Serpentine-group Minerals Research Articles

Zoned Cr-spinel and ferritchromite alteration in forearc mantle serpentinites of the Rio San Juan Complex, Dominican Republic

AbstractFerritchromite is rarely reported in forearc mantle peridotites. This contribution describes ferritchromite alteration and zoned Cr-spinel in serpentinites from the Rio San Juan Complex in the Dominican Republic. These rocks originated from the forearc mantle and protruded along lithosphere-scale faults in the mid Eocene. The cores of the Cr-spinel grains have Cr# ratios [i.e.atomic Cr/(Cr + Al)] between 0.48 and 0.66; such values are relatively high and are considered to represent primary compositions. Relatively high Zn contents in the grain cores (0.46 c 0.95 wt.% ZnO) are also thought to be primary; they reflect exceptionally cool conditions in the northern Caribbean forearc mantle. A progressive change in the zoning of Cr-spinel is recorded in the samples. Weakly zoned grains of Cr-spinel have rims with lower Mg# ratios [i.e.atomic Mg/(Mg + Fe2+)] and slightly higher Cr# ratios than the cores. More strongly zoned grains of Cr-spinel, in addition to low Mg# and high Cr# in their rims, have a marked increase in Fe3+# [i.e.Fe3+/(Fe3+ + Al + Cr)] of up to 0.35 in their rims and are partially coated by Mg-rich chlorite. All grains show core-to-rim decreases in their Zn content and increases in Ti, Mn and V. The association with Mg-rich chlorite and the compositional zoning are reminiscent of those reported for ferritchromite. Ferritchromite (with Fe3+# >0.5) is common in ultramafic rocks in amphibolite-grade terranes; however, the serpentinite samples described herein show little evidence of high-grade metamorphism. The lowtemperature serpentine-group mineral lizardite is dominant and high-temperature antigorite is either very rare or absent; other high-temperature minerals, such as talc, tremolite and cummingtonite, are trace constituents. The observed zoning in the Cr-spinel is thought to represent 'immature' ferritchromite, probably formed in response to a short-lived thermal event. This event appears to have been on too short a timescale to produce either proper ferritchromite or significant quantities of high-temperature minerals. It may be related to the emplacement of the nearby Rio Boba Intrusion, or the upward protrusion of the serpentinites along the lithosphere-scale Septentrional fault zone from the base of the mantle wedge through its hotter interior. We suggest that such alteration is rare in forearc serpentinites because they are not commonly heated during exhumation along the plane of subduction. This work demonstrates that Cr-spinel compositions can be modified by relatively low-grade metamorphism.

Hydrothermal Ni: Doriri Creek, Papua New Guinea

The Doriri Creek (DC) Ni–Pd–Pt prospect was discovered in 1966 in the Papuan Ultramafic Belt (PUB) in PNG. The DC was interpreted as a hydrothermal Ni accumulation. The DC is located in the southern proximity of Mt Suckling (~180km SE of Port Moresby), where local intrusive rocks are intermediate to acid dykes and small stocks, within the tec tonized contact zone of the Australian and Woodlark Plates. The active volcanoes of Mount Victory and Waiowa indicate recent thermal activity in the area.The Doriri Creek prospect is the result of episodic hydrothermal fluid flow running through the Doriri prospect, that resulted in Ni concentration of up to 1.55wt.%, formed by alteration of an ultramafic unit of peridotites/pyroxenites within a Mg-rich gabbronorite envelope. Ni was concentrated in chlorite and serpentine group minerals in addition to Fe oxides, with a minor amount in pentlandite in locally sulfidic samples. Ore mineralogy is also associated with a high phosphorous content as apatite, that concentrates LREE (light rare earth elements). Palladium concentrations are up to 0.37ppm. Platinum is present in concentrations up to 0.06ppm within the ore.The alteration halo associated with Doriri Creek mineralization is ~100m in width. Primary mineralogy comprises pyroxene, olivine and plagioclase, which have been altered extensively to amphibole and chlorite–serpentine group minerals. This halo is characterized by enrichments of U, K and W over background values.Local magnetite concentration is up to ~35% of whole rock, which is very pronounced in the sulfide rich area of the system. The top part of the DC system is overprinted by tropical weathering at metric scale, which displays LREE enrichment and positive Ce anomalies.The Papuan Ultramafic Belt is described as a highly prospective ground for hydrothermal Ni systems based on its availability of Ni, active thermal flow engines, and the geologic regional context dominated by mafic rock suites and the presence of carbonate/siliciclastic units.

