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At least 631 records · Page 35Linked to original sources
USGS2009

Geomorphic controls on mercury accumulation in soils from a historically mined watershed, Central California Coast Range, USA

Historic Hg mining in the Cache Creek watershed in the Central California Coast Range has contributed to the downstream transport of Hg to the San Francisco Bay-Delta. Different aspects of Hg mobilization in soils, including pedogenesis, fluvial redistribution of sediment, volatilization and eolian transport were considered. The greatest soil concentrations (>30 mg Hg kg -1 ) in Cache Creek are associated with mineralized serpentinite, the host rock for Hg deposits. Upland soils with non-mineralized serpentine and sedimentary parent material also had elevated concentrations (0.9-3.7 mg Hg kg -1 ) relative to the average concentration in the region and throughout the conterminous United States (0.06 mg kg -1 ). Erosion of soil and destabilized rock and mobilization of tailings and calcines into surrounding streams have contributed to Hg-rich alluvial soil forming in wetlands and floodplains. The concentration of Hg in floodplain sediment shows sediment dispersion from low-order catchments (5.6-9.6 mg Hg kg -1 in Sulphur Creek; 0.5-61 mg Hg kg -1 in Davis Creek) to Cache Creek (0.1-0.4 mg Hg kg -1 ). These sediments, deposited onto the floodplain during high-flow storm events, yield elevated Hg concentrations (0.2-55 mg Hg kg -1 ) in alluvial soils in upland watersheds. Alluvial soils within the Cache Creek watershed accumulate Hg from upstream mining areas, with concentrations between 0.06 and 0.22 mg Hg kg -1 measured in soils ~90 km downstream from Hg mining areas. Alluvial soils have accumulated Hg released through historic mining activities, remobilizing this Hg to streams as the soils erode.

Applied Geochemistry↗
USGS1970

The mechanics of stick-slip

Physical mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the occurrence of stick-slip motion during frictional sliding have been examined in the light of results obtained from experiments with rocks and brittle minerals. An instability caused by sudden brittle fracture of locked regions on surfaces in contact is the most likely explanation for stick-slip during dry frictional sliding of brittle rocks at room temperature. Areas requiring further study and the uncertainties in applying the results of laboratory experiments to earthquake studies are emphasized.

Tectonophysics↗
USGS1994

Ground-water quality and geochemistry in Dayton, Stagecoach, and Churchill Valleys, western Nevada

The U.S. Geological Survey investigated the quality of ground water in the Dayton, Stagecoach, and Churchill Valleys as part of the Carson River Basin National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) pilot study. Four aquifer systems have been de- lineated in the study area. Principal aquifers are unconsolidated deposits at altitudes of less than 4,900 feet above sea level and more than 50 feet below land surface. Shallow aquifers are at altitudes of less than 4,900 feet and less than 50 feet below land surface. Upland aquifers are above 4,900 feet and provide recharge to the principal aquifers. Thermal aquifers, defined as those having a water temperature greater than 30 degrees Celsius, are also present. Ground water used in Dayton, Stagecoach, and Churchill Valleys is pumped from principal aquifers in unconsolidated basin-fill deposits. Ground water in these aquifers originates as precipitation in the adjacent mountains and is recharged by the Carson River and by underflow from adjacent upstream valleys. Ground-water flow is generally parallel to the direction of surface-water flow in the Carson River. Ground water is discharged by pumping, evapo- transpiration, and underflow into the Carson River. The results of geochemical modeling indicate that as ground water moves from upland aquifers in mountainous recharge areas to principal aquifers in basin-fill deposits, the following processes probably occur: (1) plagioclase feldspar, sodium chloride, gypsum (or pyrite), potassium feldspar, and biotite dissolve; (2) calcite precipitates; (3) kaolinite forms; (4) small amounts of calcium and magnesium in the water exchange for potassium on aquifer minerals; and (5) carbon dioxide is gained or lost. The geochemical models are consistent with (1) phases identified in basin- fill sediments; (2) chemical activity of major cations and silica; (3) saturation indices of calcite and amorphous silica; (4) phase relations for aluminosilicate minerals indicated by activity diagrams; and (5) results of optical, X-ray diffraction, and scanning-electron microscopy examination of mineral grains in the aquifer sediments. Sulfur-isotopic composition of ground- water samples also supports the models. In general, the quality of ground water in the study area meets Nevada State drinking-water standards and is acceptable for most uses. In addition to analysis for major ions, samples were analyzed for 22 inorganic trace elements, 3 nutrients, and 4 radionuclides. Selenium in 1 sample is the only constituent that exceeded Nevada State primary drinking-water standards. Nevada State secondary- drinking water standards were exceeded for fluoride in 1 sample, for iron in 7 samples, and for manganese in 19 samples. Minor constituent con- centrations are generally the result of local redox conditions, and are primarily from minerals in volcanic and marine metasedimentary rocks, metal- oxide coatings on mineral grains, and organic matter.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2005

