683.4 °C due to dehydroxylation and desulfidation, respectively. TGA data also indicate that the natrojarosite structure collapses at 446.6 °C, resulting in the formation of NaFe(SO 4 ) 2 and minor hematite. The decomposition products of NaFe(SO 4 ) are hematite and Na, 2 SO 4 . Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses show that the jarosite-group minerals have mean unit-cell parameters of a =7.315 ä and c =016.598 ä. XRD and EMP data support the view that substitutions of Na for K in the A site and full Fe occupancy in the B site can considerably decrease the unit-cell parameter c , but only slightly increase a . The results from this study suggest that the observed oscillatory zoning of jarosite-group minerals at Xitieshan resulted mainly from substitutions of K for Na at the A site and P for S at the X site.

Tibetan Plateau↗

USGS1992

Chemical, crystallographic and stable isotopic properties of alunite and jarosite from acid-Hypersaline Australian lakes

Chemical, crystallographic and isotopic analyses were made on samples containing alunite and jarosite from the sediments of four acid, hypersaline lakes in southeastern and southwestern Australia. The alunite and jarosite are K-rich with relatively low Na contents based on chemical analysis and determination of unit cell dimensions by powder X-ray diffraction. Correcting the chemical analyses of fine-grained mineral concentrates from Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, for the presence of halite, silica and poorly crystalline aluminosilicates, the following formulas indicate best estimates for solid-solution compositions: for alunite, K 0.87 Na 0.04 (H 3 O) 0.09 (Al 0.92 Fe 0.08 ) 3 (SO 4 ) 2 (OH) 6 and for jarosite, K 0.89 Na 0.07 (H 3 O) 0.04 (Fe 0.80 Al 0.20 ) 3 (SO 4 ) 2 (OH) 6 . The δD-values of alunite are notably larger than those for jarosite from Lake Tyrrell and it appears that the minerals have closely approached hydrogen isotope equilibrium with the acidic regional groundwaters. The δD results are consistent with a fractionation ∼60–70‰ between alunite and jarosite observed in other areas. However, interpretation of δD results is complicated by large variability in fluid δD H2O from evaporation, mixing and possible ion hydration effects in the brine. δD-values of water derived from jarosite by step-wise heating tend to be smaller at 250°C, at which temperature hydronium and other non-hydroxyl water is liberated, than at 550°C, where water is derived from the hydroxyl site, but the differences are not sufficiently different to invalidate measurements of total δD obtained by conventional, single-step heating methods. δ 34 S-values for alunite and jarosite from the four lakes (+19.7 to +21.2‰ CDT) and for aqueous sulfate from Lake Tyrrell (+18.3 to +19.8‰) are close to the values for modern evaporites ( +21.5 ±0.3‰ ">‰ +21.5 ±0.3‰ ) and seawater ( +20±0.5‰ ">‰ +20±0.5‰ ) and are probably typical of seawater-derived aerosols in arid coastal environments. δ 34 -S-values slightly smaller than that for seawater may reflect a minor contribution of sulfate from pyrite oxidation in the Parilla Sand or a reservoir effect from removal of gypsum enriched in 34 S. δ 18 O SO4 -values for alunite from three Western Australia lakes (+17.8 to +18.3‰ V-SMOW), for alunite and jarosite from Lake Tyrrell (+22.6 to +24.9‰) and for aqueous sulfate from Lake Tyrrell (+17.3 to +19.0‰) are much larger than the average value for seawater (+9.6‰). The data suggest an approach to 18 O- 16 O equilibrium between aqueous sulfate and groundwater, which is known from experimental studies to be possible at low pH and low temperatures, but has not been previously documented in nature. A residence time of ∼0.1–1 kyr for sulfate in acidic water (pH 3–4) is needed to achieve the apparent partial oxygen exchange, using previously published data of R.M. Lloyd.

