Mineralogical Characteristics Research Articles

Mineral Chemistry and In Situ LA-ICP-MS Titanite U-Pb Geochronology of the Changba-Lijiagou Giant Pb-Zn Deposit, Western Qinling Orogen: Implications for a Distal Skarn Ore Formation

The giant Changba-Lijiagou (Ch-L) Pb-Zn deposit is in the northeast part of the Xicheng ore cluster, Western Qinling Orogen. The ore genesis remains controversial; it could be either a sedimentary exhalative genetic type or an epigenetic hydrothermal genetic type. Here, in situ titanite U-Pb dating for the two kinds of titanite is presented, yielding ages of 212.8 ± 3.0 Ma in the mineralized skarn ore and 214.6 ± 5.1 Ma in the host rock. These ages conform to the previously reported magmatic zircon age (229–211 Ma) based on the in situ zircon U-Pb dating of plutons in this district and the time of large-scale magmatic–hydrothermal activities in Western Qinling Orogen (229–209 Ma). Titanites occurring in mineralized skarn and those that are calcite-hosted are similar to hydrothermal-origin titanites in major element characteristics. The Eu anomalies in the two types of titanite record oxidizing conditions during the mineralization process. A mineral assemblage of garnet, pyroxene, riebeckite, biotite, and potash feldspar, replacing the albite, is well-developed in the deposit. The mineralogical and geochronological characteristics indicate that the Ch-L Pb-Zn deposit is a distal skarn deposit and the result of intensive tectonomagmatic processes in the Xicheng ore cluster during the process of the Late Triassic orogeny.

Evaporites and red beds of a syn-rift Atlantic series: evidence of continental depositional environment (Berrechid sub-basin, Morocco)

ABSTRACT The Berrechid sub-basin of Morocco consists of Late Triassic–Early Jurassic evaporites and red beds that are part of the syn-rift Atlantic series. Although some of the Berrechid sub-basin has been extensively studied, the depositional environment of the Upper Salt-Mudstone Formation has long been debated, with some early studies proposing a marine origin. This study documents the sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics of core materials from two boreholes and mine outcrops covering the entire series of the Upper Salt-Mudstone Formation. Our analysis of the lithology, mineralogy, sedimentary structures, sedimentary textures, and geochemical data suggests deposition in a continental setting. In addition, detailed observations of sedimentary structures and textures indicate additional features of periods of flooding, evapoconcentration, and desiccation. The continental setting in a dry climate is also supported by the occurrence of Classopollis pollen. This study provides new insights of the paleoenvironmental conditions in the Berrechid sub-basin, and significantly advances our understanding of the paleoenvironment and climate of Pangea during the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic period.

Looking at the Modern to Better Understand the Ancient: Is It Possible to Differentiate Mars Pigments from Archaeological Ochres?

This article offers a discussion of the possibility of distinguishing ochres from Mars pigments. The discussion addresses technological, archaeological, and artistic aspects. Natural earth pigments such as ochres, siennas, and umbers have been widely used from the Paleolithic to the present day and still find wide application despite the development of synthetic iron oxide pigment synthesis processes, called Mars pigments. The potential ability of today’s analytical techniques to distinguish between two classes of pigments of the same color with very similar chemical composition—but perhaps sufficient for reliable recognition—is also discussed. The paper begins by addressing the proper use of the terms “ochres” and “Mars pigments” and their accurate identification in artworks. It reviews the literature on the chemical–mineralogical characterization of yellow and red iron pigments and analyzes pigment catalogs to understand how companies distinguish ochres from Mars pigments. An experimental analysis using External Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ER) compared painting samples made with natural ochres and Mars pigments, confirming the literature findings and suggesting future research directions. Key differences such as hematite in yellow ochres and specific spectral peaks in red ochres support the potential of FTIR-ER spectroscopy as a noninvasive tool for distinguishing pigments, especially for fragile artifacts and archaeological applications.

