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At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
USGS1985

The copper-nickel concentration log: A tool for stratigraphic interpretation within the ultramafic and basal zones of the stillwater complex, Montana

An analogue to the electric well log was devised for copper-nickel concentration drill-hole data from the Basal and lower part of the Ultramafic zones of the Stillwater Complex using automated data processing. The copper-nickel concentration logs graphically represent intensity (concentration) values that reflect the distribution of the elements in sulfide and silicate minerals. Four major patterns are recognized by their characteristic variations in copper and nickel intensity: (1) relatively flat, low-level copper-intensity signatures associated with arcuate nickel-intensity patterns that correlate with rocks in the Peridotite member of the Ultramafic zone; (2) arcuate or bulb-like patterns of copper and nickel intensity that correlate closely with the Basal bronzite cumulate member of the Basal zone; (3) complex patterns consisting of intervals of low-intensity copper and moderate-intensity nickel, spikes of high nickel and copper intensity, and high copper intensity associated with low nickel intensity that correlate respectively with cordierite-pyroxene hornfels, massive sulfide, norites and mineralized diabase dikes in the Basal norite member; and (4) large intervals of extremely low copper and nickel intensity that correlate with quartz-orthopyroxene hornfels. The recognition and interpretation of these patterns allow two- and three-dimensional stratigraphic and lithologic reconstructions to be done by means of concentration-log correlations instead of variable quality lithologic logging.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1985

Correlations among hydrocarbon microseepage, soil chemistry, and uptake of micronutrients by plants, Bell Creek oil field, Montana

Chelate-extractable iron and manganese concentrations in soils over and around the Bell Creek oil field suggest that compared to low average background values, there are moderate amounts of these elements directly over the production area and higher concentrations distributed in an aureole pattern around the periphery of the field. Adsorbed and organically bound iron and manganese appear to be readily taken up by plants resulting in anomalously high levels of these elements in leaves and needles over the oil field and suggesting correlation with corresponding low concentrations in soils. Iron and manganese appear to have bypassed the soil formation process where, under normal oxidizing conditions, they would have ultimately precipitated as insoluble oxides and hydroxides.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1986

Geochemical and fluid zonation in the skarn environment at the tomboy-minnie gold deposits, Lander County, Nevada

The Tomboy—Minnie gold deposits are related to the middle Tertiary porphyry copper system centered at Copper Canyon. Gold-silver ores in the deposits occur mostly in a pyrrhotite- and pyrite-rich basal 30-m-thick sequence of altered calcareous conglomerate belonging to the Middle Pennsylvanian Battle Formation. The entire mineralized system contained at least 3.3 million troy oz gold before large-scale mining operations began. Alteration in the Tomboy—Minnie deposits includes actinolite- and chlorite-dominant assemblages, in marked contrast to the skarn, potassic, and phyllic assemblages characterizing the copper-gold-silver deposits of the system. Introduction of gold occurred penecontemporaneously with replacement of early diopside-alteration assemblages by actinolite and chlorite. Metals are zoned strongly in the Copper Canyon system: the West and East ore bodies occur in a copper-gold-silver zone that is followed outward by a gold-silver zone which includes the Tomboy deposit and in turn, is succeeded by a lead-zinc-silver zone. Locations of drill holes that have Au/Ag assay ratios of ⩾ 1 clearly outline the Tomboy—Minnie deposits within an area of rocks with Au/Ag ratios of ≈ 0.5. Fluid-inclusion studies suggest wide variations in temperature and chemistry prevailed in the fluids associated with mineralization at the Tomboy. Early fluids associated with diopsidequartz assemblages probably were dominantly CaCl 2 -rich brines and were boiling at temperatures higher than 500°C. These fluids were progressively enriched in sodium and potassium over time, and during the hydrosilicate stages, temperatures probably ranged from 320 to 500°C at the time actinolite formed, and from 220 to 320°C at the time chlorite was dominant. Sulfur isotopic data suggest that sulfur, mostly from a magmatic or deep-seated crustal source, was transported by hydrothermal fluids as aqueous H 2 S with a δ 34 S of about . 4 ± 1‰ ">