Study on Serpentinites and the Consequence of the Misuse of Natural Stone in Buildings for Construction

AbstractSome rocks are very attractive as ornamental stone, but not all of them accomplish the needed requirements to be used in construction. Serpentinite can be an appealing rock, very commonly used as dimension stone. However, not all serpentinites can be used in such a way. The most widely used commercial serpentinite comes from Pakistan and India (i.e., Rajasthan Green), but other countries also produce serpentinites, such as Italy (Verde Alpi, Verde Polcevera, Verde Prato), United States (Vermont Verde Antique), and Spain (Verde Macael, Verde Pirineos). The geomechanical properties of a serpentinite are strongly related to its mineralogy (serpentine-group minerals and carbonates, mostly), and not all serpentinites are created equal. We have compared the mineralogy and mechanical properties of serpentinites that comply with the Standard Specification for Serpentinite as Dimension Stone (i.e., Rajasthan Green, Verde Macael) with those that do not (Verde Pirineos). Verde Pirineos consists of lizardite,...

The dehydroxylation of serpentine group minerals

The thermal transformation, stability field, and reaction kinetics of serpentine minerals (antigorite, chrysotile, and lizardite) have been studied to draw a comprehensive model for their dehydroxylation and recrystallization reactions. In situ X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and kinetic studies were combined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations to describe the mechanisms of dehydroxylation and later high-temperature crystallization. During dehydroxylation, a metastable transition phase with a characteristic peak around 9 A was observed in antigorite and, to a minor extent, in lizardite. Rietveld refinements confirmed that the 9 A phase actually possesses a talc-like structure. The appearance of this phase is controlled by structure and kinetic factors. The kinetic parameters and reaction mechanism for lizardite and antigorite dehydroxylation in air at ambient pressure were calculated using the Avrami models and compared to those of chrysotile. For both lizardite and antigorite, the kinetics of dehydroxylation is controlled by diffusion. Apparent activation energy of the reaction in the temperature range 612–708 °C was 221 and 255 kJ/mol for lizardite and antigorite, respectively. The reaction sequences of chrysotile, lizardite, and antigorite leading to the formation of stable high-temperature products (i.e., forsterite and enstatite) are described taking into account previous topotactic and dissolution-recrystallization models.

Evidence for boron incorporation into the serpentine crystal structure

Serpentinite mud volcanoes from the Mariana forearc comprise B-rich mantle wedge peridotites serpentinized by slab fluids. The major component of these rocks are serpentine group minerals [Mg 3 Si 2 O 5 (OH) 4 ], showing highly variable textural and geochemical features. Micro-Raman spectroscopy reveals that the serpentine minerals are well-crystallized lizardite and chrysotile. In situ SIMS spot analyses and element mapping via ToF-SIMS show that B is evenly distributed across serpentine grains, suggesting that serpentine, both lizardite and chrysotile in different textural regions, can host significant amounts of B (up to ~200 μg/g) into its crystal structure. As such structurally bound B can only be released during recrystallization or serpentine breakdown, our results have implications for modeling of the efficiency of cross-arc fluid mobile element recycling in subduction zones and stress the importance of the hydrated forearc mantle as a reservoir for fluid mobile elements.

