r Contributions to Geochemical

Prospecting for Minerals 

; 1953-58

*

* GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN 1 000

This volume was printed as 

separate chapters A-H

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1958
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

FRED A. SEATON, Secretary

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

Thomas B. Nolan, Director
CONTENTS

[The letters In parentheses preceding the titles designate separately published chapters]

IA Page 

 (A) Geochemical prospecting abstracts through June 1952, by John W.

Harbaugh __________________________________________________ 1

^ (B) Geochemical prospecting investigations in the Nyeba lead-zinc district, Nigeria, by H. E. Hawkes_--_-_-_---------_-----_------- 51

(C) A Paleozoic geochemical anomaly near Jerome, Ariz., by Lyman C.

HuflL._____________________________________________________ 105

> (D) Geochemical relations of zinc-bearing peat to the Lockport dolomite,

Orleans County, N. Y., by Helen L. Cannon__________________ 119

(E) Geochemical studies in the southwestern Wisconsin zinc-lead area,

by Vance C. Kennedy_________._____________ 187

(F) Principles of geochemical prospecting, by H. E. Hawkes__________ 225

. (G) Geochemical prospecting abstracts, July 1952-December 1954, by

Jane Ebner Erikson_______________________ 357

(H) Geochemical prospecting studies in the Bullwhacker mine area, Eureka district, Nevada, by Alfred T. Miesch and Thomas B. Nolan__ 397 

A iii
Geochemical Prospecting 

Abstracts Through 

: June 1952

t GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN 1000-A

CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING 

FOR MINERALS

GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH

JUNE 1952

By JOHN W. HARBAUGH

INTRODUCTION

This collection of abstracts is intended to include all published 

references available as of July 1, 1952, on geochemical methods of 

prospecting for minerals. References on general geochemistry or 

geochemical prospecting for petroleum are not included; references 

on alteration halos related to mineral deposits are included only where 

data on dispersed ore metals are presented. Papers on analytical 

methods are included where they deal directly with problems in geochemical prospecting. Reviews and summaries containing no original 

data are included with a brief annotation in place of an abstract.

The source of the abstract is given in italics at the end of the 

abstract. Some of them have been prepared by the compiler 

(J. W.H.), and some by H. E. Hawkes (H. E.H.}. Arthur P. Pierce 

'(A. P. P.) has prepared the abstracts of the majority of the Russian 

references. In many of the items the source was the author's abstract, 

or one of the standard abstract series, in which case the source is given. 

Several papers are included by title only, where for one reason,or 

another it was not possible to prepare abstracts.

ABSTRACTS

1. Ahreus, L. H., and Liebenberg, W. R. Tin and indium in mica as determined 

spectrochemically: Am. Mineralogist, vol. 35, pp. 571-578, 1950.

Spectrochemical analysis of 61 mica specimens shows a content of SnO2 varying 

from 5 to 5,000 ppm. Experimental evidence indicates that in specimens 

enriched in tin some of the tin is present as included cassiterite and some is 

located within the lattice structure of the mica. Micas from pegmatites near 

tin veins in the Usakos-Karibib-Omaruru area in southwest Africa are unusually 

rich in tin, whereas micas from similar pegmatites in the Uranoop River area, 

Namaqualand, where no tin mineralization is known, are unusually low in tin.
2 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

The author suggests that it may be possible to evaluate the likelihood of tin 

mineralization in an area by analyzing pegmatitic micas for tin. H. E. H.

2. Almond, Hy, and Bloom, Harold. A seminaicro method for the determination 

of cobalt in soils and rocks; a field test using the chromograph: U. S. 

Geol. Survey Circ. 125, 6 pp., 1951.

A chromographic method for the quantitative estimation of cobalt in soils 

and rocks is described. A 0.1 g sample is fused with potassium bisulfate and 

the fusion product extracted with 5 ml of citrate solution. A 0.2 ml aliquot of 

the sample solution is mixed with 0.1 ml of 2-nitroso-l-naphthol solution in the 

chromograph and the reddish brown cobalt nitroso-naphtholate that precipitates on the filter paper is compared with that of a standard series. Cobalt 

contents from 10 to 400 ppm in soil or rock can be determined to within ± 40 

percent of the figure obtained spectrophotometrically in the laboratory. Authors' 

abstract.

3. Almond, Hy, and Morris, H. T. Geochemical techniques as applied in recent 

investigations in the Tintic District, Utah: Econ. Geology, vol. 46, pp. 

608-625, 1951.

- Field techniques for the rapid extraction and estimation of copper, lead, and 

zinc from altered rock are described, together with their application in the 

Tintic district, Utah. Either sulfuric acid or an acetic acid-ammonium acetate 

reagent is feasible as an extractant; but of these two, sulfuric acid is preferred. 

Data obtained by partial extraction methods show that zinc and lead are concentrated in altered extrusive rocks 350 to 500 feet above a horizontal, pipelike 

ore body in limestone, where the extrusive rocks are cut by a fracture zone

related to a Strong premineral cross fault. Such concentrations are absent in 

altered but unbrecciated igneous rocks above the continuation of the same 

ore body in an unfaulted area.

In many places, premineral alteration diminished the original heavy metal 

content of the igneous rocks, and in unfractured extrusive rocks the hydrothermally leached rock yields a negative anomaly even though the rock lies only 

a short distance above ore. Authors' abstract.

4. Andreev, B. A. Application of geophysical methods for prospecting chromite 

deposits [in Russian]: Central Geol. and Prosp. Inst., Trans. no. 100, 

34 pp., 1937.

The testing of a new method called the "spectrometric survey" is recommended. 

This method consists of determining the concentration of ore components in the 

"aureoles in dissemination" by means of spectroanalysis; a sharp increase of 

concentration of chromite was determined in the residual layer directly over the 

main ore body. W. Ayvabofflou, in Geophysical Abstracts, No. 4373.

