『Abstract
The composition of a garnierite sample (Mg-Ni silicate) from
the Loma de Hierro Ni-laterite deposit (Venezuela) has been determined
by means of X-ray diffractometry (XRD), high-resolution transmission
electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and electron microprobe (EM) analyses.
This garnierite was collected from a vein in the parent rock of
the laterite (serpentinized peridotite). XRD showed peaks at 7Å
and 10Å, characteristic of the structures of serpentine and talc,
respectively. HR-TEM revealed different areas characterized by
either a 7Å or 10Å spacing. EM showed a homogeneous sample composition,
with a (Mg + Ni)/Si ratio equal to 0.92. The stoichiometric formula
for this garnierite is given by Mg.2.91Ni0.09Si3.27O8.17(OH)2.74, which corresponds to a mixture of Ni-containing
serpentine (37 mol%) and talc (63 mol%). EM analyses were also
performed on six additional samples from the main Ni enrichment
zone of the laterite. The results show a clear correlation between
Ni content and mole fraction of talc, indicating the affinity
of Ni for the talc phase in the garnierite. Quantitative XRD fitting
of one of these additional samples indicated that the talc belongs
to the variety known as kerolite.
Flow-through experiments were performed to measure far-from-equilibrium
dissolution rates. At steady state, dissolution of garnierite
was stoichiometric at pH greater than about 5 and non-stoichiometric
at more acidic conditions. Since these solutions were undersaturated
with respect to @possible secondary precipitates, the results
seem to indicate different contributions of Ni-containing serpentine
and talc to the total rate. For pH below 5, the contribution from
serpentine to the total rate increases with decreasing pH. The
overall dissolution rate is proportional to aH+0.28, although pH dependence could
also be described with a model based on non-linear sorption of
H+ on garnierite.
Keywords: Garnierite; Nickel; Laterite; Serpentine; Talc; Dissolution
1. Introduction
2. sample characterization
3. Experimental setup
4. Experimental results and discussion
4.1. Garnierite dissolution rates
4.2. Stoichiometry of the dissolution reaction
4.3. pH effect on garnierite dissolution rate
4.4. Comparison of garnierite dissolution rates with those for
non-aluminous magnesium phyllosilicates
5. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References