Application of cathodoluminescence microscopy to the study of carbonatite-related fluorspar ores, host rock carbonatites and beneficiation products at Okorusu, Namibia
Abstract
Cathodoluminescence microscopy (CLM) is uniquely applicable to the study of carbonatite-related fluorspar ore deposits. The mineralogy of the carbonatites, sodic and potassic fenites, marbles, quartzites and fluorite ores are readily determined and characterized. Calcite, dolomite, apatite and fluorite were deposited dominantly under high-temperature conditions, and they exhibit strong cathodoluminescence (CL). At the Okorusu, Namibia, carbonatite complex and fluorspar mines, three types of carbonatites have been recognized by field mapping and laboratory CLM. The main carbonatite intrusion is fine grained and consists mainly of calcite. A later phase of pegmatitic carbonatite consists of calcite, magnetite, Fe-rich pyroxene, apatite and pyrochlore. Pyroxene carbonatities were recognized mainly through their study by CLM.
Recommended Citation
R. D. Hagni and P. R. Shivdasan, "Application of cathodoluminescence microscopy to the study of carbonatite-related fluorspar ores, host rock carbonatites and beneficiation products at Okorusu, Namibia," Minerals and Metallurgical Processing, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 203 - 208, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Nov 2001.
Department(s)
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Beneficiation; Calcite; Cathodoluminescence; Fluorspar; High Temperature Properties; Magnetite; Marble; Ore Analysis; Specimen Preparation; Cathodoluminescence Microscopy; Host Rock Carbonatites; Pyroxene Carbonatites; Mineralogy; Carbonatites; Cathodoluminescence Microscopy; Fluorspar
Geographic Coverage
Okorusu, Namibia
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0747-9182
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2001 Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Nov 2001