Evolution of pore structure and cement composition during weathering of conglomerate at Mogao Grottoes in alkaline and arid regions, NW China

Numerous conglomerate grottoes have been excavated and preserved in the arid and alkaline regions of NW China. After millennia of weathering, these conglomerate grottoes have suffered from various weathering issues (such as seepage and collapse) that are internally governed by the distribution of pore networks and the degree of cementation. However, studies on conglomerate weathering have mostly been reported in humid and tropical climates, where intensive chemical weathering occurs. Additionally, characterizations of pore evolution during conglomerate weathering have been restricted due to limitations in detecting pore size and pore type using a single pore characterization method. To fill this gap, this study jointly used mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and computed tomography (CT) to characterize the pore evolution process during conglomerate weathering at Mogao Grottoes, a world heritage site in NW China. Mineralogical, hydrological, mechanical and microscopic characterization were also conducted to understand the changes in compositions of bulk samples and cements during weathering. Results revealed that the majority of pores in conglomerate are concentrated in macropores > 5 μm, followed by mesopores and micropores. During weathering, volume fraction of macropores significantly increases and that of micropores decreases, with median/average pore diameters experiencing an 8- to 10-fold increase. Permeability, porosity and fractal dimension exhibited strong positive linear correlations with median/average pore diameters. Throughout weathering, the abundances of calcite and clay minerals show notable decrease, particularly in cements, resulting in an enrichment of feldspars. Frequently occurring sand-carrying wind activities and salt weathering in arid regions are inferred to be responsible for the major cement loss and porosity generation through physical processes. Our combined MIP-CT method for pore network characterization is also applicable to other lithologies with a wide range of pore sizes. The proposed mechanism of pore evolution and cementation failure provides a scientific base for protecting stone heritages in arid zones.

Enhancing Mechanical Strength and Microstructural Properties of Alkali-Activated Systems through Nano Graphene Oxide Dispersion and Polycarboxylate Ether Admixture

The dispersion of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles in alkali-activated concrete with / without superplasticizers can help in understanding the effect it has on its mechanical strength and microstructural properties. The dispersion of GO in alkali activator fluid of 10(M) and 12(M) with / without polycarboxylate ether (PCE) admixture has been explored in this study. The alkali activator solution of 10(M) NaOH solution with PCE shows better dispersion than 12(M) NaOH solution, as higher alkalinity leads to agglomeration of GO. The study investigated the effect of incorporating PCE in GO-based alkali-activated slag (AAS) mortar with 8(M), 10(M) and 12(M) of alkaline activator solution. The mechanical strength and microstructural characteristics of conventional AAS (without both GO and PCE), GO-based AAS (without PCE) and GO-based AAS with PCE of the respective molar concentration of activator fluid are analysed. The mechanical strength of the AAS mortars has been evaluated using compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength testing. The micro-structural and mineralogical characteristics of the binders are evaluated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM with EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The addition of only GO (0.06% of binder w/w) and the addition of both GO and PCE in AAS have shown up to 30% and 40% mechanical strength improvement with respect to conventional AAS, respectively. The effectiveness of PCE and percentages of strength improvement are higher with a lower molarity of activator fluid, and vice versa. Adding GO and PCE to the AAS system improves its hydration rate and denser microstructure, enhancing its strength.

Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Phlogopite and Its Implications for Serpentinization of Jian Forsterite Jade in Southern Jilin Province, China

Mica is a kind of important rock-forming mineral in the lithosphere of Earth, which can be a superior tool used to trace the origin and late evolution of rock. The Jian forsterite jade (a kind of geological skarn) is an emerging kind of gemstone in China with a beautiful color and luster, discovered in Ji’an County, Jilin Province, Northeast China. It is mainly composed of rare Mg-rich forsterite (Mg# (Mg/(Mg+Fe2+) up to 99), serpentine and brucite. The source of hydrothermal fluid triggering the late metamorphism (the serpentinization of forsterite) of forsterite jade deposits remains unclear. We report a series of phlogopites with a regular range of mineral compositions in the forsterite jade deposit. Micrographs show that the phlogopites are associated with forsterite and coexist with serpentine in forsterite jade, tourmaline and tremolite in the contact zone, and plagioclase in pegmatite, and the related replacement of phlogopite seems to have not occurred. The phlogopites that occurred as single grains or veinlets in forsterite jade named type I are characterized by high XMg, ranging from ~0.98 to ~0.95, and the phlogopites that occurred in the contact zone of forsterite jade and pegmatite named type II are rich in Fe, with a range of XMg from ~0.82 to ~0.66. Additionally, the type II phlogopites are also rich in Ti, Mn, Cl, Li, Rb, Zn, V, Co, Nb and Ta but poor in Na, Sr and F compared to the type I phlogopite. Petrological and mineralogical characteristics and geochemical compositions suggest that the phlogopites are crystallized from the corresponding fluid component by hydrothermal metasomatism. The abundant Mg of the fluid phase is produced during the serpentinization of forsterite, triggered by pegmatitic hydrothermal fluid, and other main materials like K, Al, Si and H2O are provided by the intrusive pegmatite. With the occurrence of and regular compositional variation in phlogopites in the forsterite jade deposit, we suppose that the hydrothermal fluid triggering the serpentinization of the Jian forsterite jade is produced by the intrusive pegmatite.

