Abstract

GODEAS, M.  and  LITVAK, V.D.. Identification of ammonium anomalies by SWIR reflectance spectroscopy: Implications for mining exploration. Rev. Asoc. Geol. Argent. [online]. 2006, vol.61, n.3, pp.438-443. ISSN 0004-4822.

The existence of ammonium anomalies in mineralized deposits in Argentina is presented. These anomalies are given by the substitution of potassium ion by ammonium ion in certain feldspars, clay minerals and sulfates. This substitution doesn't produce physical changes either in the minerals or the host rocks. Ammonium-bearing minerals have been found in several hydrothermally altered metallic deposits. Ammonium ion is specially sensible to SWIR reflectance spectroscopy method, so it became an ideal, easy and valuable tool for ammonium anomalies detection. Although ammonium-bearing minerals are not always associated with metallic ore, they can be used as an exploration guide, being thus a very useful prospective method for metallic deposits in general.

Keywords : Ammonium anomalies; Argentina; Mining exploration guide; SWIR reflectance spectroscopy.

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