Re–Os geochronology of the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian Dalradian Supergroup of Scotland and Ireland: Implications for Neoproterozoic stratigraphy, glaciations and Re–Os systematics

New Re–Os geochronology for the Ballachulish Slate Formation of the Dalradian Supergroup, Scotland yields a depositional age of 659.6±9.6Ma. This age represents the first successful application of the Re–Os system to rocks that have extremely low Re and Os abundances (<1ppb and<50ppt, respectively). The Re–Os age represents a maximum age for the glaciogenic Port Askaig Formation and refutes previous chemostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic studies which correlated the Port Askaig Formation with a series of middle Cryogenian (ca. 715Ma) glacials. Additionally, the Re–Os age strongly suggests that the Port Askaig Formation may be correlative with the ∼650Ma end-Sturtian glaciations of Australia. As a consequence, the correlation of the Ballachulish Limestone Formation with the ca. 800Ma Bitter Springs anomaly is not tenable. Initial Os isotope data from the Ballachulish Slate Formation coupled with data from Australia reveals a radiogenic 187Os/188Os isotope composition (∼0.8–1.0) for seawater during the Neoproterozoic, which is similar to that of modern seawater (1.06).We also report a young, highly imprecise Re–Os age (310±110Ma) for the Early Cambrian Leny Limestone Formation which is constrained biostratigraphically by a polymerid and miomerid trilobite fauna. We suggest, based on the mineralogy of the Leny Limestone, (kaolinite, muscovite and a serpentine group mineral, berthierine), that the Re–Os systematics have been disturbed by post-depositional fluid flow associated with Palaeozoic igneous intrusions. However, it is evident from the Ballachulish Slate Formation results that anhydrous metamorphism does not disturb the Re–Os geochronometer.

Guidottiite, the Mn-Analogue of Cronstedtite: A New Serpentine-Group Mineral from South Africa

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to describe the new serpentine group mineral, guidottiite, which is analogous to cronstedtite. Guidottiite has an ideal chemical composition of (Mn2Fe3+)(SiFe3+)O5(OH)4. The sample is from the N’chwaning 2 mine, Kalahari manganese field, Republic of South Africa, and apparently forms from hydrothermal solutions. Grains are optically near opaque [average index of refraction 1.765, with variable extinction on the (001)], vitreous, and black, with perfect {001} platy cleavage. A non-separable fibrous substructure exists perpendicular to cleavage that results in a silky luster under optical examination. The average chemical analysis determined from electron microprobe based on four grains with ten analyses each resulted in a structural formula of (Mn1.86Fe0.613+Mg0.54)Σ=3.01(Si1.36Fe0.643+)Σ=2.00O5(OH)4, with calculated density of 3.236 g/cm3. Analysis from another area of the sample showed a slightly different chemical composition and resulted in a formula of (Mn1.70Fe0.963+Mg0.24Σ=2.89(Si1.26Fe0.743+)Σ=2.00O5(OH)4, with calculated density of 3.291 g/cm3. The measured density on a bulk sample (with impurities) was 3.33 g/cm3. Thermal analysis suggested a dehydroxylation temperature of 535°C, a decomposition/recrystallization temperature of 722°C, and weight loss (= H2O loss) of 9.4%. The derived Mohs hardness from nano-indentation is H = 4.25.The sample is mostly the 2H1 polytype with minor amounts of the 2H2 polytype. Using a predominantly 2H2 crystal, which has better crystallinity, the strongest observed X-ray peaks are: 7.21 Å (Io/Io = 100%), 3.543 (50), 2.568 (39), 1.982 (26), and 2.381 (25). All Gandolfi simulations, even with three crystal remountings, showed preferred orientation effects. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis showed stacking disorder within Group D serpentine polytypes. Thus, a regular alternation of the occupancy of octahedral sets within each layer along the stacking exists, but disorder of the layer displacements of 0 and ±b/3 (b defined here as the orthohexagonal cell) exists. Ordered 2H1 (no layer displacement) and 2H2 (alternating + and —b/3 displacement) domains were also frequently observed. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that even apparent single crystals contain impurity phases, presumably Mn-rich and Ca phases that were detected in the microprobe study. The single-crystal structure refinement used a well (stacking) ordered apparent 2H2 crystal with little to no streaking in the diffraction pattern. Results showed that the crystal has a random interstratification of 2H2 and 2H1. The 2H2 polytype is hexagonal, space group P63, with a = 5.5472(3), c = 14.293(2) Å, and Z = 2, and was refined to R1 = 0.072 and wR = 0.108 from 656 unique reflections. Because the two polytypes in the composite have only small differences in the lower 1:1 layer, a large displacement parameter for the basal oxygen atom results, which was constrained to B = 1.5 Å2 (Ueq = 0.0190) in the refinement. Half of the tetrahedral sites in the 2H1 upper layer superpose over half of the tetrahedral sites in the 2H2 upper layer (T1 sites only) per unit cell. This superposition produces an apparent excess of electron densities of the T1 site relative to the T2 site (T1 = 21.9 electrons, T2 = 15.8). Comparison with the microprobe data indicates that observed tetrahedral bond lengths are generally not affected by this intergrowth. Tetrahedral bond lengths indicated that the tetrahedral sites contain T1 = Si0.678 Fe0.3223+ and T2 = Si0.631Fe0.3693+. This excess of electron densities and other refinement problems associated with the guidottiite single-crystal refinement closely parallel all single-crystal cronstedtite-2H2 refinements to date, suggesting that these refinements also involve random interstratifications of 2H2 and 2H1 polytypes.