A Review of the Utilization of Recycled Powder from Concrete Waste as a Cement Partial Replacement in Cement-Based Materials: Fundamental Properties and Activation Methods

Recycled powder (RP) is the primary by-product generated during the reclamation process of construction and demolition waste (CDW). There is existing literature on the use of RP as supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) in cement-based materials, but a comprehensive evaluation on the characteristics of RP generated from concrete waste has been missing until now. This paper critically reviews the use of RP from concrete waste in cement-based materials, as concrete waste makes up a significant amount of CDW and other components have designated recycling methods. In this sense, this study conducted a critical analysis on the use of RP as an SCM, using detailed literature research. The technology used for producing RP is detailed along with its chemical, mineralogy, and microstructural characteristics. Fresh-state properties in cementitious matrices with RP are introduced with the view of mechanical grinding, thermal activation, carbonation, chemical treatment, biomineralization, mineral addition, nano activation, and carbonation. The review highlights the significant potential of utilizing RP in cement-based materials. Specifically, RP can be advantageously utilized in the production of value-added construction materials.

Mineralogical Characteristics and Their Usability as Gemstones of Jaspers in Altered Metavolcanics Belonging to the Topçam Formation, Tokat, Turkiye

The jaspers located in the Topçam Mountain, Tepeyurt region (Tokat, Turkey), were formed at green-colored metavolcanic levels within Permian–Triassic schists. The sizes of the jaspers generally vary from a few cm to 1.5 m, and their colors vary from grayish–reddish–brownish/blackish tones depending on the increase in the amount of Fe and Mn elements they contain. According to thin section and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis examinations, it was determined that the composition of jaspers includes quartz, hematite, calcite, and pyrite. As stated by the Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) analysis results, it was observed that the amount of SiO2 in jaspers was 82.5%, and the amount of Fe2O3 was 15.5%. According to Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis results, Fe and Mn impurities, which are thought to cause the color of jaspers, as well as the amount of Fe (6975.5 ppm–46,893.9 ppm–96,431.1 ppm) and the amount of Mn (935.9–3219.7–6040.4 ppm), caused a darkening in color tones (grayish–reddish–brownish/blackish). Cabochon cutting applications were made of jaspers taken from the study area. As a result of these applications, it has been determined that jaspers can be used as gemstones due to their properties, such as their workability, polish retention, and color and light reflection.

Characterisation and Hydrochloric Acid Leaching of Rare Earth Elements in Discard Coal and Coal Fly Ash

Rare earth elements (REEs) have been identified as valuable and critical raw materials, vital for numerous technologies and applications. With the increasing demand for and supply gap in REEs, many research studies have focused on alternative sources of REEs. This study involved an elemental and mineralogical characterisation of discarded coal from a coal plant and coal fly ash (CFA) from a power station in South Africa for REE presence. XRD results revealed that the discard coal sample consisted mainly of kaolinite, pyrite, siderite, quartz, calcite, gypsum, and muscovite, whereas CFA contained abundant glassy amorphous phases, alumina silicates, quartz, gypsum, calcite, and minute levels of muscovite and hematite. SEM-EDAX showed REE-carrying grains containing phosphorus in both discard coal and CFA samples. This was followed by investigating the leaching potential of REEs using hydrochloric acid from discard coal and CFA. This research’s potential impact is possibly providing a new and sustainable source of REEs. For that purpose, multiple batch leaching tests were performed to investigate the effects of temperature and acid concentration on the leaching efficiencies of REEs from discard coal and CFA. The experimental results indicated that temperature strongly influences REE leaching efficiency, while acid concentration has a lesser impact. This study identifies the best leaching conditions for the total REE recovery as 1 M HCl and 80 °C for discard coal and CFA.

