INVESTIGATION OF THE ACTINIUM-RADIUM RATIO IN MINERALS

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1957 · Byull. Komissii Opredelen. Absolyut. Vozrasta Geol. Formatsii, Akad. Nauk S.S.S.R., Otdel. Geol. Geograf. Nauk.

OSTI ID:4231952

Cherdyntsev, V V; Shmonin, L I; Strashnikov, N S; Asanova, O L

The ratios of activity between the uranium and the actinium series were determined in a large number of minerals. Data were also obtained on the ability of some products of the actinium series to migrate under natural conditions. In the tests for Ac,/Ra in primary minerals--various oxides, aluminum silicates, titanates, zirconates, niobate-tantalates, phosphates, tungstates, and asphaltites--it was shown that the ratios are normal, in secondary minerals, Ac/ Ra may deviate markedly from the normal. This deviation is explained by the complex processes of migration. In many secondary minerals in the zone of oxidation, Ac/Ra is controlled by the migration of Ac and Ra. In some cases this relationship may occur only if the decay products of U migrate. Spring deposits show a very large fluctuation of Ac/Ra (0.03-17). In some primary minerals the age of the minerals is known to be older than needed to establish equllibrium in the uranium series and between uranium and actinium. Such minerals are said to be anomalous. The majority of the anomalous minerals studied are only weakly active, their content of radioactive elements being below the average for the earth's crust. An anomalously high Ac/Ra occurs in many primary minerals, chiefly of hydrothermal origin. The largest anomalies ratio is found in minerals which, to the eye, are well preserved, and it is also found in many minerals that are stable in the zone of oxidation. Secondary alteration of minerals in the zone of oxidation does not produce an increase but more commonly a decrease in the anomalous value. The anomaly coefficient, on the average, increases in weakly active mineraj varieties. The cause is anomalies in primary minerals is essentially different from the increase in Ac/Ra that occurs in young secondary minerals. These anomalies are explained both by the more rapid accumulation of Ad. than Ra in young uranium minerals and by the ability of Ra to migrate. Anomalous minerals encountered in geochemical associations do not display enrichment in the radioactive elements. It is shown that it is possible to determine the age of young minerals by the ratio of Ac to Ra. (TCO)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-13-022219
• OSTI ID: 4231952
• Journal Information: Byull. Komissii Opredelen. Absolyut. Vozrasta Geol. Formatsii, Akad. Nauk S.S.S.R., Otdel. Geol. Geograf. Nauk., Journal Name: Byull. Komissii Opredelen. Absolyut. Vozrasta Geol. Formatsii, Akad. Nauk S.S.S.R., Otdel. Geol. Geograf. Nauk. Vol. Vol: No. 2
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ACTINIUM
AGE ESTIMATION
ALUMINUM SILICATES
ASPHALTITE
BITUMENS
DECAY
DEPOSITS
DIFFUSION
EARTH
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY
HYDROLOGY
HYDROTHERMAL STAGE
MINERALS
NIOBIUM OXIDES
OXIDATION
OXIDES
PHOSPHATES
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
RADIUM
TANTALUM OXIDES
TITANATES
TITANIUM OXIDES
TUNGSTATES
TUNGSTEN OXIDES
URANIUM
VARIATIONS
ZIRCONIUM OXIDES