Principles of Geochemical Prospecting

International Series of Monographs on Earth Sciences, Volume 3: Principles of Geochemical Prospecting: Techniques of Prospecting for Non-Ferrous Ores and Rare Metals covers the developments of theoretical premises of geochemical prospecting based on existing theories of endogenic and exogenic ore-formation. This volume is divided into 13 chapters, and begins with a presentation of the problems originating in geochemical prospecting. The next chapters evaluate the relative importance of different prospecting methods. Considerable chapters are devoted to a generalized view of prospecting work in different geologic, pedologic, climatic, and orographic environments. The remaining chapters are concerned with the clarification and an explanation of certain regularities, which could serve as the basis of a rational orientation of geochemical prospecting. This book is an invaluable source for geochemical prospectors, geologists, and geophysicists.

ForewordIntroduction History of Geochemical Investigations in U.S.S.R. Geochemical Investigations Abroad "Schlich" and Geochemical Investigations Development of Methods of Investigation: Physical, Physico-chemical, Chemical, Biochemical, and Others Co-ordination with Geological Surveys and Comprehensive Studies Successes of Geochemical ProspectingChapter I Methods of Analytical Investigations Spectrographic Chemical Quantitative Drop and Powder Analysis Colorimetric; Comparison of the Two Methods The Phase Analysis Electro-dialysis Analysis of Water and Other Methods Selection of the Method for the InvestigationsChapter II Geochemical Tracers (Indicators) Elements as Geochemical Indicators Trace Elements in Crystal Structures as Indicators Minerals as Geochemical Indicators Choice of Indicators Geochemical Correlations Factors Determining Specificity of Geochemical IndicationChapter III Accumulation of Metals in Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Geochemical Principles of Accumulation of Dispersed Elements Mobility of Elements Permeability of Rocks and Accumulation of Metals The Concept of Dispersion Halos Relation of Boundaries of Mineralized Halos to Structures of Ore Deposits Character of Distribution of Ore Minerals in Bedrocks; the Concept of the "Background" Economic (Ore) Mineralization Ore-Free Mineralization Trace Elements in Crystal Structures of Minerals Dispersed Mineralization Syngenetic and Epigenetic Dispersion Enriched and Ore Mineralization Halo Mineralization. The Coefficients of Mineralization The Shape of Mineralized Areas; their Size and Distribution.Chapter IV Accumulation of Metals in Sedimentary Rock Factors Determining Accumulation Mechanisms of Transfers of Sediments Environments of Sedimentation and of Transfer of Metalliferous Sediments Stages in Development of Sedimentary Ores Effects of Percolation of Solutions in Rocks on the Uranium-Content The Metal-Content of Sedimentary Rocks Stratification of Economic Accumulations of Metals in Sedimentary Rocks Deposits of Sedimentary Origin Metals in Coal Ash Correlation of Individual Elements and the Forms in which they are PresentChapter V Prospecting in Bedrocks The Role of Supergene Processes in Modifications of Metal Concentrations in Bedrocks Importance of Host Rocks of the Ore Supergene Migration of Metals into Host Rocks Environments Affecting the Extent of Development of the Mineralized Zones Correlations in Zones of Supergenesis and in Bedrocks Dispersion of Easily Mobile Elements and of their Compounds in Bedrocks Geochemical Prospecting for Sedimentary DepositsChapter VI Prospecting for Deposits without Surface Outcrops Discovery of Ore Bodies in Sedimentary Rocks under Surficial Sedimentary Mantle Prospecting for Blind Ore Bodies in Bedrock Structural Factors Zoning in Ore Bodies and Stages of the Hydrothermal Process Behavior of Metals in the Hanging Wall and in the Footwall of Ore Bodies and Dimension of Dispersion Fields Importance of Erosional Surface in Prospecting for Blind Ore Bodies Certain Indications of (Economic) Mineralization Testing Interpretation of Geochemical Survey Some ConclusionsChapter VII Accumulation of Metals in Unconsolidated Overburden (Dispersion Halos) Dispersion Halos Factors and Processes Affecting Formation of Dispersion Halos Modern Weathering and Soil-Forming Processes Behavior of Individual Elements in Soils: Copper; Lead; Zinc and Cadmium; Molybdenum; Tin; Arsenic, Selenium, Tellurium; Silver and Gold; Nickel and Cobalt; Barium and Strontium; Boron; Fluorine.