Analytical techniques for the separation and SEM identification of heavy minerals in mudrocks

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Journal of Sedimentary Research, Section A: Sedimentary Petrology and Processes

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2110/jsr.66.1027· OSTI ID:445634

Hanan, M A; Totten, M W ^[1]

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1. Univ. of New Orleans, LA (United States). Dept. of Geology and Geophysics

Heavy-mineral investigations must be preceded by effective heavy-mineral separation, identification, and determination of mineral compositions. Provenance determinations by heavy-mineral variations and direct measurement of the control of trace elements by heavy minerals in mudrocks has not been possible because of the difficulties in separating heavy minerals from the obscuring mass of the clay matrix. The technique to separate, identify, and determine the variability of heavy minerals in mudrocks presented here is nondestructive and works well with mudrocks of variable induration and maturation from mudstones to shales. This methodology uses lithium metatungstate for heavy-liquid separations of bulk samples and a combination of optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for identification and quantification of heavy-mineral proportions.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 445634
• Journal Information: Journal of Sedimentary Research, Section A: Sedimentary Petrology and Processes, Journal Name: Journal of Sedimentary Research, Section A: Sedimentary Petrology and Processes Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 66; ISSN JSRAEA; ISSN 1073-130X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
HEAVY MEDIA SEPARATION
LITHIUM COMPOUNDS
MINERALS
OPTICAL MICROSCOPY
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
TUNGSTATES