Date/Time: 04-04-2018 - Wednesday - 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
PCC North, 300 Level, Exhibit Hall C-E
This study presents an evaluation of quartzitic bodies as potential deposits of high-purity quartz (HPQ) for use as raw materials for special applications in high-technology industries. HPQ is increasingly considered a strategic mineral in the world market due to its applications in solar, chemical, breast-tissue implants, fiber optic and other industries. In this study, we characterize quartz-vein samples in terms of their microchemical signatures and textures. Electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and laser-ablation inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) analyses were performed on the quartz. These methods revealed strong Si and O signatures. Cathodoluminescence spectroscopy (CLS) integrated with back-scattered electron (BSE), secondary electron images (SEI) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) revealed low trace-element concentrations in some regions of the samples, and higher concentrations in some mineral inclusions. EMPA, PIXE, LA-ICPMS and cathodoluminescence studies revealed processes that led to the presence of low concentrations of trace-elements in the quartz.
5:00 PM–7:00 PM Apr 4, 2018 (America - Denver)
PCC North, 300 Level, Exhibit Hall C-E