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1984

Characteristics that distinguish types of epithermal deposits

Three distinctive groupings of epithermal deposits were recognized from a literature study of fifteen well-described precious- and base-metal epithermal districts, supplemented by L. J. Buchanan's 1981 compilation of data from 47 less completely documented deposits. The three groups are distinguished primarily by the type of alteration and the sulfur fugacity indicated by the vein mineral assemblage. Additional discriminating criteria include composition of the host rock, timing of ore deposition relative to emplacement of the host, and relative abundances of gold, silver, and base metals.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1986

Emission spectrographic determination of volatile trace elements in geologic materials by a carrier distillation technique

Trace levels of chalcophile elements that form volatile sulfide minerals are determined in stream sediments and in the nonmagnetic fraction of a heavy-mineral concentrate of stream sediments by a carrier distillation emission spectrographic method. Photographically recorded spectra of samples are visually compared with those of synthetic standards for the two sample types. Rock and soil samples may also be analyzed by comparison with the stream-sediment standards. A gallium oxide spectrochemical carrier/buffer enhances the early emission of the volatile elements. Detection limits in parts per million attained are: Sb 5, As 20, Bi 0.1, Cd 1, Cu 1, Pb 2, Ag 0.1, Zn 2, and Sn 0.1. A comparison with other methods of analysis, total-burn emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy, shows good correlation for standard reference for materials and samples from a variety of geologic terranes.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1986

A tubular-coring device for use in biogeochemical sampling of succulent and pulpy plants

A hand-operated, tubular-coring device developed for use in biogeochemical sampling of succulent and pulpy plants is described. The sampler weighs about 500 g (1.1 lb); and if 25 × 175 mm (1 × 7 in) screw-top test tubes are used as sample containers, the complete sampling equipment kit is easily portable, having both moderate bulk and weight.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1987

Regional geochemical studies in parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, U.S.A.

A geochemical survey of the Sherbrooke and Lewiston 1° × 2° quadrangles was conducted from 1979 to 1982 by the U.S. Geological Survey as part of the Conterminous United States Mineral Assessment Program. The area covers about 23,000 km 2 . The region is characterized by a temperate climate, abundant rainfall, and dense forests. The topography ranges from rolling and subdued to mountainous. Bedrock is generally covered by glacial deposits, lakes, and bogs. The bedrock includes metamorphic and plutonic rocks ranging in age from Precambrian to Cretaceous. Known mineral deposits within the area include massive-sulfide deposits, Cu-Mo porphyry deposits, minor base-metal vein deposits, minor Sn-bearing vein deposits, and minor Be-bearing skarn deposits.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1988

Concentration of gold in natural waters

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the amount of gold present in natural waters. One hundred and thirty-two natural water samples were collected from various sources and analyzed for gold by the latest techniques. Background values for gold in natural waters range from <0.001 to 0.005 ppb, and anomalous values range from 0.010 to 2.8 ppb. Waters collected from mineralized areas have a mean gold value of 0.101 ppb, whereas waters collected from unmineralized areas have a mean of 0.002 ppb. Some of the high gold values reported in the earlier literature were probably due to interferences by high salt content in the sample and/or lack of proper filter procedures.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1989

Geochemistry of placer gold, Koyukuk-Chandalar mining district, Alaska

The Koyukuk-Chandalar mining district of the Brooks Range mineral belt in north-central Alaska contains numerous placer gold deposits but few known lode gold sources. Gold grains, collected from 46 placer localities and 6 lode gold sites in the district, were analyzed for Ag and 37 trace elements utilizing direct current-arc optical emission spectroscopy. When possible, several measurements were made on each sample and averaged. Gold content was calculated by the summation of the 38 elements determined and subtracting from 100. The objectives of our study were to characterize the deposits by defining the type and number of distinct geochemical characteristics for the Au, to determine relationships of Au in placer deposits to possible lode sources (placer and lode), to identify possible primary sources of placer gold, and to study processes of placer formation. Interpretation of results emphasize that the Au grains are almost invariably ternary (Au-Ag-Cu) alloys. The average Cu content is 0.040% and the average Ag content and fineness [(Au/Au+Ag)×1,000] are 10.5% and 893 parts per thousand, respectively, for the 46 placer localities.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1989

Soil geochemistry of Mother Lode-type gold deposits in the Hodson mining district, central California, U.S.A.