Garutiite, (Ni,Fe,Ir), a new hexagonal polymorph of native Ni from Loma Peguera, Dominican Republic

Garutiite (Ni,Fe,Ir) is a new hexagonal polymorph of native Ni discovered in chromitite from Loma Peguera, Dominican Republic. The mineral was identified in heavy mineral concentrates obtained through the use of electric pulse disaggregation (EPD) and hydroseparation (HS) techniques. It forms as anhedral, botryoidal grains typically 10–60 μm in size (maximum of 110 μm). Grains are single or composite, frequently porous and zoned, and occasionally display an unusual lamellar internal texture. Associated minerals include hexaferrum, ferrian chromite, chlorite-group minerals, serpentine-group minerals, awaruite, irarsite, laurite, native Ru and unidentified species including Ru–Os–Ir-Fe and Pt–Ni–Fe–Ir compounds, Pt(Ni,Fe)3, (Fe,Ru,Ni,Os,Ir,Co)2S and RhNiAs. The mineral is megascopically grey to grey-black with a metallic luster. In plane-polarized light, garutiite is white in color, exhibits a very weak anisotropy, and no pleochroism, bireflectance or internal reflections were observed. No cleavage was noted and the hardness could not be determined owing to the porous nature of the mineral. The calculated density is 11.33 (1) g/cm3. Reflectance values (%) in air are: 63.8 at 470, 65.9 at 546, 67.0 at 589 and 68.0 at 650 nm. The average result of electron microprobe analyses ( n = 42 from 27 grains) is: Ni 27.91, Fe 19.94, Ir 43.78, Pt 6.98, Co 0.55, Cu 0.43, Ru, 0.50, Rh 0.74, Os 0.67, total 101.51 wt%, corresponding to (Ni0.421Fe0.316Ir0.202Pt0.032Co0.008Cu0.006Rh0.006Ru0.004Os0.003)∑1 or the simplified formula, (Ni,Fe,Ir). Garutiite is the Ni analogue of hexaferrum, osmium and ruthenium and is classified as belonging to the osmium group. As such, the mineral is considered to be hexagonal, crystallizing in space group P 63/ mmc with a 2.6941(4) and c 4.2731(6) A , V = 26.86(1) A 3, Z = 2. The strongest lines of the X-ray powder diffraction pattern [ d (in A )(I)( hkl )] are: 2.330(50)(100), 2.136(30)(002), 2.046(100)(101), 1.576(30)(102), 1.3470(40)(110), 1.2155(40)(103). Based on its morphology, internal texture, and the associated minerals, garutiite is interpreted to be secondary in origin, i.e ., having formed at low temperatures during post magmatic processes, such as serpentinization and/or lateritization. The name honors Prof. Giorgio Garuti, in recognition of his contributions to the understanding of the mineralogy of platinum-group elements.