Rubidium (Rb) enrichment processes in a highly evolved granitic system: Insights from the petrology and geochemistry of the Guobaoshan Rb deposit in eastern Tianshan, NW China

Highly fractionated granitoids are closely associated with Rb mineralization, yet the mechanisms that control Rb enrichment and details about the enrichment process have not been well constrained. The Guobaoshan Rb deposit in eastern Tianshan, NW China, is one of the largest granite-related Rb deposits; it preserves a series of gradual lithofacies ranging from biotite granite and muscovite granite to Rb-rich amazonite granite and pegmatite, and provides an excellent opportunity to constrain the Rb enrichment processes in granitic systems. The large Guobaoshan Rb deposit hosts 281,000 tons of Rb2O at a grade of 0.12% mainly in its amazonite-bearing granite and amazonite granite lithofacies. In this contribution, we integrate geochronology, bulk-rock geochemistry, and analysis of Nd and zircon Hf isotopes to characterize the evolution of the Guobaoshan granitic pluton and the mechanisms that generated Rb enrichment. The zircon U-Pb age of the biotite granite and columbite U-Pb age of the amazonite granite are 244.8 ± 1.8 Ma (1σ, mean square of weighted deviates [MSWD] = 1.1) and 241.9 ± 2.3 Ma (1σ, MSWD = 1.0), respectively. In situ Rb-Sr analysis of orthoclase, mica, and albite from the amazonite-bearing granite, amazonite granite, and pegmatite yields ages of 249.1 ± 7.3 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 1.6), 245.5 ± 16.8 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.63), and 245.8 ± 9.8 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 3.3), respectively. Together, these ages demonstrate that the Guobaoshan granitic pluton formed during the Triassic and underwent a protracted magmatic evolution. The Guobaoshan granitic pluton is characterized by high concentrations of SiO2, alkalis, and Al2O3, and low concentrations of MgO, Fe2O3, CaO, P2O5, and TiO2, with an Al saturation index (A/CNK) of 1.01−1.14. It is enriched in Rb, but depleted in Ba, Sr, P, and Eu, has low total rare earth element (REE) contents (83.1−221 ppm), and is characterized by significantly negative anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.01−0.44). The biotite granite is enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), whereas the muscovite granite, amazonite-bearing granite, amazonite granite, and pegmatite are depleted in LREEs, and exhibit a marked tetrad effect (TE1.3 = 1.05−1.50). These geochemical characteristics, combined with the non-CHARAC (charge-radius−controlled) ratios of Zr/Hf, Nb/Ta, Y/Ho, and K/Rb, are indicative of melt-fluid interaction during the evolution of the Guobaoshan magma. Given that the biotite granite is the least-evolved rock, its petrological and geochemical characteristics suggest that it is an I-type granite. The slightly variable εHf(t) and consistently negative εNd(t) values indicate that the magma from which the Guobaoshan granitic pluton crystallized was likely sourced from the Mesoproterozoic crust, with limited mantle contributions. The coeval ages and coherent geochemical variations and mineral compositions of these rocks suggest that they formed via fractional crystallization of plagioclase, mica, quartz, and K-feldspar in the same magmatic system. This is supported by fractional crystallization simulations using the rhyolite-MELTS software package. Based on the petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics of the muscovite granite, amazonite-bearing granite, amazonite granite, and pegmatite, as well as simulations using rhyolite-MELTS, high degrees of fractional crystallization of granitic magma and interaction of this evolving magma with F-rich fluids are suggested to have been the key mechanisms that caused enrichment of Rb, while the melt-fluid interaction was more critical for Rb mineralization.

Environmental Management in Lithium Extraction: Optimization of the Hydrometallurgical Process for Lepidolite with Focus on Eco-Efficiency and Life Cycle Assessment

Objective: Develop and optimize an eco-efficient hydrometallurgical process for lithium extraction from lepidolite, enhancing environmental management in the lithium mining industry. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in principles of eco-efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA), and optimization of chemical processes applied to lithium extraction within the context of organizational environmental management. Method: A fractional factorial design 2^(5-2) was employed for process optimization. Mineralogical characterization was conducted using XRD and ICP-MS. Extraction efficiency, product purity, and environmental parameters were evaluated through LCA. Results and Discussion: Extraction efficiency increased from 91.0 ± 1.5% to 94.5 ± 0.8%, with a product purity of 99.62 ± 0.04%. LCA revealed a carbon footprint of 5.9 ± 0.3 kg CO₂ eq / kg Li₂CO₃ and a water consumption of 38 ± 2 m³/t Li₂CO₃. Implications in relation to conventional extraction methods are discussed. Research Implications: The study provides a framework for implementing more sustainable processes in lithium mining, potentially applicable to the battery industry and natural resource management. Originality/Value: The research innovatively integrates process optimization, LCA, and eco-efficiency principles in lithium extraction, contributing to the sustainable transformation of the lithium mining industry.

