The Potential of Quartzitic Veins in SW Cameroon for High-Purity Quartz

Abstract

High-purity quartz (HPQ), the prime source of silica, is increasingly considered a strategic mineral in the world market because it is the raw material for special applications in high-tech industries owing to its unique physical and chemical properties. The expected growth in demand for HPQ implies that more sources have to be found. This is the primary motivation for this study which targets the Supe area, SW Region of Cameroon. The structural occurrences of quartz veins were mapped and samples collected. The chemical nature and textural features of these samples were subsequently analyzed by X-ray tomography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). Three deformation events, D1 - D3 are recorded. D1 is marked by the development of the strong S1 foliation defined by the gneissic layering and schistosity. D2 is a NE-SW ductile to brittle sinistral shear that controlled the formation of tension gashes that served as subsequent pathways for quartz-rich hydrothermal fluids to circulate and eventually precipitate quartz. The presence of rutile, tourmaline, and mica inclusions in the Supe veins affects the purity of the quartz. However, quartz can be treated to improve its quality. Taking into consideration the nine determinant trace elements used to classify HPQ, three (Li, P, and B) are below detection limits, Al concentrations are within the HPQ, quartz market standard, and average natural abundance; Ti values are high above all three standards in all except one sample, while Na, Ca, K, and Fe values fluctuate, thus classifying one of the samples as high purity quartz and the others as low purity quartz. These veins define tension gashes which usually occur in an echelon arrangement covering a large surface area, suggesting that more of such veins probably exist in the Supe area. Consequently, the quality and potential quantity of HPQ veins in this area suggest a high potential for HPQ exploration in the region.