Use of the Biotic Ligand Model to predict metal toxicity to aquatic biota in areas of differing geology

This work evaluates the use of the biotic ligand model (BLM), an aquatic toxicity model, to predict toxic effects of metals on aquatic biota in areas underlain by different rock types. The chemical composition of water, soil, and sediment is largely derived from the composition of the underlying rock. Geologic source materials control key attributes of water chemistry that affect metal toxicity to aquatic biota, including: 1) potentially toxic elements, 2) alkalinity, 3) total dissolved solids, and 4) soluble major elements, such as Ca and Mg, which contribute to water hardness. Miller (2002) compiled chemical data for water samples collected in watersheds underlain by ten different rock types, and in a mineralized area in western Colorado. He found that each rock type has a unique range of water chemistry. In this study, the ten rock types were grouped into two general categories, igneous and sedimentary. Water collected in watersheds underlain by sedimentary rock has higher mean pH, alkalinity, and calcium concentrations than water collected in watersheds underlain by igneous rock. Water collected in the mineralized area had elevated concentrations of calcium and sulfate in addition to other chemical constituents. Miller's water-chemistry data were used in the BLM (computer program) to determine copper and zinc toxicity to Daphnia magna. Modeling results show that waters from watersheds underlain by different rock types have characteristic ranges of predicted LC 50 values (a measurement of aquatic toxicity) for copper and zinc, with watersheds underlain by igneous rock having lower predicted LC 50 values than watersheds underlain by sedimentary rock. Lower predicted LC 50 values suggest that aquatic biota in watersheds underlain by igneous rock may be more vulnerable to copper and zinc inputs than aquatic biota in watersheds underlain by sedimentary rock. For both copper and zinc, there is a trend of increasing predicted LC 50 values with increasing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. Predicted copper LC 50 values are extremely sensitive to DOC concentrations, whereas alkalinity appears to have an influence on zinc toxicity at alkalinities in excess of about 100 mg/L CaCO 3 . These findings show promise for coupling the BLM (computer program) with measured water-chemistry data to predict metal toxicity to aquatic biota in different geologic settings and under different scenarios. This approach may ultimately be a useful tool for mine-site planning, mitigation and remediation strategies, and ecological risk assessment.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1962

Trace element distribution in the searchlight, Nevada quartz monzonite stock

Gold, silver, copper, and lead-bearing veins, non-radially zoned, occur just beyond the southern and western margins of the Searchlight , Nevada , quartz monzonite stock . Seven samples of the quartz monzonite and purified individual constituent minerals of the rock, representing apophyses and marginal and interior parts of the intrusive mass, were analyzed petrographically and spectrographically. A semiquantitative total-energy spectrographic method proved satisfactory for Cu, Pb, Ni, Co, Ga, Mo, Mn, Ti, V, Cr, Sr, and Zr, but too insensitive for Zn, Ag, and Au. A synthetic silicate base was used for preparation of standards and working curves. The modal trace element content of unaltered (hypothetical) quartz monzonite samples was determined from the trace element content of the purified minerals. Ferromagnesian minerals contain concentrations of Cu, Pb, Ni, Co, Mn, and Cr. Felsic minerals are low in these but high in Sr and Ga. Cu appears to have been partly released during chloritization of the mafic minerals. Ni, Cr, Zr show little difference between the unaltered (hypothetical) and actual rock. Ga, V, Mn, Sr are in lesser quantities in the altered rock. Pb and Cu also show a loss, especially nearest largest Pb and Cu producers. Pb, Cu, V occur in the spatially related veins, but Sr or Ga have not been reported to date. Pb/Cu in unaltered rock compared to altered rock is 1.6/1; past mining production ratio of Pb/Cu is 2.6/1. While further work is needed, the trace element pattern suggests a possible means of identifying a "productive" intrusive body.

