TITLE:
Geological and Geochemical Features of Uranium Mineralization in Western Turkey
AUTHORS:
Leyla Kalender, Ömer Nedim Alçiçek, Ezgi Gürgenç
KEYWORDS:
Geochemistry, Ra??llar, Uranium Mineralization, Turkey
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.7 No.3,
March
31,
2016
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to
determine the distribution and geochemical features of uranium mineralization
in the Ragillar region in the Manisa-Koprübasi in western Turkey. Sixteen whole
rock samples were collected from sites showing the highest levels of
radioactivity (7600 cps) as measured by a gamma spectrometer in the dolomitic
limestones. SEM-EDS (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive
Spectrometry), XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence), an ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma
Optic Emission Spectrometer), and a Leco carbon-sulfur analyzer were used to
determine the mineralogical and chemical characteristics of the whole rock
samples. The mineralogical features showed that uranium mineralization is
associated with fluorapatite-rich rocks formed within calcite matrix fractures;
cracks systems; and limestone, claystone, marl and silicified breccia zones in
the lacustrine sediments that are observed around the Kale crest dolomitic
limestones in the Demirci basin. The geochemical data for these samples show a
strong positive correlation between uranium and P2O5 concentrations. The geochemical data
also indicate that uranium is deposited in the oxidation zone by dissolving the
primary minerals (banded gneisses from the Menderes Massif, and dacitic and
andesitic tuff) and moving the metal-rich hydrothermal fluids as phosphorus
compounds, before passing through fractures, cracks, and permeable sandstone
units, or along carbonate and clay layers.