Mineral and Ore Characterization - Complete Notes with Definitions
Mineral and Ore Characterization - Complete Notes with Definitions
1. Definition
- Mineral: A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
- Ore: A rock or mineral that contains a valuable substance (usually a metal) that can be mined and extracted
economically.
2. Classification of Minerals
A. Based on Chemical Composition:
- Native Elements: Composed of a single element. Example: Gold (Au), Silver (Ag)
- Sulfides: Metals combined with sulfur. Example: Galena (PbS), Pyrite (FeS2)
- Oxides: Metals combined with oxygen. Example: Hematite (Fe2O3), Bauxite (Al2O3·nH2O)
- Halides: Contain halogen elements. Example: Halite (NaCl), Fluorite (CaF2)
- Carbonates: Contain CO3 group. Example: Calcite (CaCO3), Dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2)
- Sulfates: Contain SO4 group. Example: Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), Barite (BaSO4)
- Silicates: Contain SiO4 tetrahedra. Example: Quartz (SiO2), Feldspar
B. Based on Economic Use:
- Metallic Minerals: Provide metals. Example: Iron, Copper
- Non-metallic Minerals: Industrial use. Example: Mica, Limestone
- Energy Minerals: Used for energy. Example: Coal, Uranium
3. Characteristics of Ores
A. Physical Characteristics:
- Color: Visible appearance (e.g., gold is yellow).
- Luster: Light reflection property (e.g., metallic, non-metallic).
- Hardness: Resistance to scratching (Mohs scale 1-10).
- Streak: Color of powdered form.
- Cleavage: Tendency to split along flat surfaces.
- Fracture: Irregular breaking pattern.
- Specific Gravity: Density compared to water.
B. Chemical Characteristics:
- Elemental Composition: Types and amounts of elements.
- Ore Grade: % of valuable metal present.
- Gangue: Unwanted minerals in ore.
- Reactivity: Reaction with acids or chemicals.
C. Optical Characteristics (Microscope):
- Color/Pleochroism: Change in color with angle.
- Relief: Mineral edge contrast under light.
- Bireflectance: Reflectivity variation with direction.
- Anisotropy: Color change under polarized light.
- Internal Reflection: Bright reflections from inside grains.
4. Structures of Ore Bodies
- Massive: Uniform, structureless ore (e.g., chromite lodes).
- Layered: Distinct layers (e.g., Bushveld Complex).
- Pocket: Isolated, irregular-rich zones.
- Vein: Long, narrow mineralized zones in fractures.
- Stockwork: Network of small interwoven veins.
5. Textures of Ore
- Disseminated: Fine ore particles spread in host rock.
- Clustered: Grouped ore minerals.
- Banded: Alternating layers of ore and gangue (e.g., BIF).
- Brecciated: Angular rock fragments cemented by ore.
- Colloform: Rounded concentric layers.
- Crystalline: Visible crystals with defined faces.
6. Relationship Between Origin, Structure, and Texture
A. Magmatic Origin:
- Structure: Layered, massive
- Texture: Coarse-grained, disseminated
- Example: Magnetite, Chromite
B. Hydrothermal Origin:
- Structure: Veins, stockwork, breccia
- Texture: Banded, colloform, vuggy
- Example: Gold, Copper sulfides
C. Sedimentary Origin:
- Structure: Bedded or stratified
- Texture: Fine-grained, banded
- Example: Banded Iron Formation (BIF)
D. Metamorphic Origin:
- Structure: Recrystallized, schistose
- Texture: Granoblastic, foliated
- Example: Graphite, Garnet
E. Supergene Enrichment:
- Structure: Enriched layers near surface
- Texture: Replacement, porous
- Example: Chalcocite replacing chalcopyrite
Conclusion:
The classification, physical/chemical/optical properties, structure, and texture of minerals and ores help
understand their origin, extraction potential, and economic viability.