Economic Geology↗
USGS1978

A statistical summary and listing of the spectrographic analyses of heavy mineral concentrate and conventional, sieved stream-sediment samples, Silver City area, New Mexico

Geochemical sampling of a tier of eight 7 1/2-minute quadrangles bordered by latitudes 32° 45'and 33° 00' N. and longitudes 108° 00' and 108° 30' W. was begun in the fall of 1974 and continued seasonally until completion in the fall of 1976. These quadrangles are in southwest New Mexico and include the well-known mineral deposits of the Silver City area. The sampling was designed to gain semidetailed information on the metal-anomaly characteristics of the strongly mineralized area surrounding Silver City, New Mexico, and to seek geochemical clues for the continuation of these mineral deposits beneath overlying Tertiary volcanic rocks to the north. The data obtained within areas of known mineral deposits provide information on the metallogenic processes and metal suites that both relate and distinguish metal systems. Evaluation of this information relative to the regional geologic framework and the distribution of known mineral deposits will result in the identification of additional target areas for exploration, as well as further our understanding of the geochemical characteristics of mineralized areas. Extrapolation of models developed from the study of areas of known, exposed mineralization to areas covered by Tertiary volcanic rocks, such as the northern part of this tier of quadrangles, is a promising procedure for continuing research into geochemical-anomaly characteristics of covered mineral deposits. Preliminary interpretation of the data indicates that the southern part of the area in which Paleozoic-Mesozoic rocks and mineral deposits are exposed, should be reassessed to the classification and genesis of some of the deposits and to the types of mineral commodities that may be present. Some wholly new exploration targets within these areas are also indicated by some of the data. In addition, geochemical clues to buried mineral deposits, possibly representing continuation northward of some features of the Silver City mining district, have been observed in data from the northern, Tertiary volcanic areas. The meanings of these clues are still speculative. For this study, 917 stream-sediment and 921 stream-sediment concentrate samples were collected. The stream-sediment-concentrate samples, which consist of heavy minerals, were split into magnetic and nonmagnetic fractions, each of which was analyzed. This resulted in the analysis of 1,842 heavy-mineral and 917 sieved stream-sediment samples. Analytical results for all of the sample types are summarized statistically on table 1 and tabulated in their entirety on table 2.

New Mexico↗
USGS1998

Petrochemistry of late miocene peraluminous silicic volcanic rocks from the Morococala field, Bolivia

Late Miocene peraluminous volcanic rocks of the Morococala field, Bolivia, define a layered stratigraphy of basal andalusite-, biotite- (± muscovite)-bearing rhyolite tuffs (AR), overlain by cordierite-, biotite-bearing rhyolite tuffs (CR), and capped by biotite-bearing quartz latite tuffs, lavas, and late domal flows (QL). Mineral and whole-rock compositions become more evolved from top to bottom, with differentiation reflected by decreasing Ca, Ba, Mg, Fe, and rare earth elements (REE) versus increasing F, Na/K, and aluminosity from QL to AR. Mineral, whole-rock, and glass inclusion compositions are consistent with derivation of all three rock types from a single stratified magma reservoir, but age and spatial relations between the three units make this unlikely. Genesis of the QL involved biotite-dehydration melting of an aluminous source at T > 750°C and P ≥ = 4–6 kbar. If not co-magmatic with QL, the other units were generated primarily by muscovite-dehydration melting at T = 730–750°C and P ≥ = 3.5–4.5 kbar for CR, and T ≤ = 750°C for AR with pre-eruptive residence at low pressure (1.5–3.0 kbar). Low hematite contents (X Hem ≤ = 0.06) of ilmenite grains in AR, CR, and early grains (as inclusions in plagioclase and sanidine cores) in QL indicate reduced conditions imposed by a graphite-bearing source. Compositional variability among texturally later oxides (ilmenite with X Hem = 0.06–0.50, primary magnetite), however, apparently records progressive increases in pre-eruptive f(O 2 ) in QL. Plagioclase-melt equilibria and electron microprobe analysis difference for quartz-hosted glass inclusions suggest pre-eruptive melt H 2 O contents ≥ = 5–7 wt % for the AR, ∼4–6 wt % for the CR, and ∼3–5 wt % for the QL.

