wAbstract
@The magnetic fractions of ilmenite from the beach placer deposit
of Chavara, southwest India have been studied for mineralogical
and chemical composition to assess the range of their physical
and chemical variations with weathering. Chavara deposit represents
a highly weathered and relatively homogenous concentration. Significant
variation in composition has been documented with alteration.
The most magnetic of the fractions of ilmenite, separated at 0.15π,
and with a susceptibility of 3.2~10-6 m3
kg8-1, indicates the presence of haematite-ilmenite
intergrowth. An iron-poor, titanium-rich component of the ilmenite
ore has been identified from among the magnetic fractions of the
Chavara ilmenite albeit with an undesirably high Nb2O5 (0.28), Cr2O3
(0.23) and Th (149 ppm) contents. The ilmenite from Chavara is
compared with that from the nearby Manavalakurichi deposit of
similar geological setting and provenance. The lower ferrous iron
oxide (2.32-14.22) and higher TiO2 (56.31-66.45)
contents highlight the advanced state of alteration of Chavara.
This is also evidenced by the relatively higher Fe3+/Fe2+
ratio compared to Manavalakurichi ilmenite. In fact, the ilmenite
has significantly been converted to pseudorutile/leucoxene.
Keywords: Chavara; Manavalakurichi; Ilmenite; Alteration; Magnetic
fractionsx
1. Introduction
2. Materials and methods
3. Results
@3.1. Magnetic susceptibility data
@3.2. XRD data
@3.3. Chemical data
@@3.3.1. Major elements
@@3.3.2. Minor elements
@3.4. TGA data
4. Discussion
@4.1. Chemical and mineralogical characteristics
@4.2. Industrial implications
5. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References