The Hodson mining district is in the westernmost foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California, about 17 km west of the town of Angels Camp. This district is part of the West Gold Belt, which lies about 12-16 km west of, and generally parallel to, the better known Mother Lode Gold Belt in central California. The district produced several million dollars worth of Au between about 1890 and 1940. The geologic setting and mineral deposits in the West Gold Belt are generally similar to those in the Mother Lode Gold Belt. Rocks in the study area are of Jurassic age and consist of a mixture of (1) fine-grained, generally thin-bedded, clastic sedimentary rocks that have been metamorphosed to slates, schists, and phyllites, and (2) massive volcanic flows and welded tuffs that have been metamorphosed to metabasalts and metatuffs. All rocks were intensely faulted and folded during the Late Cretaceous Nevadan orogeny; northnorthwest- and northwest-trending faults dominate. Mining in the area was of low-grade gold-pyrite ores occurring principally in the carbonatized wall rocks adjacent to the major northwest-trending Hodson fault and its splays. Minor amounts of other sulfide minerals (principally chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, and galena) are locally associated with the Au deposits.

California↗
USGS1989

Geochemical signatures of possible deep-seated ore deposits in Tertiary volcanic centers, Arizona and New Mexico, U.S.A.

A reconnaissance geochemical survey of stream drainages within 21,000 km 2 of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico shows broad zones of low-level to moderate contrast anomalies, many associated with mid-Tertiary eruptive centers and Tertiary fault zones. Of these eruptive centers, few are known to contain metallic deposits, and most of those known are minor. This, however, may be more a function of shallow erosion level than an indication of the absence of mineralization, since hydrothermal alteration and Fe-Mn-oxide staining are widespread, and geochemical anomalies are pervasive over a larger part of the region than outcrop observations would predict. Accordingly, interpretations of the geochemical data use considerations of relative erosion levels, and inferred element zonalities, to focus on possible undiscovered deposits in the subsurface of base-, precious-, and rare-metal deposits of plutonic-volcanic association. In order to enhance the identification of specific deep targets, we use the empirically determined ratio: Ag+Mn+Pb+Zn+Ba Au+Mo+Cu+Bi+W "> Ag+Mn+Pb+Zn+BaAu+Mo+Cu+Bi+W This ratio is based on reported metal contents of nonmagnetic heavy-mineral samples from the drainage sediment, determined by emission spectrographic analysis. Before the ratio was computed for each sample site, the data were normalized to a previously estimated regional threshold value. A regional isopleth map was then prepared, using a cell-averaging computer routine, with contours drawn at the 25th, 50th, 75th, 80th, 90th, 95th and 99th percentiles of the computed data.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1990

Geology and geochemistry of epithermal precious metal vein systems in the intra-oceanic arcs of Palau and Yap, western Pacific

The Palau and Yap arcs are part of an intra-oceanic island-arc-trench system which separates the Pacific and Philippine plates in the western Pacific Ocean. The 350-km-long Palau arc consists of over 200 islands while the 400-km-long Yap arc located to the north has only four major islands exposed. Four of the largest islands in Palau are composed primarily of early Eocene to mid-Miocene volcanic rocks and the four islands comprising Yap contain only Miocene volcanic rocks. Basalt and basaltic andesites of the Babelthuap Formation are the oldest volcanic rocks in Palau and are characterized by high MgO, Ni and Cr and low TiO 2 and have a boninitic affinity. They form the central and southeastern parts of Babelthuap Island. Oligocene arc tholeiite flows having an age of 34–35.5 Ma comprise most of the three smaller volcanic islands in Palau and the western part of Babelthuap. The youngest volcanic rocks are dacitic intrusions having an age of 22.7–23.2 Ma. The Yap arc is unusual in that metamorphic rocks up to amphibolite grade form most of the islands. These are underlain by a melange composed of igneous and volcanic clasts as well as clasts from a dismembered copper-gold skarn deposit. Miocene volcanic rocks consisting of flows and volcaniclastic deposits overlie the melange and metamorphic complex.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1990