Enhancing forensic applications through the mineralogy of clays in surface soil horizon: A case study of baixada fluminense, Southeast Brazil

Clay minerals possess chemical, mineralogical, and crystallographic characteristics that make them potential forensic markers, as they can reflect geochemical and weathering processes on a detailed scale. Therefore, this study aims to use the mineralogy of the clay fraction to distinguish samples from the surface soil horizons in four municipalities in Brazil, to assess the possibility of geographical tracking for forensic applications. Studies characterizing clays in environments with a variety of soil types in forensic pedology are necessary but still in their early stages. Furthermore, due to the high incidence of homicides involving the displacement of bodies in the region and the low resolution of these crimes, this research is crucial for geoscientific applications, with the potential for global replication. The samples were separated by centrifugation and analyzed using X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence, and thermogravimetry. Minerals were determined through quantitative mineralogical analyses using Rietveld and Biscaye methods. Additionally, in conjunction with the crystallographic parameters of kaolinite (Full Width at Half Maximum – FWHM), it was possible to form 8 Clay Mineral Assemblages and Gibbsite (CMAG), whose geographical delimitation considered geological and hydrographic aspects. The determination of CMAGs is based on mineralogy and is defined as follows: CMAG 1: kaolinite+(illite); CMAG 2: kaolinite+(gibbsite); CMAG 3: kaolinite + illite + montmorillonite; CMAG 4: kaolinite + illite+(gibbsite); CMAG 5: ordered kaolinite+(illite)+(gibbsite); CMAG 6: kaolinite + gibbsite+(illite); CMAG 7: disordered kaolinite + illite + gibbsite; CMAG 8: kaolinite+(illite)+(chlorite). The results indicate that the quantification of clay minerals in samples from surface soil horizons, FWHM, and the % of Al in goethite can represent valuable tools for forensic pedology. Moreover, through the characterization of iron and titanium (hydr)oxides, it was possible to distinguish samples with a distance of 335 m between them, further expanding the capability to identify the geographical origin of samples, making them potential forensic markers.

Serpentinised Mantle Section of Neoproterozoic Ophiolite at Al‐Barramiya District, North Arabian‐Nubian Shield: Tectono‐Magmatic Evolution and Metamorphism

ABSTRACTThis research focuses on the field observations, petrography, mineral chemistry and geochemistry of the serpentinised peridotite of Al‐Barramiya ophiolitic sequence to place constraints on their magmatic history and their geodynamic evolution. Al‐Barramiya ophiolitic rocks are a dismembered ophiolite which was strongly deformed and metamorphosed under greenschist to lower amphibolite facies. They comprise a mantle section dominated by highly serpentinised peridotite with less metapyroxenite and chromitite, as well as a crustal portion represented by metagabbros. Along shear zones, the ophiolite sequence was affected by several types of alteration. Extensive carbonate alteration is common in the ultramafic section, resulted in talc carbonates, listvenites and magnesite, while rodingitisation is common in the metagabbro resulted in rodingite. Despite the extensive serpentinisation, some fresh relics of primary mantle minerals such as Cr‐spinel, olivine and pyroxenes are preserved sporadically in the serpentinised peridotite. Few Cr‐spinel crystals are sometimes surrounded by subhedral flakes of Cr‐chlorite (kämmererite) that was formed due to replacement of Cr‐spinel during later alteration or regional metamorphism. The serpentinite samples are depleted in the total REE (0.56–1.19 ppm) with slightly negative to slightly positive Eu anomalies (0.89–1.28). The fresh cores of Cr‐spinel have Cr# mostly > 60, and the relics of pyroxenes and olivine are Mg‐rich suggesting that the Al‐Barramiya serpentinites are residual to high degrees of melt extraction. The estimated degrees of partial melting range between 18.2% and 20.7%. All the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the ultramafic section of the Al‐Barramiya ophiolites are most consistent with its formation in a fore‐arc setting.