Sources and sinks of clay minerals on Mars

The recent identification of clay minerals on the Martian surface using visible–near infrared reflectance spectroscopy has had a profound effect on our view of aqueous alteration on Mars. Smectite, chlorite, kaolin group, and serpentine group minerals have been detected using the CRISM and OMEGA spectrometers, with Fe/Mg-smectite and chlorite varieties being the dominant types discovered throughout the ancient crust. Aqueous, eolian, and impact processes have transported and recycled some of these clays such that their current locations may not accurately reflect their formation environments. However, detrital clays could prove useful for constraining transport pathways and sediment provenance. Here we discuss the impact craters and channels that comprise the Uzboi–Ladon–Morava system, including Holden, Eberswalde, and Ladon craters, which represents a large-scale sediment sink for clay minerals derived from the surrounding Noachian crust. This system contains thick deposits of clay mineral-bearing strata that likely record a wide range of alluvial, fluvial, lacustrine, and eolian processes that provide direct insight into the Martian clay cycle. Broad concepts of sediment sources, sinks, and sediment transport paths can be outlined using orbital data, but future in situ exploration of the Martian sedimentary rock record will be necessary to distinguish fully between detrital and authigenic clay minerals, and thus to determine environmental conditions and transitions on ancient Mars.

Effects of Temperature, pH, and Iron/Clay and Liquid/Clay Ratios on Experimental Conversion of Dioctahedral Smectite to Berthierine, Chlorite, Vermiculite, or Saponite

AbstractIn deep geological repositories for high-level nuclear wastes, interactions between steel canisters and clay-rich materials may lead to mineralogical transformations with a loss of the confining properties of the clays. Experiments simulating the conversion of smectite to Fe-rich clay phases in contact with Fe metal have been carried out to evaluate such a possibility by taking into account the effects of a series of critical parameters, including temperature, pH, and Fe/clay (Fe/C) and liquid/clay (L/C) ratios. The mineralogical and chemical transformations observed in these experiments have been compared with data from the literature, and subsequently used to propose a conceptual model for the main mineralogical transformations which can be expected in clay formations surrounding high-level nuclear waste repositories. In the presence of Fe metal and under low oxygen fugacity (&lt;-40) the main mineralogical sequences are as follows:(1)up to 150°C, under neutral pH, and L/C &gt; 5: dioctahedral smectite (di-sm) → 7 Å Fe-rich phase (berthierine, odinite-cronstedtite) for large Fe/C ratios (&gt;0.5), or di-sm → Fe-rich di-sm + Fe-rich trioctahedral smectite (tri-sm) for small Fe/C ratios (0.1)(2)up to 150°C, under alkaline pH (10–12), and L/C &gt; 5: di-sm → Fe di-sm (±palygorskite) for a small Fe/C ratio (0.1)(3)at 300°C, Fe/C = 0.1, and L/C &gt; 5: di-sm → Fe-rich saponite → trioctahedral chlorite + feldspar + zeolite (near-neutral pH); di-sm → Fe-rich vermiculite + mordenite (pH 10–12).Low temperatures (&lt;150°C) and large L/C and Fe/C ratios seem to favor the crystallization of the serpentine group minerals instead of Fe-rich trioctahedral smectites or chlorites, the latter being favored by higher temperatures. The role of L/C and Fe/C ratios and the competition between them at different temperatures is a crucial point in understanding the transformation of smectite in contact with Fe metal.

Mineralogy of mine waste at the Vermont Asbestos Group mine, Belvidere Mountain, Vermont

Samples from the surfaces of waste piles at the Vermont Asbestos Group mine in northern Vermont were studied to determine their mineralogy, particularly the presence and morphology of amphiboles. Analyses included powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and Raman spectroscopy. Minerals identified by XRD were serpentine-group minerals, magnetite, chlorite, quartz, olivine, pyroxene, and brucite; locally, mica and carbonates were also present. Raman spectroscopy distinguished antigorite and chrysotile, which could not be differentiated using XRD. Long-count, short-range XRD scans of the (110) amphibole peak showed trace amounts of amphibole in most samples. Examination of amphiboles in tailings by optical microscopy, SEM, and EPMA revealed non-fibrous amphiboles compositionally classified as edenite, magnesiohornblende, magnesiokatophorite, and pargasite. No fibrous amphibole was found in the tailings, although fibrous tremolite was identified in a sample of host rock. Knowledge of the mineralogy at the site may lead to better understanding of potential implications for human health and aid in designing a remediation plan.