Journal of Petrology↗
USGS1947

Chemical analyses and calculated modes of the Oliverian magma series, Mt. Washington Quadrangle, New Hampshire

Complete chemical analyses, including the spectrographic determination of 44 trace elements, have been made of six representative specimens from each of the six map units constituting the Oliverian magma series in the Mt. Washington quadrangle of New Hampshire. Potash is systematically higher than soda. An increase in silica, which ranges from 56 to 75 per cent, is accompanied by the usual variation of the other principal oxides; lime, magnesia, and total iron decrease in the more siliceous rocks, whereas potash and soda increase at first and then decline. Potash is 1.5 to 3 per cent higher than soda throughout the series. With increasing silica content Cr 2 O 3 , NiO, SrO, V 2 O 5 , and BaO decrease, but ZnO increases. Comparisons with other parts of the world, especially northwestern Europe, suggest some systematic differences from New Hampshire, but the data are insufficient to justify any definite conclusions. The calculation of modes from the chemical analyses necessitates a discussion of the methods involved and the possible errors. It is believed that in these rocks the modes can be calculated with relatively small errors. An unexplained excess of alumina in the modes, ranging from 0.0 to 1.0 per cent, may be due to more sericite and clay minerals in the rocks than the content of water suggests.

New Hampsire↗
USGS1978

Lithium, a preliminary survey of its mineral occurrence in flint clay and related rock types in the United States

Maximum concentrations of lithium found in samples of flint clay and associated rocks of Pennsylvanian age in different States, in parts per million (ppm), are: Missouri, 5100; Pennsylvania-Maryland, 2100; Kentucky, 890; Ohio, 660; Alabama, 750; and Illinois, 160. Lithium-bearing kaolin deposits are distributed in the Coastal Plain province from New Jersey to Texas, and one occurs in Idaho; maximum lithium concentrations in samples from these deposits range from 64 to 180 ppm. The maximum concentration found in the Arkansas bauxite region is 460 ppm and that in flint clay in Colorado is 370 ppm. Samples from areas other than Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri are relatively few in number, represent mostly commercially valuable clays, and represent only a part of the refractory clay deposits in the United States. Data are not available on the clays associated with these deposits that may be unusable because they contain too much lithium as well as other deleterious elements. In both Pennsylvania and Missouri, lithium contents vary regionally between districts and locally between deposits. In samples containing more than 2000 ppm lithium, the lithium occurs in a dioctahedral chlorite mineral very similar to cookeite, which previously has not been recognized in sedimentary clays. The associated clays consist chiefly of well-crystallized kaolinite. The dioctahedral chlorite, however, seems to be most abundant where diaspore and boehmite occur along with the kaolinite. Barium, chromium, copper, phosphorus and strontium are present in some samples in amounts of several hundred pans per million or more, and may contribute to the failure of some clays to perform satisfactorily in firing tests. Lithium-rich clays could serve as a significant lithium resource in the very distant future. Clays that contain as much as 1% lithium may be common enough in Missouri or in Pennsylvania to be produced as a by-product to help support benefication costs for refractory clays. Sufficient amounts of lithium-rich clay may be found in deposits that have been explored, found unsatisfactory for normal refractory uses, and not developed. The lithium-rich clay in some deposits presently being worked may be worth stockpiling for eventual use.

Energy↗
USGS1961

Copper, vanadium, and uranium deposits in sandstone-their distribution and geochemical cycles

Deposits of copper , vanadium , and uranium in nonmarine sandstones are numerous and widespread. Copper deposits , with or without uranium , are mainly resident in first-generation arkosic sandstones derived from granitic rock terrains; deposits rich in vanadium , with or without much uranium , are dominantly in second-generation sandstones derived from sedimentary rocks; and the uranium deposits with little or no vanadium or copper are in either first- or second-generation sandstones, many of which are associated with beds containing volcanic debris. All three metals are dispersed in igneous rocks but not in close association. Copper and uranium enter the hydrothermal environment, but the record of vanadium in hydrothermal solutions and veins is scant. Some of the uranium and most of the copper minerals in igneous rocks and veins oxidize readily and the metals go into surface- and ground-water solutions, but the vanadium in igneous rocks is not so easily mobilized-under normal geologic conditions, conceivably it may require diagenetic reactions and a second period of weathering to solubilize much vanadium . All three metals precipitate from solutions in the presence of a reducing agent, such as carbonaceous material or associated sulfide ions, either in sediments as they accumulate or in existing rocks. These geochemical habits permit the concept that copper and uranium are made available by weathering of igneous rock terrains and hence might accumulate in first-generation sediments, whereas vanadium would be commonly available only after a second period of weathering. Perhaps the oxidation or devitrification of volcanic debris may contribute uranium to ground waters as does the weathering, of igneous rocks.

