Geochemical studies of the Grants Mineral Belt, New Mexico

Thesis/Dissertation · Wed Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5593834

Della Valle, R S

Numerous sandstone and shale samples from the Morrison (Late Jurassic) and Dakota and Mancos Formations (Cretaceous) from northwestern New Mexico have been analyzed for the maor elements Na, K, Fe and the trace elements Sc, Cr, Co, Rb, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hf, Ta, Th, U and the rare earth elements (REE) in whole rocks and clay sized fractions by instrumental and delayed neutron activation analysis. The distribution of these elements in barren rocks of th Grants Mineral Belt (GMB) indicate that the Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation was a source of sodium and carbonate rich uranium bearing fluids that formed at least some of the uranium deposits of the GMB. Using the REE contents and distribution as a guide it can be estimated that approximately 50% of the uranium has been leached from the Brushy Basin Member. Uranium (as carbonate species) was then concentrated through a mixed model of chelation, adsorption on organics and inorganic, reduction processes (i.e.), precipitation of uraninite or coffinite depending on silica activities). Organometallic compounds (such as nitrogen bearing quinolines) can be present in humic acids previously concentrated (through lithologic controls) in the Westwater Canyon Member.

• OSTI ID: 5593834
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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