Geology and mineralogy of the Haft Sandogh alunite deposit (NW Takestan): implication for alumina and potassium extraction

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abstract

The Haft Sandogh alunite deposit is located in the northwest of Takestan (about 60 Km west of Qazvin), and is a part of large Takand alunite deposit. Mineralogical and field study reveal that there is a zonation in the alteration zones of the Haft Sandogh deposit and surrounding area including silica zone in the central part, and quartz-alunite (quartz alunite), kaolinite and propylitic formed toward outer parts. Quartz and alunite are the main minerals of the quartz alunite. Acid-sulfate alteration can be used as a tool in the exploration of epithermal-porphyry ore deposits associated with Cenozoic magmatism in Iran. Regarding to alunite, it can be considered as a potential alternative resource for potassium and alumina production and the decomposition of alunite is a principal step to extract valuable components. Thermal decomposition of alunite was characterized by using differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) in this research. The DTA curve shows three endothermic peaks at 546 °C, 787.9 °C and 1195.4 °C and an exothermic peak at 737.2 °C. The first peak is associated with the formation of dehydroxylated basic sulphate (KAl3O3 (SO4)2). The second exothermic peak represents the formation of a new crystalline form of sulphate (KAl(SO4)2). The third endothermic peak represents the massive desulphuration by the formation of a basic aluminium and potassium sulphate (KAlO.SO4). Final endothermic peak represents the formation of Al2O3 and leucite (KAlSi2O6).
 

