Uranium-bearing wall rocks of quartz-carbonate-hydromicaceous argillizites

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Int. Geol. Rev.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00206818209467141· OSTI ID:5840799

Andreyeva, O V

Low-temperature metasomalites are accompanied by uranium mineralization localized in the form of steeply dipping veins and stockworks in granites and effusive rocks. Hydrothermally altered rocks of the leaching stage are characterized by widespread distribution of hydromicas and mixed-layer formations of the mica-montmorillonite type; however, they contain practically none of the montmorillonite or kaolinite which are so characteristic of the formation of hydrothermal argillizites. In metasomatites developed in granites and acid lavas we observe mixed-layer minerals with marked predominance of mica packets and hydromicas. The basaltic mixed-layer minerals contain more swelling packets. The number of mica packets clearly increases toward the ore-bearing fissures. In the stage of pre-ore leaching there is a characteristic development of incomplete metasomatic columns with inequilibrial associations of minerals and copious relict minerals. These phenomena are mainly due to the influence of kinetic factors, which at low temperatures can be decisive, as shown by the presence of mixed-layer minerals as the products of uncompleted reactions. This hydromicaceous type of wall-rock alteration can be regarded as one facies of the formation of argillizites, though less widespread than ordinary argillizites, but no less important from the commercial viewpoint, because it also occurs in other types of mineral deposits. It is due to the action of hydrothermal waters with somewhat higher temperatures and rather different compositions from those in ordinary argillizites. 4 figures, 2 tables.

• OSTI ID: 5840799
• Journal Information: Int. Geol. Rev.; (United States), Journal Name: Int. Geol. Rev.; (United States) Vol. 21:8; ISSN IGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

050100* -- Nuclear Fuels-- Reserves
Exploration
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11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
ARGILLITE
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBONATES
CHALCOGENIDES
DISSOLUTION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDROTHERMAL ALTERATION
LEACHING
MICA
MINERALIZATION
MINERALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
QUARTZ
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
URANIUM DEPOSITS