U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 03-196

Digital Spectral Reflectance Data of Fe-Oxide, Fe-Hydroxide, and Fe-Sulfate-Hydrate Minerals Associated with Sulfide-Bearing Mine Wastes

By J. K. Crowley1, D. E. Williams2, J. M. Hammarstrom1, N. Piatak1, J. C., Mars1, and I-Ming Chou1

1U. S. Geological Survey, Mail Stop 954, Reston, VA 20192
2 U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, NC

ABSTRACT

Fifteen Fe-oxide, Fe-hydroxide, and Fe-sulphate-hydrate mineral species commonly associated with sulphide bearing mine wastes were characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscope methods.  Diffuse reflectance spectra of the samples show diagnostic absorption features related to electronic processes involving ferric and/or ferrous iron, and to vibrational processes involving water and hydroxyl ions.  Such spectral features enable field and remote sensing based studies of the mineral distributions.  Because secondary minerals are sensitive indicators of pH, Eh, relative humidity, and other environmental conditions, spectral mapping of these minerals promises to have important applications to mine waste remediation studies. This report releases digital (ascii) spectra (spectral_data_files.zip) of the fifteen mineral samples to facilitate usage of the data with spectral libraries and spectral analysis software.  The spectral data are provided in a two-column format listing wavelength (in micrometers) and reflectance, respectively.

A full description of the samples and associated spectral features has been published by Crowley, J. K., Williams, D. E. Hammarstrom, J. M., Piatak, N., Mars, J. C., and Chou, I. M., 2003, Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, v. 3, no. 3, p. 219-228 (http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/template.cfm?name=journals_geea_home_page).


This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U. S. Geological Survey editorial standards.  Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U. S. Government.

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