Mineralogic and geochemical characteristics of Duwi Formation black shale, Safaga District, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Mineralogic and geochemical characteristics of Duwi Formation black shale, Safaga District, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Aeschynite Group Minerals Are a Potential Recovery Target for Niobium Resources at the Giant Bayan Obo Nb–REE–Fe Deposit in China

With the development of the steel industry, China’s demand for niobium is increasing. However, domestic niobium resources are not yet stably supplied and are heavily dependent on imports from abroad (nearly 100%). It is urgent to develop domestic niobium resources. The Bayan Obo deposit is the largest rare earth element deposit in the world and contains a huge amount of niobium resources. However, the niobium resource has not been exploited due to the fine-grained size and heterogeneous and scattered occurrences of Nb minerals. To promote the utilization of niobium resources in the Bayan Obo deposit, we focused on the mineralogical and geochemical characterization of six types of ores and mineral processing samples from the Bayan Obo deposit, using optical microscopes, EPMA, TIMA, and LA–ICP–MS. Our results show that: (1) the niobium mineral compositions are complex, with the main Nb minerals including aeschynite group minerals, columbite–(Fe), fluorcalciopyrochlore, Nb–bearing rutile, baotite, fergusonite–(Y), fersmite, and a small amount of samarskite–(Y). Aeschynite group minerals, columbite–(Fe), and fluorcalciopyrochlore are the main niobium-carrying minerals and should be the primary focus of industrial recycling and utilization. Based on mineralogical and geochemical investigation, the size of the aeschynite group minerals is large enough for mineral processing. Aeschynite group minerals are thus a significant potential recovery target for niobium, as well as for medium–heavy REE resources. The Nb–rich aegirine-type ores with aeschynite group mineral megacrysts are suggested to be the most significant niobium resource for mineral processing and prospecting. Combined with geological features, mining, and mineral processing, niobium beneficiation efforts of aeschynite group minerals are crucial for making breakthroughs in the utilization of niobium resources at the Bayan Obo.

Compositional peculiarities of the primary, mixed, and oxidized copper ores in gabbroids of the Volkovsky massif (Middle Urals, Russia)

The Ural type magmatic copper deposits in gabbro are assigned to a specific type of copper deposits which exploitation substantially depends on the oxidation degree of the ores, that is often not unambiguous. At the Volkovskoe Cu-Fe-V deposit (Middle Urals, Russia), three technological grades of the copper ores are known, the primary, oxidized, and mixed ones, that are distinguished based on the relative content of Cu2+ in the total copper balance. This paper presents petrological, petrochemical, geochemical, and mineralogical characteristics of natural varieties of the copper ores of the Northwestern zone of the Volkovskoe deposit. It is demonstrated that the criterion for distinguishing the technological grades of the copper ores by the relative Cu2+ content does not reflect the real degree of the supergene oxidation for the selected technological varieties. The results of our research suggest a necessity of studying the copper sulfides in more detail to clarify peculiarities of the redox conditions of the ore formation, to correct the indicators of the primary and supergene copper oxidation degree, which may provide new criteria to determine the boundaries between the technological grades of copper ores, using the Volkovskoe ore deposit as an example.

Petrographic, Mineralogical and Geo-mechanical Characteristics of Marble from Mohmand District, Pakistan: Implications for its Use in Construction Industry

Petrographic, Mineralogical and Geo-mechanical Characteristics of Marble from Mohmand District, Pakistan: Implications for its Use in Construction Industry

Feasibility of Using Ferronickel Slag as a Sustainable Alternative Aggregate in Hot Mix Asphalt

Ferronickel slag (FNS) is a byproduct produced during ferronickel alloy manufacturing, primarily used in the manufacturing of stainless steel and iron alloys. This material is produced by cooling molten slag with water or air, posing significant disposal challenges, as improper storage in industrial yards can lead to environmental contamination. This study investigates the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of reduction ferronickel slag (RFNS) and its potential use as an alternative aggregate in hot mix asphalt (HMA). The research is based on the practical application of HMA containing RFNS in an experimental area, specifically the parking lot used by buses transporting employees of Anglo American, located at the Codemin Industrial Unit in Niquelândia, Goiás, Central Brazil. Chemical analysis revealed that RFNS primarily consists of MgO, Fe2O3, and SiO2, which are elements with minimal environmental impact. The lack of significant calcium content minimizes concerns about expansion issues commonly associated with calcium-rich slags. The X-ray diffractogram indicates a predominantly crystalline structure with minerals like Laihunite and Magnetite, which enhances wear and abrasion resistance. HMA containing 40% RFNS was tested using the Marshall methodology, and a small experimental area was subsequently constructed. The HMA containing RFNS met regulatory specifications and technological controls, achieving an average resilient modulus value of 6323 MPa. Visual inspections conducted four years later confirmed that the pavement remained in excellent condition, validating RFNS as a durable and effective alternative aggregate for asphalt mixtures. The successful application of RFNS not only demonstrates its potential for local road paving near industrial areas but also underscores the importance of sustainable waste management solutions. This research highlights the value of academia–industry collaboration in advancing environmentally responsible practices and reinforces the contribution of RFNS to enhancing local infrastructure and promoting a more sustainable future.