Sulfide mineralization in an ultramafic-rock hosted seafloor hydrothermal system: From serpentinization to the formation of Cu–Zn–(Co)-rich massive sulfides

The Rainbow vent field is an ultramafic rock-hosted seafloor hydrothermal system located on the Mid-Atlantic ridge issuing high temperature, acidic, metal-rich fluids. Hydrothermal products include Cu–Zn–(Co)-rich massive sulfides with characteristics comparable to those found in mafic volcanic-hosted massive sulfide deposits. Petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry of nonmineralized and mineralized rocks sampled in the Rainbow vent field indicate that serpentinized peridotites host the hydrothermal vent system but serpentinization reactions occurred prior to and independently of the sulfide mineralization event. The onset of sulfide mineralization is reflected by extensive textural and chemical transformations in the serpentine-group minerals that show clear signs of hydrothermal corrosion. Element remobilization is a recurrent process in the Rainbow vent field rocks and, during simple peridotite serpentinization, Ni and Cr present in olivine and pyroxene are incorporated in the pseudomorphic serpentine mesh and bastite, respectively. Ni is later remobilized from pseudomorphic serpentine into the newly formed sulfides as a result of extensive hydrothermal alteration. Bulk-rock geochemistry and correlation coefficients discriminate the different processes: serpentinization, sulfide mineralization and superficial seafloor low-temperature processes related to the circulation of seawater (e.g. carbonatization, sulfide oxidation and B and U uptake).

H2-rich fluids from serpentinization: geochemical and biotic implications.

Metamorphic hydration and oxidation of ultramafic rocks produces serpentinites, composed of serpentine group minerals and varying amounts of brucite, magnetite, and/or FeNi alloys. These minerals buffer metamorphic fluids to extremely reducing conditions that are capable of producing hydrogen gas. Awaruite, FeNi3, forms early in this process when the serpentinite minerals are Fe-rich. Olivine with the current mantle Fe/Mg ratio was oxidized during serpentinization after the Moon-forming impact. This process formed some of the ferric iron in the Earth's mantle. For the rest of Earth's history, serpentinites covered only a small fraction of the Earth's surface but were an important prebiotic and biotic environment. Extant methanogens react H2 with CO2 to form methane. This is a likely habitable environment on large silicate planets. The catalytic properties of FeNi3 allow complex organic compounds to form within serpentinite and, when mixed with atmospherically produced complex organic matter and waters that circulated through basalts, constitutes an attractive prebiotic substrate. Conversely, inorganic catalysis of methane by FeNi3 competes with nascent and extant life.

Mössbauer Study of Serpentine Minerals in the Ultramafic Body of Tehuitzingo, Southern Mexico

Serpentine “polymorph” minerals (chrysotile, lizardite, and antigorite) are hydrous Mg–Fe silicates that commonly form serpentine rock (serpentinite) by hydration of olivine-pyroxene peridotites from the mantle of the Earth. During the complex geologic history of orogenic belts, the redox and hydration state of the mantle changes, and olivine and pyroxenes are replaced by serpentine group minerals during tectonic deformation and uplift. Unfortunately, modern microanalysis of minerals by electron probe does not distinguish the oxidation state of iron, and it has to be assumed or estimated by precise methods, such as Mossbauer spectrometry. The studied samples were collected in the Xayacatlan Formation of the Tehuitzingo area, State of Puebla, within the Paleozoic Acatlan Complex. The original mantle peridotite was completely converted to serpentinite, with secondary crystallization of Fe–Mg oxides, calcsilicates, and carbonates. The three serpentine “polymorphs” were identified in the studied samples, although with a clear predominance of the high-temperature member antigorite, which was preliminary determined by optical petrography, X-ray diffraction, electron probe, and scanning electron microscopy. Microprobe total iron content in most specimens was 600°C) regional metamorphism that serpentinized the studied rock.