Economic Geology↗
USGS1978

Minerals produced during cooling and hydrothermal alteration of ash flow tuff from Yellowstone drill hole Y-5

A rhyolitic ash-flow tuff in a hydrothermally active area within the Yellowstone caldera was drilled in 1967, and cores were studied to determine the nature and distribution of primary and secondary mineral phases. The rocks have undergone a complex history of crystallization and hydrothermal alteration since their emplacement 600,000 years ago. During cooling from magmatic temperatures, the glassy groundmass underwent either devitrification to alkali feldspar + ??-cristobalite ?? tridymite or granophyric crystallization to alkali feldspar + quartz. Associated with the zones of granophyric crystallization are prismatic quartz crystals in cavities similar to those termed miarolitic in plutonic rocks. Vapor-phase alkali feldspar, tridymite, magnetite, and sporadic ??-cristobalite were deposited in cavities and in void spaces of pumice fragments. Subsequently, some of the vapor-phase alkali feldspar crystals were replaced by microcrystalline quartz, and the vapor-phase minerals were frosted by a coating of saccharoidal quartz. Hydrothermal minerals occur primarily as linings and fillings of cavities and fractures and as altered mafic phenocrysts. Chalcedony is the dominant mineral related to the present hydrothermal regime and occurs as microcrystalline material mixed with various amounts of hematite and goethite. The chalcedony displays intricate layering and was apparently deposited as opal from silica-rich water. Hematite and goethite also replace both mafic phenocrysts and vapor-phase magnetite. Other conspicuous hydrothermal minerals include montmorillonite, pyrite, mordenite, calcite, and fluorite. Clinoptilolite, erionite, illite, kaolinite, and manganese oxides are sporadic. The hydrothermal minerals show little correlation with temperature, but bladed calcite is restricted to a zone of boiling in the tuff and clearly was deposited when CO2 was lost during boiling. Fractures and breccias filled with chalcedony are common throughout Y-5 and may have been produced by rapid disruption of rock caused by sudden decrease of fluid pressure in fractures, most likely a result of fracturing during resurgent doming in this part of the Yellowstone caldera. The chalcedony probably was deposited as opal or ??-cristobalite from a pre-existing silica floc that moved rapidly into the fractures and breccias immediately after the sudden pressure drop. ?? 1978.

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research↗
USGS2022

Rock-to-metal ratio: A foundational metric for understanding mine wastes

The quantity of ore mined and waste rock (i.e., overburden or barren rock) removed to produce a refined unit of a mineral commodity, its rock-to-metal ratio (RMR), is an important metric for understanding mine wastes and environmental burdens. In this analysis, we provide a comprehensive examination of RMRs for 25 commodities for 2018. The results indicate significant variability across commodities. Precious metals like gold have RMRs in the range of 10 5 –10 6 , while iron ore and aluminum are on the order of 10 1 . The results also indicate significant variability across operations for a single commodity. The interquartile range of RMRs for individual cobalt operations, for example, varies from 465 to 2157, with a global RMR of 859. RMR variability is mainly driven by ore grades and revenue contribution. The total attributable ore mined and waste rock removed in the production of these 25 commodities sums to 37.6 billion metric tons, 83% of which is attributable to iron ore, copper, and gold. RMRs provide an additional dimension for evaluating the impact of materials and material choice trade-offs. The results can enhance life cycle inventories and be extended to evaluate areas of surface disturbances, mine tailings, energy requirements, and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Science & Technology↗
USGS1979

Regional metamorphism in the Condrey Mountain Quadrangle, north-central Klamath Mountains, California