0, Audrey, B. A. Results Of the application of geophysical methods in the 

investigation of a corundum deposit [in Russian]: Vses. Nauch.-Issled. 

Geol. Inst., Materaly Geofizika, Sb. 11, pp. 58-75, 1947.

A detailed and comparative description is given of the results of magnetic,

gravimetric, electrical resistivity, geochemical, and fluorescence analysis survey**

of the Borli corundum deposit, central Kazakstan. Four samples of surface 

debris, two directly over the corundum deposit, one 30 meters and one 50 meters 

from the deposit, were quantitatively analyzed for the major components. Only 

titanitlm and sulf ate showed any correlation with the location of the corundum 

deposit. The titanium and sulf ate are thought to be related respectively^.to rutile,
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 3

and pyrite is associated with the corundum. The author concludes that the 

gravimetric and fluorescence surveys gave the most direct indication of the 

position of the corundum. The success of the fluorescence survey is due to the 

dispersion by weathering of grains of corundum, showing a pronounced grayblue to blue fluorescence. A. P. P.

6. Anonymous. Geochemical prospecting investigations in Australia: Chem. 

Eng. and Min. Rev., vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 43-44,1948.

A brief discussion of geochemical prospecting principles and methods.

7. BabiCka, J., Komftrek, J., and Nemec, B. Gold in animal bodies: Acad. 

tcheque sci. Bull, internat., vol. 45, pp. 131-137,1945.

The gold content of the antlers of roebuck browsing in a Chechoslovakian goldbearing district was found to be higher than antlers of roebuck in unmineralized 

terrane. The gold content of a species of insect (cockshafer) showed a similar 

relationship. H. E. H.

8. Beath, 0. A., Hagner, A. F., and Gilbert, C. S. Some rocks and soils of high 

selenium content: Wyoming Geol. Survey Bull. 36, pp. 1-23, 1946.

The occurrence, in the western United States, of rocks and soils of high selenium 

content is reviewed. The phosphatic rock of the Phosphoria formation in western 

Wyoming, and the vanadium-uranium ores of the Salt Wash member of the 

Morrison formation are unusually rich in selenium. It is suggested that studies 

of the distribution of certain species of plants that grow preferentially in soils 

rich in selenium might be useful in prospecting for selenium-bearing ores. - 

H. E. E.

9. Billings, W. D. Vegetation and plant growth as affected by chemically 

altered rocks in the western Great Basin: Ecology, vol. 31, pp. 62-74,1950.

Pinus ponderosa, P. jeffreyi, and certain montane herbaceous plants were found 

growing some distance to the east of the Sierra Nevada in the semi-arid sagebrush or pinyon-juniper zones. In every case, these stands were confined to 

volcanic rocks which had been hydrotherinally altered with resultant accelerated 

chemical weathering. Sagebrush and its associates will not normally grow in 

soils developed from the altered rocks.

Analyses show that these soils are quite acid and very deficient in exchangeable bases, phosphorus, and nitrogen as compared to soils developed from 

unaltered rocks of the same type. Tobacco and tomato plants did not grow in 

the soil when given only distilled water or nutrient solutions lacking in phosphorus or nitrogen but matured and flowered when these elements were added. 

It is concluded that the pine stands are relicts which have remained because of 

the inability of sagebrush zone dominants to invade these mineral-deficient 

soils. Author's abstract. ' '

10. Bobrowski, Wladislaw, and Piechota, Aleksander. Influence of the substratum on the occurrence of heavy metals in the bark of contemporary 

pines on the Triassic of southwestern Poland [in Polish with English 

summary]: Panstwowa Sluzba Geol., Panstwowy Inst. Geol. [Serv. 

geol. Pologne, Inst. geol. Pologne] Biul. 58, pp. 6-12, 1949.

The bark of pines in areas of lead-zinc mineralization had a rusty tarnish, 

and analyses of the cleaned bark showed appreciable contents of zinc and lead. 

Michael Fleischer, inCheni. Abs., vol. 45, col. 7479.
4 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

11. Buck, L. J. Association of plants and minerals: Jour. New York Bot. 

Garden, vol. 50, pp. 265-269, 1949.

This paper presents a popular discussion of the association of certain plants 

with mineral deposits. A list of plants reported to prefer an environment 

especially rich in certain metallic elements is given. The author describes the 

discovery of a deposit of chromite in Cuba by a native who noticed the association of chromite with the luxuriant growth of a certain shrub. In Venezuela 

a terrestrial orchid, believed to be Epidendrum O'Brienianum, has been helpful 

in determining the extent of an iron ore body. J. W. H.

12. Buck, L. J. Shrub aids in determining extent of orebody: Garden Jour.

[New York Botanical Garden], p. 22, Jan-Feb. 1951.

A study of the distribution of a shrub, Clusia rosea, has helped to determine 

the extent of the newly discovered Cerro Bolivar iron ore deposit in Venezuela. 

Clusia rosea grows from 20 to 50 feet high and is characterized by horizontal 

branches and white to pink flowers. The close association of this shrub with 

iron ore and the fact that it can be recognized in aerial surveys have helped in 

determining the extent of the ore bodies.

The author further emphasizes the study of vegetation as an aid in geological 

work by quoting the following statement of D. J. J. Marais, of Johannesburg, 

South Africa:

The association of plants with certain strata is of course a wellknown fact and we were often able to distinguish between various stratigraphic horizons in northern Rhodesia by virtue of the bush type growing on the different rock types. The differences in vegetation usually 

Show up very well on aerial photographs and certain distinctive textures of vegetation can be observed; for example, on granite the trees 

appear to follow crisscrossing lines, probably joints. On the Archean 

schists, the texture is a wiggly line type. On arkoses and other coarse 

elastics, the tree growth is usually considerably more vigorous than 

on shales. The dolomites generally have their own typical vegetation.

Being able to recognize the various rock types by the indigenous vegetation typical of each is of considerable assistance where outcrops are 

extremely rare. J. W. H.

