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Mineralogy of selected lignitic coal overburdens of the Wilcox Group in east Texas

Journal Article · · Soil Sci.; (United States)

Lignite overburden core samples obtained in the premining stage were size-fractionated and analyzed by x-ray diffraction and chemical methods to determine their mineralogical composition. Although we found a broad similarity in crystalline mineral assemblage in these fluvial sediments from east Texas, we also observed wide variations in the distribution of smectite, kaolinite, mica, vermiculite, and chlorite, with sample location and depth. Electron microscopic investigations indicated that localized concentrations of siderite were probably authigenic in origin. The physicochemical properties and mineralogical composition data obtained in these investigations suggest that segregation of existing low-fertility surface soils for top-dressing may be unnecessary provided that pyrite-rich spoil material and clayey substrata are not deposited in the upper soil zone. 15 references, 6 figures, 3 tables.

Research Organization:
Texas A and M Univ., College Station
OSTI ID:
5916629
Journal Information:
Soil Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Soil Sci.; (United States) Vol. 137:4; ISSN SOSCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English