A subcircular area of about 650 km 2 in northern California and southwestern Oregon is occupied by rocks of the greenschist metamorphic facies called the Condrey Mountain Schist. This greenschist terrane is bordered on the east and west by rocks belonging to the amphibolite metamorphic facies that structurally overlie and are thrust over the Condrey Mountain Schist. The amphibolite facies is succeeded upward by metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks belonging to the greenschist metamorphic facies. The Condrey Mountain Schist is composed predominantly of quartz-muscovite schist and lesser amounts of actinolite-chlorite schist formed by the metamorphism of graywacke and spilitic volcanic rocks that may have belonged to the Galice Formation of Late Jurassic age. Potassium-argon age determinations of 141?4 m.y. and 155?5 m.y. obtained on these metamorphic rocks seem to be incompatible with the Late Jurassic age usually assigned the Galice. The rocks that border the amphibolite facies are part of an extensive terrane of metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks belonging to the western Paleozoic and Triassic belt. The metavolcanic rocks include some unmetamorphosed spilite but are mostly of the greenschist metamorphic facies composed of oligoclase (An15-20) and actinolite with subordinate amounts of chlorite and clinozoisiteepidote. The interbedded sedimentary rocks are predominantly argillite and slaty argillite, less commonly siliceous argillite and chert, and a few lenticular beds of marble. On the south, high-angle faults and a tabular granitic pluton separate the greenschist metavolcanic terrane from the amphibolite facies rocks; on the east, nonfoliated amphibolite is succeeded upward, apparently conformably, by metasedimentary rocks belonging to the greenschist metavolcanic terrane. In the southern part of Condrey Mountain quadrangle, an outlier of a thrust plate composed of the Stuart Fork Formation overlies the metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks. The Stuart Fork in this region is composed of siliceous phyllite and phyllitic quartzite and is believed to be the metamorphosed equivalent of rocks over which it is thrust. In the Yreka-Fort Jones area, potassium-argon determinations on mica from the blueschist facies in the Stuart Fork gave ages of approximately 220 m.y. (Late Triassic) for the age of metamorphism. Rocks of the amphibolite facies structurally overlie the Condrey Mountain Schist along a moderate to steeply dipping thrust fault. The amphibolite terrane is composed of amphibolite and metasedimentary rocks in approximately equal amounts accompanied by many bodies of serpentinite and a number of gabbro and dioritic plutons. Most of the amphibolite is foliated, but some is nonfoliated; the nonfoliated amphibolite has an amphibolite mineralogy and commonly a relict volcanic rock texture. The nonfoliated amphibolite occurs on the southern and eastern borders of the amphibolite terrane between the areas offoliated amphibolite and the overly ing metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks. Hornblende and plagioclase (An30-35) are the characteristic minerals, indicating that the rocks are of the almandine-amphibolite metamorphic facies. The metasedimentary rocks interbedded with the amphibolites include siliceous schist and phyllite, minor quartzite, and subordinate amounts of marble. Potassium-argon age dates obtained on hornblende from foliated amphibolite yield ages of 146?4 and 148? 4 m.y., suggesting a Late Jurassic metamorphic episode. Mafic and ultramafic rocks are widespread in the amphibolite terrane but are almost entirely absent from the area of greenschist facies metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks. The ultramafic rocks, predominantly serpentinite, occur as a few large bodies and many small tabular concordant bodies interleaved with the foliated rocks. The ultramafic rocks include harzburgite and d1lIlite and their serpentinized equivalents. In the Condrey Mountain quadrangle, probably more t

Professional Paper↗
USGS2017

Barite (Barium)

Barite (barium sulfate, BaSO 4 ) is vital to the oil and gas industry because it is a key constituent of the mud used to drill oil and gas wells. Elemental barium is an additive in optical glass, ceramic glazes, and other products. Within the United States, barite is produced mainly from mines in Nevada. Imports in 2011 (the latest year for which complete data were available) accounted for 78 percent of domestic consumption and came mostly from China. Barite deposits can be divided into the following four main types: bedded-sedimentary; bedded-volcanic; vein, cavity-fill, and metasomatic; and residual. Bedded-sedimentary deposits, which are found in sedimentary rocks with characteristics of high biological productivity during sediment accumulation, are the major sources of barite production and account for the majority of reserves, both in the United States and worldwide. In 2013, China and India were the leading producers of barite, and they have large identified resources that position them to be significant producers for the foreseeable future. The potential for undiscovered barite resources in the United States and in many other countries is considerable, however. The expected tight supply and rising costs in the coming years will likely be met by increased production from such countries as Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, and Vietnam. Barium has limited mobility in the environment and exposed barium in the vicinity of barite mines poses minimal risk to human or ecosystem health. Of greater concern is the potential for acidic metal-bearing drainage at sites where the barite ores or waste rocks contain abundant sulfide minerals. This risk is lessened naturally if the host rocks at the site are acid-neutralizing, and the risk can also be lessened by engineering measures.