13. Campbell, J. Geo-spectrographic methods for finding mother lodes of placer 

deposits: Min. Jour., vol. 24, no. 24, p. 5, Phoenix 1941.

Spectrographic analyses of placer gravels may help in establishing the source 

of the placer minerals. For example, analyses for tin may help in tracing cassiterite placers. If gravel from the mouth of a stream contains significant

amounts of metals, further analyses are made of samples collected systematically

upstream. Tributaries which supply placer minerals are readily distinguished

from tributaries which do not. In this manner the ultimate source, or mother 

lode, of the placer minerals may be discovered. J. W. H.

14. cmsnoim, E. o. A simple cnemicai metnod of tracing mineralization

through light non-residual overburden: Canadian Inst. Min. Metallurgy Bull., vol. 43, pp. 64-68, 1950.

A simple metbod of analyzing soil material by shaking it In water and. then 

determining the heavy metal content of the water with dithizone has yielded 

excellent results near Kenora, Ontario. With this method a mineralized zone 

containing zinc, copper, lead, and gold was traced under a layer of dense glacial
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 5

clay as much as 5 feet thick. Readily measurable amounts of heavy metals 

(largely zinc) were found in sand and clay sampled a few inches above the 

mineralized bedrock, but little zinc was found in samples obtained a foot or 

more above bedrock. Samples collected close to bedrock at 10-foot intervals 

along traverses 200 feet apart revealed an anomaly that corresponded with the 

mineralized zone as outlined by trenching and geologic mapping.

This mineralized zone lies near the shore of the Lake of the Woods. Samples of water collected near the shore were analyzed to determine whether anomalous amounts of heavy metals were present- in the lake water. Rsadily detectable amounts of heavy metals were found within 5 feet of the shore near 

mineralized zones, but the heavy metal content dropped rapidly more than 5 

feet from the shore. The amounts of metal iii the water were negligible where 

no mineralized zones occured near the shore.

Both the water extracts of soil and the samples of lake water were analyzed 

using an adaptation of Huff's field test for heavy metals in water. (See abs. 

40.) The reagents used were prepared to Huff's specifications. Lake water, 

collected well away from shore, was a satisfactory substitute for distilled water.

The soils were analyzed as follows: The glacial overburden was penetrated 

to obtain a sample as close to bedrock as possible. Fifteen cc of the sample was 

placed in a 50 ml glass-stoppered, wide-mouth bottle. Twenty ml of metalfree water was added and shaken for exactly one minute. The mixture was 

allowed to settle for 30 seconds. Ten ml of the water (now muddy) was poured 

off into a 30 ml pyrex test tube. Three ml of 0.0016 percent solution of dithizone in carbon tetrachloride and 3 or 4 drops of ammonium' hydroxide solution 

were added and the test tube corked and shaken for one minute. The muddy 

water and the carbon tetrachloride form a coarse emulsion. To separate the 

carbon tetrachloride from the water, the test tube was whirled on a 2-foot length 

of twine for half a minute. The intensity of the pink color produced in the 

carbon tetrachloride phase was a measure of the heavy metal extracted from the 

sample.

The water samples were analyzed as follows: Ten ml of water was poured 

into a 30 ml test tube and 5 drops of acetate buffer and 3 ml of 0.0016 percent dithizone-carbou tetrachloride solution were added. The tube was corked, 

shaken for one minute, and whirled centrifugally. The metal content was 

estimated from the mixed color of the carbon tetrachloride phase. J. W. H.

15. Chisholm, E. O. Dithizone solution is sensitive field test for tracing copper, 

lead and zinc: The Precambrian, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 38-39, 1950.

This is a review of the procedures given previously (abs. 14) for the estimation 

of heavy metals in natural waters and water extracts of soil samples.

16. Cooper, J. R., and Huff, L. C. Geological investigations and geochemical 

prospecting experiment at Johnson, Arizona: Econ. Geology, vol. 46, 

pp. 731-756, 1951.

Deposits of copper and zinc at Johnson, Arizona, occur in metamorphosed 

Paleozoic limestone near a quartz monzonite stock probably of late Cretaceous 

or early Tertiary age. The metallic mineralization was preceded by a stage of 

thermal metamorphism during which pure carbonate beds were recrystallized 

and impure carbonate beds were altered to garnet, diopside, and other contactmetamorphic silicates. Silicate formation, which involved loss of carbon dioxide, was accompanied by shrinkage that reached a maximum of 30 percent. In 

the following metallic mineralization, the metamorphic rock was replaced by 

copper and zinc sulfides associated with some chlorite and other relatively low
6

temperature gangue minerals. Nearly all the ore occurs as tabular masses and -<r 

chimneys in particular beds in the Abrigo formation of Cambrian age.

The recently discovered Moore body is a lenticular mass in the Abrigo forma- <* 

tion about 400 feet below the present surface. Faulted and fractured limestone 

and dolomite beds of the Escabrosa limestone (Mississippian) crop out above 

the ore body. Local copper stains, which are abundant in the district, and a 

greater-than-average amount of faulting are somewhat meager geological evi- ^ 

dence for the presence of ore. y

To determine if there was any geochemical evidence for the proximity of 

ore, outcrops of the Escabrosa limestone and part of the underlying Martin 4 

formation (Devonian), the fault zones, and soils were sampled both over the ore 

and in the adjoining area; and the samples were analyzed for traces of the ore 

metals [heavy metals]. ' «-

The ore-metal content varies widely and is determined in part by strati- ^ 

graphy and structure. Large areas abnormally high in ore metal are indicated * 

by samples from the fault zones. Composite chip samples of the rock between 

the faults show small high areas within the high areas indicated by the fault- & 

zone samples. One of the chip-sample anomalies is over the Moore ore body 

but displaced somewhat to one side of the center of the body. Two other

anomalies care over unexplored ground some distance from the ore body, Soil

samples collected on low ridges, where contamination is unlikely, show the same * 

general anomalies as the rock samples. ,A

A genetic relationship between the Moore ore body and the nearby geochemical 

anomaly is suggested by its proximity and by the presence in the anomaly .^ 

area u£ fault zoues \\hicli curry concentrations of ore metal and project toward 

the ore. Diamond drilling and further geochemical studies are suggested as 

possible means of checking the inferred relationship. At present, geochemical 

studies give promise of becoming a valuable adjunct of geology in prospecting 

the Johnson district and similar areas elsewhere. Authors1 abstract.

