Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Spectral reflectance properties (0.4-2.5 μm) of secondary Fe-oxide, Fe-hydroxide, and Fe-sulphate-hydrate minerals associated with sulphide-bearing mine wastes

January 1, 2003

Diffuse reflectance spectra of 15 mineral species commonly associated with sulphide-bearing mine wastes show diagnostic absorption bands related to electronic processes involving ferric and/or ferrous iron, and to vibrational processes involving water and hydroxyl. Many of these absorption bands are relatively broad and overlapping; however, spectral analysis methods, including continuum removal and derivative analysis, permit most of the minerals to be distinguished. Key spectral differences between the minerals are illustrated in a series of plots showing major absorption band centres and other spectral feature positions. Because secondary iron minerals are sensitive indicators of pH, Eh, relative humidity, and other environmental conditions, spectral mapping of mineral distributions promises to have important application to mine waste remediation studies.

Publication Year 2003
Title Spectral reflectance properties (0.4-2.5 μm) of secondary Fe-oxide, Fe-hydroxide, and Fe-sulphate-hydrate minerals associated with sulphide-bearing mine wastes
DOI 10.1144/1467-7873/03-001
Authors J. K. Crowley, D.E. Williams, J. M. Hammarstrom, N. Piatak, I.-Ming Chou, J.C. Mars
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis
Index ID 70025853
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Eastern Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center