Reconnaissance of radioactive rocks of Massachusetts

Abstract

During the 1948 and 1949 field seasons radiometric car traverses were made along the numbered federal and state highways and along many unnumbered roads of Massachusetts. Near Worcester pegmatitic rocks are estimated to contain about 250 pounds of uranium and 8,500 pounds of thoria per foot of depth. Near Southbridge pegmatitic rocks are estimated to contain about 6,500 pounds of thoria per foot of depth. A central belt was estimated to contain about 0.003 percent equivalent uranium but less than 0.001 percent uranium in nearly all roadside materials. Several smaller localities of radioactivity similar to that of the central belt were found but none appear to be important economically. Massachusetts is not considered a favorable area for uranium deposits, although some low-grade deposits of thorium are present.