f17. Cotelo Neiva, J. M. Prospeccao geoquimica [Geochemical prospecting] :

 Estudos, notas, e trabalho serv. fomento mineit-o [Portugal] vol 5

pp, 91-98,1949,

Techniques of prospecting by water analysis are reviewed, ana possible applications of this method to exploration in Portugal are discussed.

18. Delavault. R. E., and Irish, R. I. Emploie de la dithizone en solution -^

ammoniacaie [Use of dithizone in ammoniacal solution]: Acad, sci,

Paris Comptes rendus, vol. 229, p. 1079,1949. * 

The sensitivity of the dithizone determination of copper ana zinc in natural ^

waters is increased by using sodium lauryl-sulfonate as an emuisifier. THIS

Of the ImmlSClble Organic plJUSe (xylene) as an emulsion.

Freshly prepared ammoniacal dithizone is used to form copper and zinc dithizonates that readily color the dispersed droplets of xyiene. By suziitins i mi »,-,

of emulsified xylehe with 200 ml of water, very small quantities Of copper and

zinc are detectable. As little as 1 microgram of copper per liter of water may '

be measured (one part per billion). The test for zinc is twice as sensitive. 

J. ~VV. It.

.19. Dora, Paul. Pflanzen als Anzeichen fur Erzlagerstatten [Plants as indicators of ore deposits]: Der Bioioge, vol. o, pp, 11-13, Munich, 1937.

v'Many plants grow preferentially in soils containing unusual quantities of 

metals. Viola cdiaminaria Lej is called the calamine violet because of its reA
striction to calamine deposits in Europe. Thlaspi calaminare Lej, T. cepaeafolium Koch, and Viola lutea Sur. are likewise associated with zinc districts. 

As high as 21.3 percent zinc oxide has been reported in the ash of Thlaspi 

calaminare L. The presence of Ruta graveoleus L., R. latifolia Mart., Matricaria 

americana L., and Senecio brasihcnsis Less, growing together has been reported 

to be an indication of zinc deposits in the region of Ouro Preto, Brazil.

Amorpha cancsceus Nutt. is reported to be an indicator of lead-rich soils in 

the United States. Sempervivum soboliferum Sims prefers mine dumps containing traces of tin in the old tin mining regions of the Saxon Erzgebirge. Trientalis europaea L. grows abundantly and almost exclusively on these dumps. 

Gnaplialium suaveoleus Mart, and "Qualear Art" (Vocbysiacae) have been 

reported as tin indicators in the Brazilian tin districts.

Gold indicators reported from Brazil are Crecropia laetivirens Hub., C. palmate 

.Willd, C. lyratiloba, Alpina speciosa Schum., Typha latifolia L., and T. dominguensis Kunth. These contain gold in the ash. Erigonum ovalifolium is listed 

as a silver indicator which has led to the discovery of several silver deposits in 

Montana. Polycarpaea spirostyles F. M. Muell., which contains copper in the 

ash,.has been used successfully in finding copper deposits in North Australia and 

Queensland. Alsine verna L. and Armeria vulgaris are indicators of both copper 

and zinc in the Mansfield Kupferschiefer region of Germany. Mielichoferianitida and Scoplophila liguia, similarly prefer copper rich soils but also grow on 

iron- and manganese-rich soils.

. Alsine setacea is thought restricted to quicksilver deposits at Idria, Spain. 

Convolvidus althaeoidcs is a phosphorus indicator in Spain and has led to the 

discovery of phosphorite beds.

. Scarcity or absence of vegetation may also indicate metallic ore.deposits. 

The absence of vegetation on a norite reef in the Transvaal helped in the disr 

covery of platinum. J. W. H.

20. Feigelson, I. B. Geochemical indications for the presence of borates: 

Acad. sci. U. R. S. S. Comptes rendus, vol. 29, no. 8/9, pp. 592-595, 1940.

The following data is presented for the H3B03 : Br ratio in various brines:

The World ocean________________________ 0.95 

The Ural-Emba region______________________ . 2. 03 

Sources of Lake Inder__ ___ _________ 12.66

Subterranean waters of the Inder (eastern basin) ___;_ *65. 00

The Manguishlak peninsula___________________ 2. 50 I

. The Karabogas region__ _______ _________ 2. 66 . " 

The Tchelkar region______,.__ _,______________ 2. 46 

The Ust-Urt plateau ______________________ .36 

The Sarakamysh depression__________________ 2.00 ' 

The Khiva oasis_____;____'.________________________ 3. 91

The Solikamsk-Berezniaki region__ ____________ .25

*Mean data.

.The author concludes that where the H3BOs :Br ratio exceeds .that for the 

ocean (0.95) there are good reasons for searching for borate. This relationship; 

is explained on the assumption that both the borate and the bromine now occurring in saline waters are derived by the leaching of saline sediments. Bromine 

is one of the most soluble components of saline deposits and is used as a .reference in determining the excess of borate in brine that has leached through such 

deposits. Thus, a high borate-bromine ratio in the brine is considered a favorr 

able indication in prospecting for borax in saline sediment. H. E. H.
8 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

*.

21. Fersman, A. E. Geochemical and mineralogical methods of prospecting y 

for useful minerals, Chap. IV, Special methods of prospecting [in 

Russian] : Akad. Nauk SSSR, Izd. pp. 164r-238, 1939. English trans- » 

lation by Hartsock, Lydia, and Pierce, A. P., U. S. Geol. Survey Circ. 