Keywords

References

  1. [1] Molina A.Z., Soto J.A., Rosale M.M., Toledo R.R., "Ammonium Alunite and Basic Aluminum Sulfate: Effect of Precipitant Agent", International Journal of Materials Science and Applications 4 (2015) 96-100. [DOI:10.11648/j.ijmsa.20150402.14]
  2. [1] Molina A.Z., Soto J.A., Rosale M.M., Toledo R.R., "Ammonium Alunite and Basic Aluminum Sulfate: Effect of Precipitant Agent", International Journal of Materials Science and Applications 4 (2015) 96-100. [DOI:10.11648/j.ijmsa.20150402.14]
  3. [2] Becerril J.J., Sosa I.G., Rivero I.A., "Synthesis of basic aluminum sulfate assisted by microwave heating", Ceramics International 37 (2011) 3627-3630. [DOI:10.1016/j.ceramint.2011.06.021]
  4. [2] Becerril J.J., Sosa I.G., Rivero I.A., "Synthesis of basic aluminum sulfate assisted by microwave heating", Ceramics International 37 (2011) 3627-3630. [DOI:10.1016/j.ceramint.2011.06.021]
  5. [3] Frost R.L., Wills R.A., Weier M.L., Martens W., Kloprogge J.T., "A Raman spectroscopic study of alunites", Journal of Molecular Structure 785 (2006) 123-132. [DOI:10.1016/j.molstruc.2005.10.003]
  6. [3] Frost R.L., Wills R.A., Weier M.L., Martens W., Kloprogge J.T., "A Raman spectroscopic study of alunites", Journal of Molecular Structure 785 (2006) 123-132. [DOI:10.1016/j.molstruc.2005.10.003]
  7. [4] Bayliss P., Kolitsch U., Nicke E.H., Pring A., "Alunite supergroup: recommended nomenclature", Mineralogical Magazine 74 (2010) 919-927. [DOI:10.1180/minmag.2010.074.5.919]
  8. [4] Bayliss P., Kolitsch U., Nicke E.H., Pring A., "Alunite supergroup: recommended nomenclature", Mineralogical Magazine 74 (2010) 919-927. [DOI:10.1180/minmag.2010.074.5.919]
  9. [5] Altaner S.P., Fitzpatrick J.J., Krohn M.D., Brethke P.M., Hayba D.O., Goss J.A., Brown Z.A., "Ammonium in alunites", American Mineralogist 73 (1988) 145-152.
  10. [5] Altaner S.P., Fitzpatrick J.J., Krohn M.D., Brethke P.M., Hayba D.O., Goss J.A., Brown Z.A., "Ammonium in alunites", American Mineralogist 73 (1988) 145-152.
  11. [6] Zhong Y., Gao J., Meng L Guo L., "Phase transformation and non-isothermal kinetics studies on thermal decomposition of alunite", Journal of Alloys and Compounds 710 (2017) 182-190. [DOI:10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.03.248]
  12. [6] Zhong Y., Gao J., Meng L Guo L., "Phase transformation and non-isothermal kinetics studies on thermal decomposition of alunite", Journal of Alloys and Compounds 710 (2017) 182-190. [DOI:10.1016/j.jallcom.2017.03.248]
  13. [7] Dill H.G., "The geology of aluminum phosphate and sulphates of the alunite group minerals: A review", Earth Science Review 53 (2001) 35-93. [DOI:10.1016/S0012-8252(00)00035-0]
  14. [7] Dill H.G., "The geology of aluminum phosphate and sulphates of the alunite group minerals: A review", Earth Science Review 53 (2001) 35-93. [DOI:10.1016/S0012-8252(00)00035-0]
  15. [8] Long D., Fegan N.E., McKee G.D., Lyons W.B., Hines M.E., "Formation of alunite, jarosite and hydrous iron oxides in a hypersaline system: Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia", Chemical Geology 96 (1992) 183-202. [DOI:10.1016/0009-2541(92)90128-R]
  16. [8] Long D., Fegan N.E., McKee G.D., Lyons W.B., Hines M.E., "Formation of alunite, jarosite and hydrous iron oxides in a hypersaline system: Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia", Chemical Geology 96 (1992) 183-202. [DOI:10.1016/0009-2541(92)90128-R]
  17. [9] Taghiyev I., Tagijev E., Agajeva L., "Cost Effective Technology of Alunite Ore Processing", International Journal of Chemistry 11 (2019) 36, DOI: 10.5539/ijc.v11n1p36. [DOI:10.5539/ijc.v11n1p36]
  18. [9] Taghiyev I., Tagijev E., Agajeva L., "Cost Effective Technology of Alunite Ore Processing", International Journal of Chemistry 11 (2019) 36, DOI: 10.5539/ijc.v11n1p36. [DOI:10.5539/ijc.v11n1p36]
  19. [10] Hosseini M., "Petrology of alunite-bearing argillasied rocks in volcanic suits and economic significance of alunites(an example Tarom NW. of Iran)", Ph.D thesis, Moscow State, University, 202 p (1997).
  20. [10] Hosseini M., "Petrology of alunite-bearing argillasied rocks in volcanic suits and economic significance of alunites(an example Tarom NW. of Iran)", Ph.D thesis, Moscow State, University, 202 p (1997).
