Silica in alkaline brines

B.F. Jones; S.L. Rettig; H.P. Eugster

doi:10.1126/science.158.3806.1310

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Silica in alkaline brines

B.F. Jones·S.L. Rettig·H.P. Eugster

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Abstract

Analysis of sodium carbonate-bicarbonate brines from closed basins in volcanic terranes of Oregon and Kenya reveals silica contents of up to 2700 parts per million at p H's higher than 10. These high concentrations of SiO 2 can be attributed to reaction of waters with silicates, and subsequent evaporative concentration accompanied by a rise in p H. Supersaturation with respect to amorphous silica may occur and persist for brines that are out of contact with silicate muds and undersaturated with respect to trona; correlation of SiO 2 with concentration of Na and total CO 2 support this interpretation. Addition of more-dilute waters to alkaline brines may lower the p H and cause inorganic precipitation of substantial amounts of silica.

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B.F. Jones, S.L. Rettig, H.P. Eugster. 1967. Silica in alkaline brines. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.158.3806.1310

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