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Sam Rosenblum

Publications and source records attributed to Sam Rosenblum.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2000

Magnetic susceptibilities of minerals

Magnetic separation of minerals is a topic that is seldom reported in the literature for two reasons. First, separation data generally are byproducts of other projects; and second, this study requires a large amount of patience and is unusually tedious. Indeed, we suspect that most minerals probably are never investigated for this property. These data are timesaving for mineralogists who concentrate mono-mineralic fractions for chemical analysis, age dating, and for other purposes. The data can certainly be used in the ore-beneficiation industries. In some instances, magnetic-susceptibility data may help in mineral identification, where other information is insufficient. In past studies of magnetic separation of minerals, (Gaudin and Spedden, 1943; Tille and Kirkpatrick, 1956; Rosenblum, 1958; Rubinstein and others, 1958; Flinter, 1959; Hess, 1959; Baker, 1962; Meric and Peyre, 1963; Rojas and others, 1965; and Duchesne, 1966), the emphasis has been on the ferromagnetic and paramagnetic ranges of extraction. For readers interested in the history of magnetic separation of minerals, Krumbein and Pettijohn (1938, p. 344-346) indicated nine references back to 1848. The primary purpose of this paper is to report the magnetic-susceptibility data on as many minerals as possible, similar to tables of hardness, specific gravity, refractive indices, and other basic physical properties of minerals. A secondary purpose is to demonstrate that the total and best extraction ranges are influenced by the chemistry of the minerals. The following notes are offered to help avoid problems in separating a desired mineral concentrate from mixtures of mineral grains.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1975

Experimental results of atomic absorption analyses for indium and thallium in 803 nonmagnetic concentrates from Alaska

The development in the U.S. Geological Survey of rapid methods for the determination by atomic absorption spectrophotometry of indium and thallium at limits of detection as low as 0.2 ppm each in geologic materials affords great advantages over spectrographic methods in studies concerned with values at or near the crustal abundances of these elements. Experimental application of the technique to the analysis of 803 nonmagnetic concentrates from Alaska showed specific disadvantages owing to the insolubility of cassiterite--one of the major sources for indium in concentrates--under the conditions of dissolution used in the preparation of samples for analysis by atomic absorption. Where nonmagnetic concentrates are used as a geochemical sample medium, and an exploration program is based on the interpretation of multi-element data, little purpose is served by independent analyses for indium and thallium.

Alaska↗
USGS1975

Notes on the origin of Colluma Crater, Bolivia

Colluma Crater, on the semiarid Altiplano (high plain) of western Bolivia, is an oval structure having overall dimensions of 6.7 km by 6.0 km. The structure has two almost concentric cuestaform rims (the inner rim is 3.6 km by 3.1 km) composed of poorly consolidated clastic sediments that dip outward. The center of the crater is about 80 m below the maximum height of the rims and about at the altitude of the surrounding plain. Because of the double rim, the centripetal drainage, and the absence of volcanic rocks, this structure is considered a collapsed dome. We believe it was probably formed by the doming of lower Quaternary (?) sediments by a subjacent igneous intrusion, partial retreat of the magma, collapse of the central part of the dome, erosional etching of the two rims, and partial filling of the center by detritus from the walls. Evidence for origin by impact (nickel-iron materials, shock structures, ejecta, and so forth) is lacking or was unrecognized, but this mode of origin is not rejected at this time. Geophysical surveys are recommended to determine whether the structure continues in depth and if an igneous, plug is below the crater.

Colluma Crater↗
USGS1974

Analyses and economic potential of monazite in Liberia

Eleven monazite samples from Liberia, including seven from beach sands, were analyzed by the X-ray fluorescence method. The monazite samples, containing only one-half percent impurities, were obtained by use of a hot Clerici-solution procedure for purification which was devised by the author. The percentage of the rare-earth elements in Liberian monazite concentrates does not differ greatly from that of monazite sands elsewhere in the world. The average of the 11 samples shows less praseodymium and neodymium than Russian and American monazites, but more cerium. Liberian coastal sands apparently contain sufficient reserves of monazite (and other heavy minerals of commerce) to encourage mining. A feasibility study of production and marketing of monazite from Liberian beach sands is recommended.

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey↗
USGS1974

A mineral separation procedure using hot Clerici solution

Careful boiling of Clerici solution in a Pyrex test tube in an oil bath is used to float minerals with densities up to 5.0 in order to obtain purified concentrates of monazite (density 5.1) for analysis. The "sink" and "float" fractions are trapped in solidified Clerici salts on rapid chilling, and the fractions are washed into separate filter papers with warm water. The hazardous nature of Clerici solution requires unusual care in handling.

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