Arnold Chi Kedia^{1 2} Andrew Knight² Aditya Yerramilli² Akumbom Vishiti^{1 3} N. David Theodore^{2 4} Josepha Foba-Tendo⁵ Cheo Suh¹ Terry Alford²

1, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region , Cameroon
2, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States
3, Cameroon Christian University, Bali, North West Region, Cameroon
4, NXP Semiconductors, Chandler, Arizona, United States
5, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region , Cameroon

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.