SOME NEW MINERALOGICAL, GEOCHEMICAL, AND GEOLOGIC AIDS IN URANIUM EXPLORATION. (Summary based on papers 769, 772, 773, 776, 778, 780, 1762, and 1935)

Technical Report · Sat Oct 31 04:00:00 EST 1959

OSTI ID:4276927

Page, L R

The use of new mineralogical, geochemical, and geologic knowledge has led to the discovery and development of several types of uranium deposits not previously known in the United States. Decent advances in mineralogy have aided in the recognition of supergene deposits of black uranium oxides. Study of the distribution of elements and the alteration of detrital minerals in sandstones of the Slick Rock district has resulted in the recognition of the asymmetric distribution of various minerals on either side of the roll'' ore bodies. One of the most useful geochemical techniques applied to understanding altered ores is the study of radioactive disequilibrium. The use of lead isotope analysis of minerals is suggested as a method of indicating leaching of uranium with downward migration to unoxidized zones. Several kinds of isotopic variations in the lead of nonradioactive minerals have potential significance in prospecting for regional enrichments or local concentration of uranium or thorium. An important new development in prospecting for uranium in sedimentary rocks is the finding of major deposits in the kind of environments normally considered favorable for the accumulation of petroleum and natural gas. There appears to be promise in the analysis of ground water as a reconnaissance tool. (J.S.R.)

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Washington, D.C.
• NSA Number: NSA-13-005476
• OSTI ID: 4276927
• Report Number(s): A/CONF.15/P/2521
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

DEPOSITS
DISTRIBUTION
ENVIRONMENT
GASES
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGY
GEOLOGY AND MINERALOGY
GROUND WATER
LEAD ISOTOPES
MINERALS
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
ORE PROCESSING
PETROLEUM
PROSPECTING
ROCKS
SAND
THORIUM
URANIUM
URANIUM OXIDES
USA