| This report presents the diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectra for samples of phosphatic shale collected from the more-weathered and less-weathered sections of the Meade Peak member of the Phosphoria Formation. Ore-bearing samples have characteristic spectral signatures produced by high concentrations of apatite in the ore zones. Minor spectral differences were observed between ore samples from the more- and less-weathered sections, caused by the presence of clay minerals in the more-weathered section. The spectral signature of carbonate-bearing waste is distinguished easily from that of noncarbonate waste by the presence of characteristic calcite absorption bands. |
