『Abstract
A phosphatic alteration rind is described comprising a leucophosphite
crust above a phosphatised substrate of serpentinized peridotite
from an exceptionally isolated location experiencing high rainfall
conditions. The formation of the rind is intimately linked to
the deposition and subsequent leaching of guano associated with
the high concentration of seabirds that nest on the islands and
its transformation into a ‘weathering rind’. The favoured pathway
into the substrate appears to be along a pre-existing microfracture
network, via the alteration of its carbonate infill into soluble
apatite. This apatite is only retained within the protected environment
of the microfracture network. Surrounding the network, there is
evidence of the continued inward migration of the leachate into
the surrounding peridotite resulting in its gradual phosphatisation
in the form of a ‘halo’ around individual fractures. On the exposed
rock surfaces, the consequence of the reaction between the guano
leachate and the underlying substrate is its transformation into
a ‘weathering rind’ composed principally of leucophosphite. It
appears that the widespread formation of a phosphate crust is
constrained by continual surface loss in a high energy, salt-rich
maritime environment exposed to extensive overwash, wave attack
and ultimately erosion.
Keywords: Leucophosphite; Guano; Weathering; Selective extraction』
Introduction
Location, geology and general description of the archipelago
Sampling and analysis
Results and discussion
Mineralogical investigations
Element partitioning
Sample SPSP1
Interpretation and conclusions
Acknowledgments
References