  21. [11] Ooroji H., Calagari A.A., Ferdowsi R., Siahcheshm K., "Mineralogy and geochemistry characterizations of Kojnagh Kaolinite and alunite, NW Meshkinshahr, Ardabil Province", Journal of Advanced Applied Geology 10 (2014) 19-32.
  22. [11] Ooroji H., Calagari A.A., Ferdowsi R., Siahcheshm K., "Mineralogy and geochemistry characterizations of Kojnagh Kaolinite and alunite, NW Meshkinshahr, Ardabil Province", Journal of Advanced Applied Geology 10 (2014) 19-32.
  23. [12] Ghasemi Siani M., Lentz D.R., Nazarian M., "Geochemistry of igneous rocks associated with mineral deposits in the Tarom-Hashtjin metallogenic province, NW Iran: an analysis of the controls on epithermal and related porphyry-style mineralization", Ore Geology Reviews 126, 103753, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103753. [DOI:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103753]
  24. [12] Ghasemi Siani M., Lentz D.R., Nazarian M., "Geochemistry of igneous rocks associated with mineral deposits in the Tarom-Hashtjin metallogenic province, NW Iran: an analysis of the controls on epithermal and related porphyry-style mineralization", Ore Geology Reviews 126, 103753, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103753. [DOI:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103753]
  25. [13] Kowsari A., "Evaluation of Geochemical Anomalies north of Astamal (northwest of East Azerbaijan)", Geological and Mineral Exploration Survey of Iran, Tehran, 1996, 98p.
  26. [13] Kowsari A., "Evaluation of Geochemical Anomalies north of Astamal (northwest of East Azerbaijan)", Geological and Mineral Exploration Survey of Iran, Tehran, 1996, 98p.
  27. [14] Hadizadeh H., Calagari A., Abedini A., "Mineralogy, type, and metallogenic potential of alteration zones in Barandagh quadrangle, NE Zandjan, Iran", Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy 14 (1) (2006) 27-42.
  28. [14] Hadizadeh H., Calagari A., Abedini A., "Mineralogy, type, and metallogenic potential of alteration zones in Barandagh quadrangle, NE Zandjan, Iran", Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy 14 (1) (2006) 27-42.
  29. [15] Hajalilo B., "Tertiary metallogeny of western Alborz-Azerbaijan (Mianeh), in particular Hashtjin district", Ph.D. Thesis, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran, 2000, 298p.
  30. [15] Hajalilo B., "Tertiary metallogeny of western Alborz-Azerbaijan (Mianeh), in particular Hashtjin district", Ph.D. Thesis, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran, 2000, 298p.
  31. [16] Alipour V., Abedini A., Alipour S., "Mineralogy and geochemistry of the Avin kaolin deposit, northeast of Mianeh, East-Azarbaidjan Province, NW Iran", Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy 28 (2020) 633-644. [DOI:10.29252/ijcm.28.3.633]
  32. [16] Alipour V., Abedini A., Alipour S., "Mineralogy and geochemistry of the Avin kaolin deposit, northeast of Mianeh, East-Azarbaidjan Province, NW Iran", Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy 28 (2020) 633-644. [DOI:10.29252/ijcm.28.3.633]
  33. [17] Abedini A., "Mineralogy and geochemistry of the Hizeh-Jan kaolin deposit, northwest of Varzegan, East-Azarbaidjan Province, NW Iran (in Persian)", Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy 24 (2016) 647-660.
  34. [17] Abedini A., "Mineralogy and geochemistry of the Hizeh-Jan kaolin deposit, northwest of Varzegan, East-Azarbaidjan Province, NW Iran (in Persian)", Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy 24 (2016) 647-660.
  35. [18] Abedini A., "The mineralogical and geochemical control on distribution and mobilization of trace and rare earth elements during development of argillic alteration zone: A case study from northeast of Kharvana, NW Iran", Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy 25 (2017) 353-366. [DOI:10.29252/ijcm.25.4.787]
  36. [18] Abedini A., "The mineralogical and geochemical control on distribution and mobilization of trace and rare earth elements during development of argillic alteration zone: A case study from northeast of Kharvana, NW Iran", Iranian Journal of Crystallography and Mineralogy 25 (2017) 353-366. [DOI:10.29252/ijcm.25.4.787]
  37. [19] Mahabadi S.A., Fonoudi M., "Geological map of the Takestan at the scale 1/100000", Geological Survey of Iran, 1993.
  38. [19] Mahabadi S.A., Fonoudi M., "Geological map of the Takestan at the scale 1/100000", Geological Survey of Iran, 1993.