Hydrothermal alteration of olivine in a flow-through autoclave: Nucleation and growth of serpentine phases

A single-pass flow-through experiment was conducted to induce serpentinization, and to relate serpentine mineralogy to reaction progress during open-system alteration of San Carlos olivine by air-saturated water. The fluid flowed at 300 °C and 300 bars for 1368 hours through crushed olivine contained in a tubular titanium reaction cell. Chemical analysis of the fluids indicated a steady-state composition with respect to Mg and pH after 550 hours, which was interpreted to reflect saturation with brucite and one or more serpentine-group minerals. The alteration products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Nucleation and growth characteristics of serpentine phases on the fracture surfaces of olivine were studied by TEM using platinum/carbon replica techniques. After reaction, olivine fragments displayed clear signs of dissolution, and growth of neoformed phases. Brucite and magnetite were distributed uniformly through the reaction cell, although magnetite was more abundant. There is, however, a distinct zonal distribution of the serpentine phases from the inlet to the outlet of the reaction cell. Lizardite is the dominant serpentine phase at the inlet, whereas fibrous serpentines are predominant near the outlet. Lizardite crystals are more numerous (but smaller) in the middle of the cell, and are topotactically aligned along a single preferential crystallographic orientation of the olivine. Cylindrical chrysotile formed predominantly on the surfaces of lizardite, conical or polygonal serpentine. The morphology and sorting of the serpentine phases through the reaction cell suggest that crystallization of lizardite was controlled by heterogeneous nucleation on olivine under supersaturated conditions, and crystallization of chrysotile by nucleation on lizardite at higher levels of supersaturation.

Origin and significance of high nickel and chromium concentrations in Pliocene lignite of the Kosovo Basin, Serbia

Trace element data from 59 Pliocene lignite cores from the lignite field in the Kosovo Basin, southern Serbia, show localized enrichment of Ni and Cr (33–304 ppm and 8–176 ppm, respectively, whole-coal basis). Concentrations of both elements decrease from the western and southern boundaries of the lignite field. Low-temperature ash and polished coal pellets of selected bench and whole-coal samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. These analyses show that most of the Ni and Cr are incorporated in detrital and, to a lesser degree, in authigenic minerals. The Ni- and Cr-bearing detrital minerals include oxides, chromites, serpentine-group minerals and rare mixed-layer clays. Possible authigenic minerals include NiFe sulfates and sulfides. Analyses of three lignite samples by a supercritical fluid extraction technique indicate that some (1–11%) of the Ni is organically bound. Ni- and Cr-bearing oxides, mixed-layer clays, chromites and serpentine-group minerals were also identified in weathered and fresh samples of laterite developed on serpentinized Paleozoic peridotite at the nearby Glavica and Čikatovo Ni mines. These mines are located along the western and northwestern rim, respectively, of the Kosovo Basin, where Ni contents are highest. The detrital Ni- and Cr-bearing minerals identified in lignite samples from the western part of the Kosovo Basin may have been transported into the paleoswamp by rivers that drained the two Paleocene laterites. Some Ni may have been transported directly into the paleoswamp in solution or, alternatively, Ni may have been leached from detrital minerals by acidic peat water and adsorbed onto organic matter and included into authigenic mineral phases. No minable source of Ni and Cr is known in the southern part of the lignite field; however, the mineral and chemical data from the lignite and associated rocks suggest that such a source area may exist.

Estimating and simulating the degree of serpentinization of peridotites using hyperspectral remotely sensed imagery