127, 1952.

The author reviews the characteristics of primary and secondary dispersion 

halos and presents in detail the techniques used in mapping them, including 

heavy mineral studies, spectrographic methods, the use of ultraviolet lamps, V;

thermal, redox, pH, geophysical, and radiometric techniques. H. E. S.

^

22. Flerov, B. L. The application of stannometric surveys to prospecting for 

primary tin deposits [in Russian]: Redkie Metally, no. 1, pp. 31-39,1935.

The stannometric survey method, involving the systematic determination of .*" 

the cassiterite content of heavy-mineral concentrates of surficial materials, is 

recommended for use in prospecting for primary tin deposits in areas of poor * 

exposures.

The heavy minerals in the sample are concentrated by panning, and the *- 

cassiterite content of the panned concentrate is determined. Results for the 

alluvial materials are expressed in terms of ranges, as follows: (1) Greater 

than 500 g/m3, (2) 100-500 g/m3 , (3) 10-100 g/m3 (4) trace, and (5) absent. 

For residual soils the results are expressed in milligrams per standard sample * 

weight. i*

The exploration procedure starts with widely spaced samples (300-500 meters) 

of the alluvial materials in major drainage patterns. When a promising area ^ 

is found, lines of closely spaced samples are run in the residual soils along 

the slopes adjacent to the stream. Several illustrations of hypothetical stannometric surveys are given. A. P. P.

23. Flerov, B. L. On methods of prospecting for primary deposits of tin [in

Russian] : Sovetskaya geologiya, vol. 8, no. 19, pp. 63-81, 1938. '

The author discusses the general procedure of prospecting for primary deposits 

of tin by means of systematic quantitative mineral analyses for detrital cassiterite. 'Topics discussed are: The selection of favorable localities for prospect- *"

ing, the geological conditions necessary for the .transportation and deposition

of cassiterite in alluvium, the interpretation of results obtained in stream 

prospecting, methods of tracing cassiterite from the alluvium to its source deposit, and methods of outlining primary ore .Domes or tin by means of tueir *

dispersion halos. Several idealized illustrations are given of dispersion halos

in the -vicinity of tin-bearing veins. A.. P. P. -V'

24. Fowler, G. M. Geochemical prospecting in the Mississippi Valley [abstract]:

Min. Cong. Jour., vol. 36, no. 12, p. 69,1950. 

Through the years, various methods have been employed to try to find new

ore bodies. Exploration for ore bodies has been carried on in the Mississippi

Valley by drilling on one-fourth to one:half mile centers at a cost of $5,000 <"

per square mile. Less costly methods would greatly extend the area that 

could be economically prospected. *- 

Tri-State ore bodies are confined to small centers of intense structural de- formation within an area of 2,000 miles, soil analysis was flrst tried m areas

already known from drilling and geophysical survey data. When the results

of geophysical and geochemical methods were found to check fairly closely, the *'

geochemical method was used in unknown areas. . ^
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 9

One small ore body of about 50,000 tons was found by this method. Geochemical prospecting results eliminated many square miles that apparently 

contained only small and scattered ore bodies. Also, this method located and 

helped in defining faults, shear zones, and other evidence of premineral deformation that are now concealed by surface soils which are from a few inches 

to 10 ft. or more in thickness. The results were shown by the use of contours 

based on the relative amounts of the several trace elements that were present.

In the period from 1940 to the end of October 1941, some 11,741 separate 

samples were taken and analyzed. On the basis of this work, it was found 

that lead, gallium, nickel, cobalt, and tin gave the best results. It cost between 

75 and 80 cents per sample at the time; now the cost would probably be about 

$1.00 a sample. The geochemical method costs from $200 to $500 per square 

mile as compared with costs of $2,000 to $5,000 per square mile when drilling 

methods are used. Author's abstract.

25. Fraser, H. J., and Wilson, H. D. B. Application of the spectroscope to 

ore finding [abstract] : Geol. Soc. America Bull., vol. 52, p. 1948, 

1941.

Development of the quantitative spectrographic technique has made available 

a new tool of possible use in the localization of ore bodies within a mineralized 

zone. (See abs. 148.) Vein quartz, free from any megascopic impurities, 

may show 20 elements or more present in quantitatively measurable amounts. 

A number of these elements may show significant variations between areas 

of economic mineralization and barren parts of the vein or silicified wall 

rock. From a study of these variations it is possible, under certain conditions, 

to predict whether one is approaching or going away from an ore body. Authors' 

distract.

26. Fulton, It. B. Prospecting for zinc using semi quantitative chemical analyses of soils: Bcon. Geology, vol. 45, pp. 654-670,1950.

. One thousand five hundred samples of soil were collected and analyzed for 

zinc as a prospecting experiment at Austinville, Virginia. A sampling depth 

of 2.1-2.4 feet was selected on the basis of experiments showing that variations 

in the zinc content of soil from sample hole to sample hole were least erratic 

at depths greater than two feet. Sampling was done (1) on grids with samples 

spaced 100 feet apart, or (2) along parallel traverses 500 feet apart with 

samples collected at 100- or 200-foot intervals. Analyses were made by digesting 

one gram of pulverized soil with potassium acid sulfate and determining the 

zinc content with dithizone. The results show that abnormal amounts of 

zinc in soil can be correlated with zinc mineralization in the underlying bedrock. 

This correlation is evident in spite of the fact that much of the soil at Austinvine has apparently been derived from river alluvium. Soil containing 1,000 

ppm or more zinc appears, for the most part, to be associated with ore. Soil 

containing abnormal amounts of zinc commonly occurs along the trace of faults 

or spread over the intersections of faults.

The author concludes that determination of zinc in soils will be useful in 

prospecting for zinc deposits and an aid in tracing extensions of known ore 

bodies. J. W. H.