  39. [21] Aghajani S., Emami M.H., Lotfi M., Gholizadeh K., Ghasemi Siani M., "Source of polymetal epithermal veins at Nikuyeh district (West of Qazvin) based on mineralogy, alteration and fluid inclusion studies", Scientific Quarterly Journal, Geosciences 25 (2016) 157-168.
  40. [21] Aghajani S., Emami M.H., Lotfi M., Gholizadeh K., Ghasemi Siani M., "Source of polymetal epithermal veins at Nikuyeh district (West of Qazvin) based on mineralogy, alteration and fluid inclusion studies", Scientific Quarterly Journal, Geosciences 25 (2016) 157-168.
  41. [21] Aghajani S., Ghasemi Siani, M., Emami, M.H., Lotfi, M., Gholizadeh, K., "Petrography, geochemistry, magmatic evolution and tectenomagmatic setting of igneous rocks associated with Nikuyeh epithermal mineralization (west of Qazvin)", Kharazmi Journal of Earth Science 6 (1) (2020) 1-20.
  42. [21] Aghajani S., Ghasemi Siani, M., Emami, M.H., Lotfi, M., Gholizadeh, K., "Petrography, geochemistry, magmatic evolution and tectenomagmatic setting of igneous rocks associated with Nikuyeh epithermal mineralization (west of Qazvin)", Kharazmi Journal of Earth Science 6 (1) (2020) 1-20.
  43. [22] Todor D.N., "Thermal analysis of minerals", Abacus Press Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, 1976, Chp. 5, 99-110.
  44. [22] Todor D.N., "Thermal analysis of minerals", Abacus Press Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, 1976, Chp. 5, 99-110.
  45. [23] Hedenquist J.W, Arribas A., Gonzalez-Urien E., "Exploration for epithermal gold deposits", Society of Economic Geology 13 (2000) 245-277. [DOI:10.5382/Rev.13.07]
  46. [23] Hedenquist J.W, Arribas A., Gonzalez-Urien E., "Exploration for epithermal gold deposits", Society of Economic Geology 13 (2000) 245-277. [DOI:10.5382/Rev.13.07]
  47. [24] Vdovets A.Z., "Epochs of alunite formation in the Earths history, Dokl", Earth Science 358 (1998) 26-29.
  48. [24] Vdovets A.Z., "Epochs of alunite formation in the Earths history, Dokl", Earth Science 358 (1998) 26-29.
  49. [25] Heald P., Foley N.K., Hayba D.O., "Comparative anatomy of volcanic-hosted epithermal deposite: acid-sulfate and adularia-sericite type", Economic Geology 82 (1987) 1-26. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.82.1.1]
  50. [25] Heald P., Foley N.K., Hayba D.O., "Comparative anatomy of volcanic-hosted epithermal deposite: acid-sulfate and adularia-sericite type", Economic Geology 82 (1987) 1-26. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.82.1.1]
  51. [26] Mehrabi, B., Tale Fazel E., Ghasemi Siani M., Eghbali M.A., "Investigation on mineralization and genetic model of Gulojeh Cu-Au vein deposit (north of Zanjan), using mineralogical, geochemical and fluid inclusion data", Journal of Science 35 (4), 185-199.
  52. [26] Mehrabi, B., Tale Fazel E., Ghasemi Siani M., Eghbali M.A., "Investigation on mineralization and genetic model of Gulojeh Cu-Au vein deposit (north of Zanjan), using mineralogical, geochemical and fluid inclusion data", Journal of Science 35 (4), 185-199.
  53. [27] Mehrabi B., Ghasemi Siani M., "Mineralogy and economic geology of Cheshmeh Hafez polymetal deposit, Semnan Province, Iran",Journal of Economic Geology 2 (1), (2010) 1-20.
  54. [27] Mehrabi B., Ghasemi Siani M., "Mineralogy and economic geology of Cheshmeh Hafez polymetal deposit, Semnan Province, Iran",Journal of Economic Geology 2 (1), (2010) 1-20.
  55. [28] Tale Fazel E., Mehrabi, B., Ghasemi Siani M., "Epithermal systems of the Torud-Chah Shirin district, northern Iran: Ore-fluid evolution and geodynamic setting", Ore Geology Reviews 109 (2019) 253-275. [DOI:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.04.014]
  56. [28] Tale Fazel E., Mehrabi, B., Ghasemi Siani M., "Epithermal systems of the Torud-Chah Shirin district, northern Iran: Ore-fluid evolution and geodynamic setting", Ore Geology Reviews 109 (2019) 253-275. [DOI:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.04.014]
  57. [29] Hedenqusit J.W., Arribas A., Reynolds J.R., "Evolution of an intrusion-contered hydrothermal system: Far southeast lepanto porphyry and Epithermal Cu-Au Deposite, Philipines", Economic Geology 91 (1998) 373-404. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.93.4.373]
