Process Mineralogy of Micro/Nano Silicon-Carbon Ore Obtained from Jiangxi, China

Abstract

This study details the investigation of a black powder potential ore that was first obtained from Jiangxi, China. Its species, composition, and morphology are unknown. Preliminary tests revealed that the silica (SiO2) content of this ore is >70%. To test this ore more comprehensively, its mineralogical parameters (such as mineral composition, ore particle size, and mineral morphology) are investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), differential scanning calorimetry–thermogravimetry (DSC-TG), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser particle size analysis, and elemental analysis (EA). Based on these analyses, it is determined that it is micro/nano silicon-carbon ore, and its genesis and species are discussed herein. The gangue minerals, such as α-quartz, kaolinite, pyrite, and muscovite, are finely disseminated and encapsulated by fixed carbon. The ore has an uneven morphology, with many holes and depressions. Moreover, nano-sized needle-like quartz and quartz wrapped by carbon are found on the surface of the ore. According to our results, this ore may have been formed by the long-term accumulation and consolidation of phytoliths. These results provide a technical reference for the development and utilization of the identified micro/nano silicon-carbon ore.