Studies on identification of Garudapacha - An unfamiliar raw material used in Ayurveda formulations

Introduction: The raw drugs of mineral and metallic origin are exclusively classified into different groups. There are around 70 minerals and metals described in Rasashastra. There is a rare mineral called Garudapacha used in Kerala state of India, the details of which are scarce or rather not available. It is called as veluthagarudapacha, Palgarudapacha in Malayalam language and palgarudakallu, palgaruda and garudakallu in Tamil. A brief account of shodhana and marana is also mentioned for this mineral drug. The bhasma of Garudapacha is indicated in the conditions like asthisrava (leucorrhea), netraroga (Eye disorders), asthishosha (osteoporosis) and mutrakrichra (dysuria). Materials and methods: An attempt was made in this work to collect the samples of Garudapacha from different districts of Kerala. Collected sample was examined through selected physical properties of minerals. The sample was also analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM EDS). Results: Two samples of Garudapacha could be collected one each from Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala state. On examination the sample was massive, compact, brittle, translucent to opaque, white stone, with white streak, Pearly to dull luster, flat to conchoidal fracture, 2.5 to 3.5 Hardness and 2.9 to 3 specific gravity. SEM EDS analysis showed presence of magnesium, carbon, calcium and silica. Discussion and conclusion: From the physical appearance and other mineralogical features the collected sample was identified as Magnesite a carbonate of magnesium with a chemical composition of MgCO3. It was further affirmed while the sample was subjected to instrumental analysis. There was presence of magnesium, carbon and silica among which 28.74% magnesium and 6.89 % was carbon.

Circular economy strategies in sedimentary phosphate mine reclamation: Development of technosol from phosphate waste rock

Proper management of mine waste plays a crucial role in minimizing environmental impacts. One potential solution to tackle this problem involves transforming mine waste rock into soil to facilitate the process of mine restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the mineralogical, chemical, and physical characteristics of technosol derived from phosphate mine waste dumps. Following this evaluation, a novel rehabilitation strategy was proposed. For this purpose, a total of 32 samples were systematically collected across a 4 ha area of technosols, which had been established in accordance with the waste rock soil rehabilitation strategy involving geomorphic reshaping. According to the findings, phosphate mining left the soil with a sandy texture, resulting in a degraded soil structure with severely unfavorable crop growth conditions, notably poor stability, and low water retention. The chemistry of the studied soils was characterized by the dominance of CaO (29.02 wt%± 1.01) > SiO2 (27.61 wt% ± 0.61) > P2O5 (11.34 wt% ± 0.23) > MgO (5.97 wt%±0.16). Mineralogically, the samples were mainly formed by quartz, dolomite, calcite, apatite, and clay minerals. The prevalence of dolomite played a significant role in enhancing the accessibility of Mg as an essential nutrient and the occurrence of apatite in the soil resulted in the presence of P2O5. However, the abundance of Ca was linked to three major minerals: calcite, apatite, and dolomite. X-ray fluorescence analyses demonstrated that the concentrations of Fe2O3, K2O, and SO3 did not exceed 2 wt%.Organic matter, represented by SOC <0.2% and N < 0.02%, demonstrated an extraordinary deficiency in the study area. The analysis of element bioavailability confirmed that the soil was rich in Ca (10383,26 mg/kg), Mg (278,47 mg/kg), Zn (12,82 mg/kg), and Cu (3,7 mg/kg) but deficient in other essential nutrients such as P, K, S, Mn, and Fe. Our research results provide a set of recommendations aimed at enhancing existing mine rehabilitation practices applicable to both pre- and post-rehabilitation phases, leveraging automated mineralogy and circular economy principles. Notably, we propose a rehabilitation strategy to be implemented prior to the geomorphic reshaping phase, which is intended to reduce costs and efforts associated with soil reconstitution.