27. Gilbert, R. E. Geochemical prospecting in the Park City district: Min. 

Cong. Jour., vol. 37, no. 9, pp. 58-61,1951.

Since June 1949, the New Park Mining Co. has used soil analysis in prospecting in the Park City district, Utah. As a result of this work, the author 

concludes that geochemical prospecting
10 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

- * *. *. shows promise of indicating zinc mineralization where the mineralization has. been exposed to erosion, and where the covering soil is ; 

residual, even though its depth may be as great as 20 feet. In areas 

of abundant and long persistent vegetation, it appears that samples or ; 

topsoil will yield results as satisfactory as samples taken at a depth of 

several feet.

 The author describes in detail his techniques of surveying, sampling, analysis; 

and plotting of data.

Sampling is clone on a geometrical pattern; any area that contains abnormal 

amounts of heavy metals is resampled at intermediate points. In known orebearing areas, lines 100 feet apart are sampled every 50 feet, yielding a pattern 

that can be checked by sampling between the lines. Ten to twenty grams of soil 

are collected after humus has been removed. The total heavy metal content 

is colorimetrically determined by the dithizone method with the aid of a! 

homemade photometer to estimate colors. Analytical data are plotted on crosssection paper and contoured. A three-man crew can collect and analyze about 

45 samples a day. J. W. H.

28. Goloubinoff, Vsevolad. Sur la prospection gSochemique cliff erentielle des 

gite mineraux [On differential geochemical prospecting for mineral 

deposits]: Acad. sci. Paris Comptes rendus, vol. 204, pp. 1075-1077, 

1937.

The Earth's crust contains on the average 20 ppm tin and 0.1 ppm gold. 

Igneous rocks genetically related to deposits of a given element may be expected 

to contain a higher proportion of that element than average. The author has

found aplite associated with tin deposits in Perak, Malaya, that contains 2,000 

ppm tin, whereas amphibole granite in the vicinity contains only 50 ppm and 

syenite 10 ppm. A granulite from Laos contains 500 ppm and a pegmatite from 

Haut Tonkin 100 ppm tin. Similarly, rocks in gold-bearing districts have a 

higher than average gold content. A micronorite from Haut Tonkin is eight 

times higher than average, a pegmatite from Annam 25 times, and a diabase 

from the Belgian Congo and a norite from French Guinea are 10 times 

higher. H. E. H.

29. Graf, D, L,, and Kerr, P, F, Trace-element studies, Santa Rita, New

Mexico: Geol. Soc. America Bull., vol. 61, pp. 1023-1952, 1950. 

Emission spectrography has been used to study distribution of trace elements

in Paleozoic limestones surrounding Ijb-Zn ore bodies near Stinta Xlitti, N. Mex.,

and subsequent transportation of tnese traces into overlying Tertiary beds.

Analyses are given for Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag, and V, important ore metals, and Mn

and Al, prominent in pre-ore silication.

IJb hi"hs from Tertiary fault zones may be correlated with ore bodies in preTertiary rocks, but Zn nas been leacned unless considerable gouge is present

Pb and Zn highs from a remote part of the Tertiary area encourage further 

exploration.

.A. 550iiixi£y f>f trr*<-o& o<^«ux»r£3 «i <=K- -td-i^y »ao-«

localizing Groundhog fault. Near a producing mine, Ig was deposited for 20

feet from the fault, and Pb for 4O feet. Most Zn iiighs are in a 60-foot zone, but 

a few extend as much as 250 feet.

Ill lilUGQtOHGB Wltfpfl «TB» ?ff 

by small fractures, and penetration into massive wall-rock is negligible. Zn 

highs occur close to ore bodies, and Pb highs farther away. The shape of the 

Pb gradient seems controlled largely by temperature, and the relative im-
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 11

portance of pre-ore silication and ore-deposition may be important here. 

Authors' abstract.

30. Harbaugh, J. W. Biogeochemical investigations in the Tri-State district: 

Econ. Geology, vol. 45, pp. 548-567, 1950.

An investigation was made to determine if variations in heavy metal content 

of vegetation could be used in prospecting for zinc-lead ore bodies in the TriState district. Twigs of blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) were sampled on 

a grid extending over known ore bodies and barren ground. Determinations 

were made for zinc (dithizone method), copper (potassiuni-ethyl-xanthate 

method), and lead, nickel, silver, cobalt, and tin (spectrographic method). The 

areal distribution of zinc in these samples shows some correlation with the 

location of ore bodies, whereas the other metals show negligible correlation. 

The average zinc content of samples collected within 300 feet of known ore 

bodies in this grid is 67 percent greater than that of similar oak twig samples 

collected in barren areas some miles distant.

Samples of 24 species of trees, collected above mineralized zones in various 

places in the Tri-State district, showed an average zinc content 38 percent 

greater in leaves and 25 percent greater in twigs than similar samples from, 

barren areas; samples of 16 species of grasses and herbaceous plants, gathered 

above mineralized zones, showed an average zinc content 30 percent greater 

than similar samples from barren areas.

It is concluded that determination of zinc in large numbers of plant samples 

may be of aid in prospecting in the Tri-State district. J. W. H.

31. Hargraves, A. J. Geochemical sampling at Wallaroo-Moonta: South 

Australia Dept. Mines, Mining Review for half year ending June 30, 

1948, no. 88, pp. 64-70, 1949.

A detailed description is given of soil sampling techniques used in the WallarooMoonta geocheniical prospecting investigations. (See abs. 104.) To obtain 

soil' samples at depths of 10 feet, it was usually necessary to penetrate hard 

limestone (travertine or caliche) as well as unconsolidated materials. This 

required the use of augers of three different diameters, a jack hammer, and 

hand steel.

The soil profile usually consisted of the following materials: (1) Surface, 

soil; (2) limey clay soil; (3) limestone (travertine or caliche) in various degrees of consolidation; (4) marls and clays; (5) decomposing bedrock.