  58. [29] Hedenqusit J.W., Arribas A., Reynolds J.R., "Evolution of an intrusion-contered hydrothermal system: Far southeast lepanto porphyry and Epithermal Cu-Au Deposite, Philipines", Economic Geology 91 (1998) 373-404. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.93.4.373]
  59. [30] Storr M., Koster H.M., Kromer H., Hilz M., "Minerale der Crandallit-Reihe im Kaolin von Hirschau-Schnaittenbach, Oberpfalz", Zeitschrift für Geologische Wissenschaften 19 (1991) 677-683.
  60. [30] Storr M., Koster H.M., Kromer H., Hilz M., "Minerale der Crandallit-Reihe im Kaolin von Hirschau-Schnaittenbach, Oberpfalz", Zeitschrift für Geologische Wissenschaften 19 (1991) 677-683.
  61. [31] Montoya J.W., Homely J.J., "Activity relations and stabiles in alkali feldespar and mica alteration re actions", Economic Geology 70 (1975) 577-594. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.70.3.577]
  62. [31] Montoya J.W., Homely J.J., "Activity relations and stabiles in alkali feldespar and mica alteration re actions", Economic Geology 70 (1975) 577-594. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.70.3.577]
  63. [32] Dill H.G., Bosse H.R., Kassbohm J., "Mineralogical and chemical studies of volcanic relate argillaceous industrial minerals of the Central America Cordillera (Western Salvador)", Economic Geology 95 (2000) 517-538. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.95.3.517]
  64. [32] Dill H.G., Bosse H.R., Kassbohm J., "Mineralogical and chemical studies of volcanic relate argillaceous industrial minerals of the Central America Cordillera (Western Salvador)", Economic Geology 95 (2000) 517-538. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.95.3.517]
  65. [33] Cunningham C.G., Rye R.O., Steven T.A., Mehnert H.H., "Origins and exploration significance of replacement and vein-type alunite deposits in the Marysvale volcanic field, West Central Utah", Economic Geology 79 (1984) 50-71. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.79.1.50]
  66. [33] Cunningham C.G., Rye R.O., Steven T.A., Mehnert H.H., "Origins and exploration significance of replacement and vein-type alunite deposits in the Marysvale volcanic field, West Central Utah", Economic Geology 79 (1984) 50-71. [DOI:10.2113/gsecongeo.79.1.50]
  67. [34] Najaran M., Mehrabi, B., Ghasemi Siani M., "Mineralogy, hydrothermal alteration, fluid inclusion, and O-H stable isotopes of the Siah Jangal-Sar Kahno epithermal gold deposit, SE Iran", Ore Geology Review 125, 103689, DOI: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103689. [DOI:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103689]
  68. [34] Najaran M., Mehrabi, B., Ghasemi Siani M., "Mineralogy, hydrothermal alteration, fluid inclusion, and O-H stable isotopes of the Siah Jangal-Sar Kahno epithermal gold deposit, SE Iran", Ore Geology Review 125, 103689, DOI: 10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103689. [DOI:10.1016/j.oregeorev.2020.103689]
  69. [35] Apte N.G., Kiran E., Chernosky J.V., "Thermal decomposition of aluminium-bearing compounds", Journal of Thermal Analysis 34 (1988) 975-981. [DOI:10.1007/BF01913502]
  70. [35] Apte N.G., Kiran E., Chernosky J.V., "Thermal decomposition of aluminium-bearing compounds", Journal of Thermal Analysis 34 (1988) 975-981. [DOI:10.1007/BF01913502]
  71. [36] Kato E., Daimon K., Nanbu M., "Decomposition of two aluminiumsulphates and characterization of the resultant aluminas", Journal of American Ceramic Society 64 (1981) 436-443. [DOI:10.1111/j.1151-2916.1981.tb09892.x]
  72. [36] Kato E., Daimon K., Nanbu M., "Decomposition of two aluminiumsulphates and characterization of the resultant aluminas", Journal of American Ceramic Society 64 (1981) 436-443. [DOI:10.1111/j.1151-2916.1981.tb09892.x]
  73. [37] Sugita S., Contreras C., Juárez H., Aguilera A., Serrato J., "Homogeneous Precipitation and Phase Transformation of Mullite Ceramic Precursor", International Journal of Inorganic Materials 3 (2001) 625-632. [DOI:10.1016/S1466-6049(01)00166-0]
  74. [37] Sugita S., Contreras C., Juárez H., Aguilera A., Serrato J., "Homogeneous Precipitation and Phase Transformation of Mullite Ceramic Precursor", International Journal of Inorganic Materials 3 (2001) 625-632. [DOI:10.1016/S1466-6049(01)00166-0]

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 01 May 2021
  • Revise Date: 19 June 2021
  • Accept Date: 05 July 2021

Share

How to cite

Statistics