Chemical Geology↗

USGS2005

Secondary sulfate minerals associated with acid drainage in the eastern US: Recycling of metals and acidity in surficial environments

Weathering of metal-sulfide minerals produces suites of variably soluble efflorescent sulfate salts at a number of localities in the eastern United States. The salts, which are present on mine wastes, tailings piles, and outcrops, include minerals that incorporate heavy metals in solid solution, primarily the highly soluble members of the melanterite, rozenite, epsomite, halotrichite, and copiapite groups. The minerals were identified by a combination of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron-microprobe. Base-metal salts are rare at these localities, and Cu, Zn, and Co are commonly sequestered as solid solutions within Fe- and Fe-Al sulfate minerals. Salt dissolution affects the surface-water chemistry at abandoned mines that exploited the massive sulfide deposits in the Vermont copper belt, the Mineral district of central Virginia, the Copper Basin (Ducktown) mining district of Tennessee, and where sulfide-bearing metamorphic rocks undisturbed by mining are exposed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Dissolution experiments on composite salt samples from three minesites and two outcrops of metamorphic rock showed that, in all cases, the pH of the leachates rapidly declined from 6.9 to <3.7, and specific conductance increased gradually over 24 h. Leachates analyzed after 24-h dissolution experiments indicated that all of the salts provided ready sources of dissolved Al (>30 mg L-1), Fe (>47 mg L-1), sulfate (>1000 mg L-1), and base metals (>1000 mg L-1 for minesites, and 2 mg L-1 for other sites). Geochemical modeling of surface waters, mine-waste leachates, and salt leachates using PHREEQC software predicted saturation in the observed ochre minerals, but significant concentration by evaporation would be needed to reach saturation in most of the sulfate salts. Periodic surface-water monitoring at Vermont minesites indicated peak annual metal loads during spring runoff. At the Virginia site, where no winter-long snowpack develops, metal loads were highest during summer months when salts were dissolved periodically by rainstorms following sustained evaporation during dry spells. Despite the relatively humid climate of the eastern United States, where precipitation typically exceeds evaporation, salts form intermittently in open areas, persist in protected areas when temperature and relative humidity are appropriate, and contribute to metal loadings and acidity in surface waters upon dissolution, thereby causing short-term perturbations in water quality.

Chemical Geology↗

USGS2010

A high-pyrite semianthracite of Late Permian age in the Songzao Coalfield, southwestern China: Mineralogical and geochemical relations with underlying mafic tuffs

The No. 12 Coal (Late Permian) in the Songzao Coalfield, Chongqing, southwestern China, is characteristically high in pyrite and some trace elements. It is uniquely deposited directly above mafic tuff beds. Samples of coal and tuffs have been studied for their mineralogy and geochemistry using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, plasma low-temperature ashing plus powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis.The results show that the minerals of the No. 12 Coal are mainly composed of pyrite, clay minerals (kaolinite, chamosite, and illite), ankerite, calcite, and trace amounts of quartz and boehmite. Kaolinite and boehmite were mainly derived from sediment source region of mafic tuffs. Chamosite was formed by the reaction of kaolinite with Fe-Mg-rich fluids during early diagenesis. The high pyrite (Sp,d=8.83%) in the coal was related to marine transgression over peat deposits and abundant Fe derived from the underlying mafic tuff bed. Ankerite and calcite were precipitated from epigenetic fluids.Chemical compositions of incompatible elements indicate that the tuffs were derived from enriched mantle and the source magmas had an alkali-basalt character. Compared to other coals from the Songzao Coalfield and common Chinese coals, the No. 12 Coal has a lower SiO2/Al2O3 (1.13) but a higher Al2O3/Na2O (80.1) value and is significantly enriched in trace elements including Sc (13.5??g/g), V (121??g/g), Cr (33.6??g/g), Co (27.2??g/g), Ni (83.5??g/g), Cu (48.5??g/g), Ga (17.3??g/g), Y (68.3??g/g), Zr (444??g/g), Nb (23.8??g/g), and REE (392??g/g on average). Above mineralogical compositions, as well as similar ratios of selected elements (e.g., SiO2/Al2O3 and Al2O3/Na2O) and similar distribution patterns of incompatible elements (e.g., the mantle-normalized diagram for incompatible elements and chondrite-normalized diagram for rare earth elements) of coal and tuff, indicated that enriched trace elements above were largely derived from mafic tuffs, in addition to a minor amount from the Kandian Oldland. ?? 2010 Elsevier B.V.