The sampling procedure was more or less standardized. The ground around 

the hole was cleared of grass. With a 2%-inch auger a vertical hole was bored 

to the limestone, or to a depth of 3 feet. Small amounts of copper-free water 

were added to the hole so that the cuttings would adhere to the auger and could 

be recovered. A 2-inch steel-casing was set in the hole to prevent crumbly surface soil from falling into the hole as it was deepened. When the casing 

reached the top of the limestone, the hole was deepened with a jack hammer. 

As the drill steel turned inside the 2-inch casing, the unmoistened cuttings were 

blown out and collected in canvas wrapped around the casing and steel. When 

the limestone had been penetrated, a lJ/4-inch casing was inserted in the hole 

through the 2-inch casing and projecting a few inches above its upper end. 

Where limestone was not present, a 1%-inch auger was used instead of the jackhammer.

When a change in the soil material was encountered, the 1%-irich casing was 

inserted through the 2-inch casing in the same manner as described above. A 

1%-inch auger was used inside the double casing to extend the hole to bedrock, 

or to a depth of 10 feet, whichever was shallower.
12 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

The author states,

In the event the ground became harder, additional pressure on the auger 

was obtained by use of a handle held down by one or two men, and working through a ball-thrust race on to the auger rods, while the brace is 

turned by another man. When this pressure was insufficient to cut a 

sample, yet the ground did not appear to be solid rock, the hole was 

deepened by hand steel and the cuttings recovered by auger.

The augers and drill steels were cleaned after each sample. Special precautions were taken to avoid salting due to surface dump material and wind-blown 

particles. Iron sheets were erected on the windward side if there was danger of 

tailings being blown into the hole. J. W. H.

32. Hawkes, H. E. Research on geochernical prospecting by the Geological Survey [abstract]: Econ. Geology, vol. 42, p. 414, 1947.

The aims of geochemical prospecting research by the U. S. Geological Survey 

are described.

33. Hawkes, H. E. Geochemical prospecting for ores : a progress report: Econ. 

Geology, vol. 44, pp. 708-712, 1949.

Methods of prospecting for mineral deposits by means of chemical studies of 

residual soil, alluvium, glacial moraine, vegetation, and natural water were first 

applied on a systematic scale in Scandinavia and Russia about 15 years ago. 

Since the war, work in this field has been undertaken by several independent 

groups in the United States and Canada, including the Geochemical Prospecting 

Unit of the U. S. Geological Survey.

Best results have been obtained by systematic analysis of zinc in residuum, 

ground water, and vegetation; copper and lead in gossan and residuum; tin in 

residuum and alluvium; molybdenum in residuum; and cobalt, nickel, and gold 

in vegetation. In addition, studies of plant ecologies and toxicity symptoms in

vegetation in relation to metal-rich soil appear to be promising.

Rapid colorimetric and spectrographic tests for traces of metals in soil, water, 

and vegetation have been developed for use under field conditions, Author'*

abstract.

34. Hawkes, H. E. Geochemical prospecting for ores: In "Applied Sedimentation, a Symposium", edited by P. D. Trask, John Wiley, pp. 527-555,

1950.

A review of prospecting methods based on systematic exploration for secondary dispersion patterns by chemical analysis of soils, vegetation and water. A 

bibliography containing 124 references is included.

36. ECawlies, H. E. "What geochemistry is and what it can do : Min. Cong. .Tour..

vol. 87, no. 9, DP. 55-58,1951.

A review Of the principles and current status of geochemical methods of prosnecting for minerals.

36. Hawkes, H. E., and Lakin, H. W. Vestigial zinc in surface residuum associated with primary zinc ore in East Tennessee: Econ. Geology, vol. 

44, pp. 286-295. 1949.

Samples of residual clay were collected on a grid at the Friends Station zinc 

deposit, near Jefferson City, Tenn. The samples were analyzed for zinc by a 

rapid semiquantitative field method. (See abs. 54.) The purpose was to dis-
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 13

cover whether zinc-rich areas occur in surface residuum derived from the weathering of calcareous rocks containing zinc minerals and to determine whether the 

rapid test could be used effectively under field conditions for outlining such 

zinc-rich areas if they were found.

The zinc deposits in the immediate vicinity of the sampled area form a system 

of tabular shoots conformable to the bedding, which dips about 14°. Drill data 

show that an average thickness of 45 feet of residual clay overlies bedrock.. Four 

feet was found to be the optimum depth for sampling. Samples collected at the 

surface or at a depth of only 2 feet were usually lower in zinc content than at 4 

feet, indicating a removal of zinc by processes of soil formation. Samples collected at a depth of six feet contained only slightly more zinc than at four feet 

and were more difficult to obtain.

The analyses show that the normal zinc content of soil at Friends Station is 

about 0.03 percent. This is high compared to most soils, where the zinc content 

rarely exceeds 0.01 percent and may be the effect of widely disseminated 

sphalerite in the parent limestone. In places zinc concentrations of 0.08 and 

0.10+ percent were found, representing a tenfold excess of zinc over that occurring in normal soils. A principal zinc-rich area, revealed by sampling, is 

interpreted as the decomposed remnant of the updip extension of the present ore 

body. The authors conclude that the rapid test for zinc in soil will be helpful 

in prospecting for zinc deposits. J. W. H.

87. Hayashi, S., Sekine, S., and Kishi, H. Chemical prospecting by natural 

water in Kitogazawa mine, Tochigi Prefecture [in Japanese]: Jour. 

Geol. Soc. Japan, vol. 57, no. 670, 1951.

(Not reviewed)

38. Heclstrb'm, Helmar, and Nordstrom, Allan. Malrnletningsteknikens 

nuvarande standpunkt [New aspects of ore prospecting]: Meddel, 

Jernkoutorets Gruvbyra. [Uppsala], vol. 39, pp. 1-10, 1945.

