Relationships of calcium carbonate to lithology and vanadium-uranium deposits in Salt Wash sandstone of southwestern Colorado

Open-File Report 56-2
By:

Links

Abstract

This study was made to determine whether any relationship exists between lithology or vanadium-uranium deposits and calcium carbonate content in the Salt Wash member of the Morrison formation of Jurassic age. Results indicate that altered gray-green mudstone contains less carbonate than does unaltered red-brown mudstone. No significant difference exists between the carbonate content of unaltered light red sandstone and altered light gray sandstone. Within the sandstone there are carbonate-rich zones adjacent to contacts with mudstone. Calcium carbonate content and ore grade are not related, although carbonate-rich zones parallel the ore bodies. These carbonate-rich zones may possibly be used as an ore guide. The present distribution of calcium carbonate could have resulted from early diagenesis with later redistribution during mineralization.

Suggested Citation

Archbold, N.L., 1956, Relationships of calcium carbonate to lithology and vanadium-uranium deposits in Salt Wash sandstone of southwestern Colorado: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 56-2, 27 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr562.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Relationships of calcium carbonate to lithology and vanadium-uranium deposits in Salt Wash sandstone of southwestern Colorado
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 56-2
DOI 10.3133/ofr562
Year Published 1956
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description 27 p.
Country United States
State Colorado
Additional publication details