Lyell Collection
Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis
Lyell Centre  |   Lyell Collection  |   Subscriptions   |   Geological Society  |   Email alerts  |   Online bookshop  |   Help

Keywords:
Author:
Advanced search>>
This Article
Right arrow Figures Only
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow Request Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Crowley, J.K.
Right arrow Articles by Mars, J.C.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
GeoRef
Right arrow GeoRef Citation
Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis; 2003; v. 3; issue.3; p. 219-228;
DOI: 10.1144/1467-7873/03-001
© 2003 Geological Society of London

Original Article

Spectral reflectance properties (0.4–2.5 µm) of secondary Fe-oxide, Fe-hydroxide, and Fe-sulphate-hydrate minerals associated with sulphide-bearing mine wastes

J.K. Crowley1, D.E. Williams2, J.M. Hammarstrom1, N. Piatak1, I-Ming Chou1 & J.C. Mars1

1 U.S. Geological Survey, MS 954, Reston, VA 20192, USA (e-mail: jcrowley@usgs.gov)
2 Environmental Protection Agency, MS 555, Reston, VA 20192, USA

Diffuse reflectance spectra of 15 mineral species commonly associated with sulphide-bearing mine wastes show diagnostic absorption bands related to electronic processes involving ferric and/or ferrous iron, and to vibrational processes involving water and hydroxyl. Many of these absorption bands are relatively broad and overlapping; however, spectral analysis methods, including continuum removal and derivative analysis, permit most of the minerals to be distinguished. Key spectral differences between the minerals are illustrated in a series of plots showing major absorption band centres and other spectral feature positions. Because secondary iron minerals are sensitive indicators of pH, Eh, relative humidity, and other environmental conditions, spectral mapping of mineral distributions promises to have important application to mine waste remediation studies.

Key Words: Spectral reflectance • mine wastes • iron sulphates • iron oxides • remote sensing




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, AnalysisHome page
T. F. McConachy, K. Yang, M. Boni, and N. J. Evans
Spectral reflectance: preliminary data on a new technique with potential for non-sulphide base metal exploration
Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, 2007; 7: 139 - 151.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]