The mineral products resulting from the process of serpentinization, by which primary magnesium silicate minerals in peridotites are replaced by hydrous serpentine-group minerals, are of economic importance since Alpine-type peridotites are the host rocks for virtually all large asbestos deposits, which may be attributed mainly to the serpentine-group mineral chrysotile. Conventional field mapping of the distribution of highly serpentinized areas is time consuming and requires detailed sampling and laboratory analysis. In 0.4- to 2.5-μm reflectance spectra of serpentinized peridotites, serpentinization is responsible for a decrease in contrast of olivine-pyroxene iron absorption features and an appearance and increase in OH− absorption features near 1.4 μm and 2.3 μm associated with serpentine minerals. The degree of serpentinization is positively correlated with the depth of the 1.4-μm and 2.3-μm absorption features for samples containing more than 55 weight percent serpentine minerals. Small amounts of magnetite in a sample obscure the spectral contrast and decrease the overall brightness of weakly serpentinized samples. A methodology is used for mapping serpentine minerals in ultrabasic rocks from imaging spectrometer data, which includes (1) vegetation masking, (2) calculating the absorption band depth of the 2.3-μm absorption feature in unmasked pixels, (3) translating this value into percent serpentine minerals using an empirical linear model, and (4) estimating the degree of serpentinization at the remaining locations using conditional simulation techniques or ordinary block kriging. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that mapping the degree of serpentinization from high-spectral resolution imagery is possible within marginal statistical fluctuations. Conditional simulation reproduces the spatial and statistical variability of the data set; however, it sacrifices the local accuracy. Direct estimation using ordinary kriging provides a better local estimate but does not honor the statistics and spatial dispersion of the original data.

Mapping the degree of serpentinization within ultramafic rock bodies using imaging spectrometer data

Abstract In 0·4-2·5 μm reflectance spectra of serpentinized peridotites and synthetic olivine-serpentine-magnetite mineral mixtures, serpentinization is responsible for a decrease in contrast of olivine-pyroxene iron absorption features and an appearance and increase in OH− absorption features near 1·4 μm and 2·3 μm. It is demonstrated that the degree of serpentinization is correlated positively with the depth of the 2·3 μm absorption feature, although small amounts of magnetite may obscure the spectral contrast and decrease the overall brightness of weakly serpentinized samples. This linear relationship is applied to map the degree of serpentinization from GER 63-channel imaging spectrometer data using the following methodology: (1) vegetation masking, (2) calculating the absorption band-depth of the 2·3 μm absorption feature, (3) translating this value into percentage serpentine-group minerals using an empirical linear model, and (4) estimating the degree of serpentinization at the remaining locations u...

Fraipontite from Wensleydale, North Yorkshire

SUMMARY The rare zinc-rich kaolinite – serpentine group mineral fraipontite has been found in dump material derived from workings on the Virgin Moss Vein in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. The mineral is interpreted as the product of supergene reaction between sphalerite, and aluminium and silica-rich ground-water derived from shale and chert wall-rocks.

Microstructure of serpentinite mylonites from the Josephine ophiolite and serpentinization in retrogressive shear zones, California

The Josephine Peridotite has experienced deformational episodes over a wide range of temperatures. Deformation within the stability field of a serpentine group mineral appears invariably accompanied by retrogressive metamorphism (serpentinization). Two general types of deformed serpentinites have been identified: (1) incohesive serpentinites (most common), which appear to have experienced low-temperature, predominantly brittle deformation and (2) serpentinite mylonites, which have experienced plastic flow near the upper limit of antigorite stability. The distinction between these two is based on textural and mineralogical criteria. Serpentinite mylonites are cohesive, homogeneously foliated, and typically strongly lineated rocks composed primarily of antigorite and magnetite. They occur in planar-bounded enclosed within the Josephine Peridotite that were the loci of both noncoaxial deformation and serpentinization. We discuss the development of two important shear-sense indicators, porphyroclast systems and oblique shear-band foliations as observed in these rocks. Porphyroclast systems in serpentinite mylonites are often comprised of cores and mantles of different mineralogy. Cores are usually composed of primary pyrogenetic minerals, whereas mantles, including tails, are composed of products of the serpentinization reaction. These systems are therefore termed porphyroctasts with neocrystallization tails.. Oblique shear bands are common micro-structures in serpentinite mylonites. Shear bands which offset the mylonitic foliation along narrow, discrete fractures are termed f-type, whereas those which offset the mylonitic foliation along narrow, ductile micro-shear zones are termed d-type. The latter are considered more reliable for shear-sense determinations. Strains accomplished by movement on shear bands are probably small. Strain resulting from a volume increase dur-ing serpentinization while holding the shear-zone width constant is sufficient to produce the shear bands. Therefore, we suggest that oblique shear bands may develop to accom-modate volume increases associated with deformation.