Modern aerial gamma-ray spectrometry and regional potassium map of the conterminous United States

Aerial gamma-ray surveys of the natural environment measure the flux of gamma rays produced by the radioactive decay of 40 K, 214 Bi, and 208 Tl in the upper 10&ndash;20 cm of surface materials. 40 K is a radioactive potassium isotope which can be used to estimate the total amount of potassium in the soils and rocks. 214 Bi is a decay product of the 238 U radioactive decay series and is used to estimate the uranium concentrations, and 208 Tl, a decay product of the 232 Th radioactive decay series, is used to estimate thorium concentrations. Aerial gamma-ray data covering the 48 contiguous states of the United States have been compiled to produce maps showing the distributions of equivalent uranium, equivalent thorium, and potassium. This compilation involved processing the aerial survey data from about 470 1&deg; &times; 2&deg; quadrangle maps. The aerial gamma-ray data were obtained as part of the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy during the period 1975-1983. References for the Open-File Reports that describe the surveys and data collection can be found in Bendix Field Engineering Corp. (1983). The aerial surveys were flown by contractors using fixed-wing and helicopter systems with 33-50 L (liters) of thallium-activated sodium iodide (NaI (TI)) crystals. The nominal survey altitude used is 122 m. The survey lines were generally east-west with line spacings of 1.6-10 km. Tie lines were flown perpendicular to the flight lines at intervals of 16- 30 km. The data were corrected for background from aircraft contamination and cosmic rays, altitude variations, airborne 214Bi, and Compton scattering. The gamma-ray systems were calibrated using the calibrations pads at Grand Junction, Colorado (Ward, 1978 ) and the dynamic test strip at Lake Mead, Arizona (Geodata International, Inc., 1977).

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1990

As, Bi, Hg, S, Sb, Sn and Te geochemistry of the J-M Reef, Stillwater Complex, Montana: Constraints on the origin of PGE-enriched sulfides in layered intrusions

The J-M Reef is an interval of disseminated sulfides in the Lower Banded series of the Stillwater Complex that is enriched in the platinum group elements (PGE). Palladium and Pt occur in solid solution in base-metal sulfides and as discrete PGE minerals. PGE minerals include sulfides, tellurides, arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides, and alloys with Fe, Sn, Hg, and Au. Several subpopulations can be delineated based on whole-rock chemical analyses for As, Bi, Cu, Hg, Pd, Pt, S, Sb and Te for samples collected from and adjacent to the J-M Reef. In general, samples from within the reef have higher Pt/Cu, Pd/Cu, Pd/Pt, Te/Bi and S/(Te+Bi) than those collected adjacent to the reef. Vertical compositional profiles through the reef suggest that Pd/Cu and Pt/Cu decrease systematically upsection from mineralized to barren rock. The majority of samples with elevated As, Sb and Hg occur adjacent to the reef, not within it, or in sulfide-poor rocks Neither magma mixing nor fluid migration models readily explain why the minor quantities of sulfide minerals immediately adjacent to the sulfide-enriched layers that form the J-M Reef have different element ratios than the sulfide minerals that form the reef. If all the sulfides formed by exsolution during a magma mixing event and the modal proportion of sulfide now in the rocks are simply the result of mechanical processes that concentrated the sulfides into some layers and not others, then the composition of the sulfide would not be expected to be different. Models that rely upon ascending liquids or fluids are incompatible with the presence of sulfides that are not enriched in PGE immediately below or interlayered with the PGE-enriched sulfides layers. PGE-enriched postcumulus fluids should have reacted to the same extent with sulfides immediately outside the reef as within the reef.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1990

Platinum-group element abundance and distribution in chromite deposits of the Acoje Block, Zambales Ophiolite Complex, Philippines

