Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine the distribution and geochemical features of uranium mineralization in the Ragillar region in the Manisa-Koprübasi in western Turkey. Sixteen whole rock samples were collected from sites showing the highest levels of radioactivity (7600 cps) as measured by a gamma spectrometer in the dolomitic limestones. SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectrometry), XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence), an ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optic Emission Spectrometer), and a Leco carbon-sulfur analyzer were used to determine the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of the whole rock samples. The mineralogical features showed that uranium mineralization is associated with fluorapatite-rich rocks formed within calcite matrix fractures; cracks systems; and limestone, claystone, marl and silicified breccia zones in the lacustrine sediments that are observed around the Kale crest dolomitic limestones in the Demirci basin. The geochemical data for these samples show a strong positive correlation between uranium and P2O5 concentrations. The geochemical data also indicate that uranium is deposited in the oxidation zone by dissolving the primary minerals (banded gneisses from the Menderes Massif, and dacitic and andesitic tuff) and moving the metal-rich hydrothermal fluids as phosphorus compounds, before passing through fractures, cracks, and permeable sandstone units, or along carbonate and clay layers.
Highlights
Previous studies have identified U3O8 at 0.016 wt% tenor according to surface field radioactivity measurementsHow to cite this paper: Kalender, L., Alçiçek, Ö.N. and Gürgenç, E. (2016) Geological and Geochemical Features of Uranium Mineralization in Western Turkey
This study provides an opportunity to examine the origin of uranium using by whole rock geochemical data and prospect new uranium mineralization due to determining uranium-rich lithologic units
The main oxide content of the studied rock samples suggests the presence of three different rock groups: 1) limestone (LF1, LF6, LF7, LF8, LF10, LF 11, LF 12, LF 13, LF 14, LF 15, and LF 16), 2) marl (LF 3 and LF 4), and 3) claystone (LF 2, LF 5, and LF 9)
Summary
Previous studies have identified U3O8 at 0.016 wt% tenor according to surface field radioactivity measurementsHow to cite this paper: Kalender, L., Alçiçek, Ö.N. and Gürgenç, E. (2016) Geological and Geochemical Features of Uranium Mineralization in Western Turkey. Previous studies have identified U3O8 at 0.016 wt% tenor according to surface field radioactivity measurements. (2016) Geological and Geochemical Features of Uranium Mineralization in Western Turkey. Yılmaz et al identified two different types of uranium mineralization (oxidized and unoxidized) in the sandstone and conglomerate formations in the Köprübaşı area, and suggested that leaching of tuff and weathering and erosion of the metamorphic rocks could have supplied this uranium. Studies of the Miocene basin in Turkey have found low tenor and small areas of uranium mineralization close to the studied area [4]. In recent years, Banning et al examined the relationship between uranium and arsenic in the volcano-sedimentary basins in north central Mexico, and demonstrated that these two trace elements are strongly correlated in volcano-sedimentary rocks [5].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
