Sample Description USGS Spectral Library Version 7

USGS Spectral Library Version 7 Sample Description

Kokaly, R.F., Clark, R.N., Swayze, G.A., Livo, K.E., Hoefen, T.M., Pearson, N.C., Wise, R.A., Benzel, W.M., Lowers, H.A., Driscoll, R.L., and Klein, A.J., 2017, USGS Spectral Library Version 7: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 1035, 61 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ds1035
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TITLE: Vermiculite GDS453 expanded DESCRIPT

DOCUMENTATION_FORMAT: Man_Made

SAMPLE_ID: GDS453

MATERIAL_TYPE: Expanded Phyllosilicates

MATERIAL: Expanded Vermiculite Ore

FORMULA: (Mg,Fe2+,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2.4H2O

FORMULA_HTML: (Mg,Fe²⁺,Al)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂^.4H₂O

COLLECTION_LOCALITY: This sample came from a bag of Black Gold ® horticultural vermiculite purchased locally in Denver in 2001.

ORIGINAL_DONOR:

CURRENT_SAMPLE_LOCATION: USGS Denver, CO

ULTIMATE_SAMPLE_LOCATION: USGS Denver, CO

SAMPLE_DESCRIPTION:

The sample has a mottled golden color and ranges in grain size from 1 - 8 mm (Fig. GDS453.photo.1). Grains are relatively free from dust.

A modified Cincinnati floation method was carried out on this sample. The sink fraction consists of mica flakes and small particles that were mounted on a stub for SEM examination.

The sample has a spectral signature similar to that of expanded vermiculite ore from the Palabora Mine, Phalaborwa, South Africa.

Original spectrum published in:

IMAGE_OF_SAMPLE:

END_SAMPLE_DESCRIPTION.

XRD_ANALYSIS:

Rietveld refinement XRD analysis (limited quantities of sample and no internal standard) of the Cincinnati Method sink fraction indicates the presence of major augite, minor apatite and quartz, and trace calcite (Fig. GDS453.XRD.2). Qualitative XRD analysis of the bulk sample indicates the presence of hyrobiotite, vermiculite, phlogopite, and biotite (Fig. GDS453.XRD.3).

END_XRD_ANALYSIS.

COMPOSITIONAL_ANALYSIS_TYPE: None # XRF, EPMA, ICP(Trace), WChem

COMPOSITION_TRACE: None

COMPOSITION_DISCUSSION:

The sample was examined with probe microanalysis. Spot analyses plot in the Palabora field on the Al/Ti versus Al/[Mg/(Mg+Fe)] diagram (Fig. GDS453.microprobe.1).

END_COMPOSITION_DISCUSSION.

MICROSCOPIC_EXAMINATION:

The sample was examined with SEM and Energy dispersive spectroscopy. Particles from the sink fraction were placed on an SEM stub, which was coated with carbon, and examined under high magnification. Points analyzed with EDS are shown in color on SEM micrographs that accompany the EDS spectra. Possible andradite grains were found (Figs. GDS453.EDS.11 to 15 and Figs. GDS453.SEM.3). No amphibole, talc, or serpentine particles were found.

END_MICROSCOPIC_EXAMINATION.

SPECTROSCOPIC_DISCUSSION:

The spectrum is typical for a sample with predominately hydrobiotite and phlogopite/biotite. The 1.40/1.42 micron band depth ratio plots just above the “no detectable amphibole, talc, and serpentine” line in Figures GDS453.spectrum.2 and 3. The reflectance spectrum of this sample does not have a detectable 2.24-micron band so there is no symbol on Fig. GDS453.spectrum.4. The spectral parameters plot in the Palabora field (Figs. GDS453.spectrum.2 and 3).

SPECTRAL_PURITY: 1b2_3_4_ # 1= 0.2-3, 2= 1.5-6, 3= 6-25, 4= 20-150 microns