Platinum-group elements (PGE) occur in ore-grade concentration in some of the chromite deposits related to the ultramafic section of the Acoje Block of the Zambales Ophiolite Complex. The deposits are of three types: Type 1 - associated with cumulate peridotites at the base of the crust; Type 2 - in dunite pods from the top 1 km of mantle harzburgite; and Type 3 - like Type 2, but in deeper levels of the harzburgite. Most of the deposites have chromite compositions that are high in Cr with Cr/(Cr + Al) (expressed as chromium index, Cr#) > 0.6; high-Al (Cr# < 0.6) chromite deposits are relatively rare, occurring as interspersed orebodies in regions of Types 2 and 3. Sulfide-bearing Type 1 high-Cr deposits are PGE-enriched; the high-Al deposits have lowest Ir and Pd. Among the PGEs, Ir ranges from <20 to 550 ppb, Rh from <100 to 1100 ppb, Rh from 0.7 to 760 ppb, Pt from <1.0 to 5960 ppb and Pd from <0.5 to 8350 ppb. Chondrite-normalized (CN) PGE patterns are diverse, and include those with both negative slope (Ir > Pd, thought to be characteristic of PGE-barren deposits) and positive slope (Ir < Pd, characteristic of PGE-rich deposits). Iridium, Ru and Os commonly occur as micron-size laurite (sulfide) inclusions in unfractured chromite. Laurite and native Os are also found as inclusions in interstitial sulfides. Platinum and Pd occur as alloy inclusions (and possibly as solid solution) in interstitial Ni-Cu sulfides and as tellurobismuthides in serpentine and altered sulfides.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1990

Production of sulfur gases and carbon dioxide by synthetic weathering of crushed drill cores from the Santa Cruz porphyry copper deposit near Casa Grande, Pinal County, Arizona

Samples of ground drill cores from the southern part of the Santa Cruz porphyry copper deposit, Casa Grande, Arizona, were oxidized in simulated weathering experiments. The samples were also separated into various mineral fractions and analyzed for contents of metals and sulfide minerals. The principal sulfide mineral present was pyrite. Gases produced in the weathering experiments were measured by gas chromatography. Carbon dioxide, oxygen, carbonyl sulfide, sulfur dioxide and carbon disulfide were found in the gases; no hydrogen sulfide, organic sulfides, or mercaptans were detected. Oxygen concentration was very important for production of the volatiles measured; in general, oxygen concentration was more important to gas production than were metallic element content, sulfide mineral content, or mineral fraction (oxide or sulfide) of the sample. The various volatile species also appeared to be interactive; some of the volatiles measured may have been formed through gas reactions.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗
USGS1990

Stable isotopes of carbon dioxide in soil gas over massive sulfide mineralization at Crandon, Wisconsin

Stable isotope ratios of oxygen and carbon were determined for CO 2 in soil gas in the vicinity of the massive sulfide deposit at Crandon, Wisconsin with the objective of determining the source of anomalously high CO 2 concentrations detected previously by McCarthy et al. (1986). Values of δ 13 C in soil gas CO 2 from depths between 0.5 and 1.0 m were found to range from −12.68‰ to −20.03‰ (PDB). Organic carbon from the uppermost meter of soil has δ 13 C between −24.1 and −25.8‰ (PDB), indicating derivation from plant species with the C 3 (Calvin) type of photosynthetic pathway. Microbial decomposition of the organic carbon and root respiration from C 3 and C 4 (Hatch-Slack) plants, together with atmospheric CO 2 are the likely sources of carbon in soil gas CO 2 . Values of δ 18 O in soil-gas CO 2 range from 32 to 38‰ (SMOW). These δ 18 O values are intermediate between that calculated for CO 2 gas in isotopic equilibrium with local groundwaters and that for atmospheric CO 2 . The δ 18 O data indicate that atmospheric CO 2 has been incorporated by mixing or diffusion. Any CO 2 generated by microbial oxidation of organic matter has equilibrated its oxygen isotopes with the local groundwaters.

Journal of Geochemical Exploration↗