Professional Paper↗
USGS1958

The environmental control of sedimentary iron minerals

An Eh-pH stability diagram is developed for hematite, magnetite, siderite, pyrite, and iron sulfide that indicates the relative position of their stability fields in a normal sea water system. With the exception of the magnetite-siderite relationship, Eh is much more critical than pH. In general terms, hematite is stable under oxidizing conditions, siderite and magnetite under intermediate to moderately reducing conditions, pyrite under moderate to strongly reducing conditions, and iron sulfide under still stronger reducing conditions. Because of numerous variables involved the relative positions of the stability fields are stressed rather than their limits on the Eh and pH scales. The inclusion of a magnetite field suggests that magnetite should be much more important as a primary or diagenetic mineral in sedimentary rocks than has been commonly recognized. This is in accord with numerous recent suggestions to that effect. The importance of thermodynamic equilibrium is stressed and it is suggested that differences in rates of formation of the various minerals and the persistence of some metastable phases are among the commonest causes of lack of equilibrium.

Economic Geology↗
USGS2007

Metallogeny of Mesoproterozoic sedimentary rocks in Idaho and Montana - Studies by the Mineral Resources Program, U.S. Geological Survey, 2004-2007

Preface By J.Michael O'Neill The major emphasis of this project was to extend and refine the known Mesoproterozoic geologic and metallogenic framework of the region along and adjacent to the Idaho-Montana boundary north of the Snake River Plain. The Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks in this part of east-central Idaho host important Cu-Co-Au stratabound mineral resources as well as younger, epigenetic hydrothermal, sulfide base-metal mineral deposits. Two tasks of this study were to more accurately understand and portray the character and origin of cobalt-copper-gold deposits that compose the Idaho cobalt belt and specifically to analyze ore mineralogy and metallogenesis within the Blackbird mining district in the central part of the belt. Inasmuch as the cobalt belt is confined to the Mesoproterozoic Lemhi Group strata of east-central Idaho, geologic investigations were also undertaken to determine the relationship between strata of the Lemhi Group and the more extensive, noncobalt-bearing, Belt-Purcell Supergroup strata to the north and northwest. Abrupt lateral differences in the character and thickness of stratigraphic units in the Mesoproterozoic Lemhi Basin may indicate differential sedimentation in contemporaneous fault-bounded subbasins. It is suggested that northeast-trending basement faults of the Great Falls tectonic zone controlled development of the subbasins. O'Neill and others (chapter A, this volume) document a second major basement fault in this area, the newly recognized northwest-striking Great Divide megashear, a zone 1-2 km wide of left-lateral strike-slip faults active during Mesoproterozoic sedimentation and bounding the Cu-Co belt on the northwest. The megashear is a crustal-scale tectonic feature that separates Lemhi Group strata from roughly coeval Belt-Purcell strata to the north and northwest in Montana and northern Idaho. The results of numerous geologic investigations of the Cu- and Co-bearing Mesoproterozoic rocks of east-central Idaho are integrated and summarized by Bookstrom and others (chapter B, this volume). In particular, their field investigations and analysis of evidence and previous arguments for synsedimentary versus epigenetic mineral deposit types, both of which have been postulated by earlier workers, led them to conclude that both processes were likely instrumental in forming the ore deposits of the Blackbird district. Finally, this report supplies new data on isotopic ratios of sulfur, oxygen, carbon, and helium in minerals associated with cobalt-bearing ores of the cobalt belt. Slack (chapter C, this volume) identified several previously unrecognized rare-earth-element minerals in Blackbird ores: monazite (Ce,La,Y,Th)PO4, xenotime (YPO4), allanite (CaCe)2(Al,Fe)3Si3O12(OH), and gadolinite (Be2FeY2Si2O10). Light rare-earth elements reside mostly in monazite, whereas yttrium and heavy rare-earth minerals reside mostly in xenotime. Dated monazite, which in the Blackbird district is interstitial to cobaltite, is Cretaceous. This date brings into question the otherwise geologically convincing interpretation of Blackbird ores as being of Mesoproterozoic age and synsedimentary origin. This volume consists of three summary articles: A. Great Divide megashear, Montana, Idaho, and Washington: An intraplate crustal-scale shear zone recurrently active since the Mesoproterozoic by J. Michael O'Neill, Edward T. Ruppel, and David A. Lopez B. Blackbird Fe-Cu-Co-Au-REE deposits by Arthur A. Bookstrom, Craig A. Johnson, Gary P. Landis, and Thomas P. Frost C. Geochemical and mineralogical studies of sulfide and iron oxide deposits in the Idaho cobalt belt by John F. Slack

