Provenance studies on the heavy mineral placers along the coastal deposits of Odisha, eastern India

Abstract

The coastal deposits along the eastern part of the Indian Peninsula are known for the high abundance of heavy minerals. The present study, as discussed here, has been undertaken along the south-western coastal part of Odisha, India, adjoining the charnockite–migmatite zone of the Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt (EGMB). The composition of the placers along the study area is primarily controlled by the detritus from the proximal hinterland rock type(s). The weathering index has been established based on the grain morphology, major element concentration and radioelement ratios. Petrological characteristics and grain morphology of monazite, zircon, ilmenite and rutile have been presented respectively, and their implications are discussed. The provenance study of these coastal placers is based on the abundance of rare earth elements (REE) and radioactive elements in the placer sands and the rock types in the study area. The tectonic implications are based on the major element abundance of the beach sands.