International Journal of Coal Geology↗

USGS2011

Structural stability of methane hydrate at high pressures

The structural stability of methane hydrate under pressure at room temperature was examined by both in-situ single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction techniques on samples with structure types I, II, and H in diamond-anvil cells. The diffraction data for types II (sII) and H (sH) were refined to the known structures with space groups Fd 3 m and P 6 3 / mmc , respectively. Upon compression, sI methane hydrate transforms to the sII phase at 120 MPa, and then to the sH phase at 600 MPa. The sII methane hydrate was found to coexist locally with sI phase up to 500 MPa and with sH phase up to 600 MPa. The pure sH structure was found to be stable between 600 and 900 MPa. Methane hydrate decomposes at pressures above 3 GPa to form methane with the orientationally disordered Fm 3 m structure and ice VII ( Pn 3 m ). The results highlight the role of guest (CH 4 )-host (H 2 O) interactions in the stabilization of the hydrate structures under pressure.

Geoscience Frontiers↗

USGS2011

Gas hydrate characterization and grain-scale imaging of recovered cores from the Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well, Alaska North Slope

Using cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (CSEM), powder X-ray diffraction, and gas chromatography methods, we investigated the physical states, grain characteristics, gas composition, and methane isotopic composition of two gas-hydrate-bearing sections of core recovered from the BPXA–DOE–USGS Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well situated on the Alaska North Slope. The well was continuously cored from 606.5 m to 760.1 m depth, and sections investigated here were retrieved from 619.9 m and 661.0 m depth. X-ray analysis and imaging of the sediment phase in both sections shows it consists of a predominantly fine-grained and well-sorted quartz sand with lesser amounts of feldspar, muscovite, and minor clays. Cryogenic SEM shows the gas-hydrate phase forming primarily as a pore-filling material between the sediment grains at approximately 70–75% saturation, and more sporadically as thin veins typically several tens of microns in diameter. Pore throat diameters vary, but commonly range 20–120 microns. Gas chromatography analyses of the hydrate-forming gas show that it is comprised of mainly methane (>99.9%), indicating that the gas hydrate is structure I. Here we report on the distribution and articulation of the gas-hydrate phase within the cores, the grain morphology of the hydrate, the composition of the sediment host, and the composition of the hydrate-forming gas.

Alaska↗

USGS2011

The characteristics of gas hydrates recovered from the Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well, Alaska North Slope

Systematic analyses have been carried out on two gas hydrate-bearing sediment core samples, HYPV4, which was preserved by CH 4 gas pressurization, and HYLN7, which was preserved in liquid-nitrogen, recovered from the BPXA-DOE-USGS Mount Elbert Stratigraphic Test Well. Gas hydrate in the studied core samples was found by observation to have developed in sediment pores, and the distribution of hydrate saturation in the cores imply that gas hydrate had experienced stepwise dissociation before it was stabilized by either liquid nitrogen or pressurizing gas. The gas hydrates were determined to be structure Type I hydrate with hydration numbers of approximately 6.1 by instrumentation methods such as powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and solid state 13 C NMR. The hydrate gas composition was predominantly methane, and isotopic analysis showed that the methane was of thermogenic origin (mean δ 13 C = −48.6‰ and δ D = −248‰ for sample HYLN7). Isotopic analysis of methane from sample HYPV4 revealed secondary hydrate formation from the pressurizing methane gas during storage.

Alaska↗