Idaho, Montana↗
USGS2010

Preliminary Aeromagnetic Map of Joshua Tree National Park and Vicinity, Southern California

This aeromagnetic map of Joshua Tree National Park and vicinity is intended to promote further understanding of the geology and structure in the region by serving as a basis for geophysical interpretations and by supporting geological mapping, water-resource investigations, and various topical studies. Local spatial variations in the Earth's magnetic field (evident as anomalies on aeromagnetic maps) reflect the distribution of magnetic minerals, primarily magnetite, in the underlying rocks. In many cases the volume content of magnetic minerals can be related to rock type, and abrupt spatial changes in the amount of magnetic minerals commonly mark lithologic or structural boundaries. Bodies of mafic and ultramafic rocks tend to produce the most intense magnetic anomalies, but such generalizations must be applied with caution because rocks with more felsic compositions, or even some sedimentary units, also can cause measurable magnetic anomalies. The database includes two ASCII files containing new aeromagnetic data and two ASCII files with point locations of the local maximum horizontal gradient derived from the aeromagnetic data. This metadata file describes the horizontal gradient locations derived from new and existing aeromagnetic data. This aeromagnetic map identifies magnetic features as a basis for geophysical interpretations; the gradients help define the edges of magnetic sources. This database updates geophysical information originally presented in smaller-scale formats and includes detailed aeromagnetic data collected by EON Geosciences, Inc.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1982

Geology of the Jabal Riah area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Jabal Riah area is in the southern part of the Jibal al Hamdah quadrangle (lat 19?00'00'' to 19?07'S0'' N., long 45?37'30'' to 43?45'00' E.) in the southeastern Precambrian Shield, Asir Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Jabal Mahanid group of ancient gold mines, which is part of the Jabal Ishmas-Wadi Tathlith gold belt, is in the west-central part of the area. Rocks in the Jabal Riah area consist of Precambrian layered metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks intruded by Precambrian igneous rocks. The metamorphic rocks are, from oldest to youngest, interlayered hornblende and biotite schist, quartz-biotite schist, hornblende schist, serpentinite, and chlorite schist. The igneous rocks are, from oldest to youngest, diorite-gabbro including dikes, granodiorite, monzogranite-granodiorite, leucocratic quartz porphyry, rhyolite, and aplite and pegmatite dikes. A large area of jasper replaces serpentinite. On the valley floors, recent alluvium and pediment deposits overlie the bedrock. The structure of the area is dominated by a dome centered over the eastern border of the area; leucocratic quartz porphyry forms the core of the dome. Minor folds and faults are present. The Jabal Mahanid group of ancient gold mines is on a northwest-trending vein system, and major ancient mine areas are found where the system splits or changes direction. The veins consist of zones of brecciated and crushed rock, which are generally less than 0.5 m wide but may be as wide as 1 m. These zones contain quartz and calcite stringers and commonly are along hornblende schist-serpentinite contacts; however, they also cut both units. Most aplite, pegmatite, and quartz dikes in the area are thin and discontinuous and are intruded along the vein trend. Similar veins, at the same stratigraphic interval, have been found beyond the northeastern part of the map area. The veins contain detectable gold and silver (median gold, approximately 0.14 ppm; median silver, approximately 1 ppm). Gold and silver are most abundant in calcium-rich rocks and veins; silver was not detected in igneous rocks. Altered wall-rock zones are mineralized as much as 10 m away from the veins. Away from the Jabal Mahanid vein-system, silver was detected in the jasper. Gold and silver were detected in minor brecciated and sheared structures and in metasedimentary rocks. Gold was detected in sericitized margins of the leucocratic quartz porphyry, in unaltered rhyolite, and in aplite dikes. The presence of unusual amounts of gold and silver over a wide area is indicated by the ancient gold mines along veins at or near the hornblende schist-serpentinite contact in the map area and to the south in the Hajrah-Hamdah area and by the widespread evidence of precious metals in igneous rocks and other vein structures. A domed-shaped area, approximately 30 km in diameter, is outlined by the hornblende schist-serpentinite contact and has leucocratic quartz prophyry in the middle. Additional study of this area might reveal economic concentrations of gold and silver.

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