A discussion of prospecting by spectrographic analysis of plant ash is included 

in this review of new exploration techniques. Graphs show an abnormally 

high chromium content in certain shrubs growing over a chromite deposit in 

Greece. The authors describe the difficulty of using plant analysis in prospecting 

where there is a mantle of glacial drift. Plants growing over a drift-covered 

zinc-lead deposit in Sweden were not found to contain abnormal amounts of 

zinc, copper, or silver. J. W. H.

39. Hills, E. S. The metalliferous geocheruical zones of Australia: Econ.. 

Geology, vol. 42, pp. 478-491, 1947.

Spot maps showing recorded occurrences of minerals containing certain elements as essential or important constituents have been prepared, in an attempt 

to discover and delimit the main rnetallogenetic provinces of Australia. Correlation with geological events is clear in a broad way, and it is shown that 

in Paleozoic and later times there has been a progressive shift in the location 

of successively developed ore-zones from west to east in eastern Australia. 

Aiithor's abstract.

40. Huff, L. C. A sensitive field test for heavy metals in water: Econ. Geology, 

vol. 43, pp. 675-684, 1948.

A semiquantitative colorimetric analytical method using dithizone to detect 

traces of heavy metals in natural water is described. Although reagents of

247008 53 2
14 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

exceptional purity are required, only simple equipment is needed and the test 

can be made in a few minutes in the field. A combined mixed color and monocolor technique makes the test suitable for a wide range of concentrations. 

The test is very sensitive; as little as 0.01 part per million of either copper, lead, 

zinc or any combination of the three metals can be detected readily.

The dithizone test permits rapid field identification of drainage elements 

which contain significant concentrations of heavy metals. An example is given 

showing how the test can be used to trace the heavy metal content of a drainage 

system back to its source. It is possible that, under favorable conditions, the 

field test may facilitate prospecting by detecting metals discharged by the 

weathering of hidden ore bodies. However, until the method receives further 

investigation, it would be premature to predict its value. Author's abstract.

41. Huff, L. C. A sentitive field test for detecting heavy metals in soil or sediment : Econ. Geology, vol. 46, pp. 524-540, 1951.

A semiquantitative colorimetric analytical method using nitric acid for digestion and dithizone for the determination is embodied in a simple test to detect the 

presence of copper, lead, zinc, and other nonferrous ore metals in soil or sediment. For the most part, only simple chemical equipment is necessary and tests 

can be made conveniently in a makeshift field laboratory. The test is adequately 

sensitive to obtain a slight positive test from the small traces of ore metals 

present in ordinary soils and sediments and can easily detect the larger quantities present in soils or sediments derived from ore deposits. It is hoped that 

the test will prove useful in prospecting for ore deposits by geochemical 

methods. Author's abstract.

42. Jakosky, J. J., Dreyer, R. M., and Wilson, C. H. Geophysical investigations 

in the Tri-State zinc and lead mining district: Kansas Geol. Survey 

Bull. 44, pp. 51-77, 1942.

A series of geophysical and geochemical prospecting experiments were made 

in the western part of the Tri-State district. Soil and rock samples were 

analyzed to determine whether their heavy metal content could be correlated

with subsurface zinc-lead ore bodies. The ore bodies of the Tri-State district

occur in limestone, which, in the western part of the district, is overlain by A 

maximum of 200 feet of shale. The soil samples were collected at a depth of 

three feet on grids or along traverses. Manganese, lead, vanadium, gallium,

molybdenum, titanium, nickel, and cobalt were determined by arcing 0.1 gram 

of pulverized sample in a grating spectrograph. Results show that the distribution of these metals in soil bears little or no relation either to ore mineralization 

or to subsurface structural conditions. Rather, the distribution appears to be 

caused by drainage features or due to soil or lithological conditions unrelated 

to mineralization.

The roolc samrjles were obtained from rlrill holes, half of which encountered mineralization ana nan aid not, samples of snaie collected above mineralizes

limestone did not contain larger amounts of metals than did shale samples collected above bari-en limestone. The authors conclude that they were unable to

find a method of geochemical prospecting applicable to problems in the Tri-State district J. w. H,

43. Jerome, S. E. Special field applications of a confirmatory test for lead: 

Econ. Geology, vol. 45, pp. 358-362, 1950.

Five percent solutions of acetic acid and potassium iodide, applied in a number of ways, are useful in detecting cerussite and anglesite occurring under a
variety of conditions. This test aids in recognizing ores containing these minerals and may be used to guide their sampling, exploration, development, mining, 

and milling. It has the advantages of rapid, large scale coverage; ease of application in field and laboratory; simplicity of solutions and equipment; immediate, 

specific, and visible results; only reasonable care required to prevent either 

Contamination or deterioration of solutions; and practically no interference of 

other elements or compounds normally encountered in the field.

Calibration of potassium, iodide test results and visual detection of cerussite 

can be facilitated by treatment with 10 percent sodium sulfide solution. Author's 

summary.

44. Keller, W. D. Higher alumina content of oak leaves and twigs growing 

over clay pits: Econ. Geology, vol. 44, pp. 451-54,1949.

Qualitative spectrographic analysis indicates that the leaves and twigs of 

oak and hickory growing over high-alumina clay deposits in Missouri are richer 

in alumina than normal. H. E. E.

45. Kennedy, V. C. Mineralization surrounding ore in the southwestern Wisconsin lead-zinc district: Unpublished thesis, Pennsylvania State College, 1949.

Small amounts of iron and zinc, in excess of that normally present in nonmineralized rock, were found above and to the side of ore bodies in tlie southwestern Wisconsin lead-zinc district. Analyses of churn drill cuttings showed 

that greater than normal amounts of iron and zinc occurred in limestone and 

dolomite country rock, sometimes more than 100 feet from ore bodies. Samples 

from twelve churn drill holes were analyzed. Four of these holes passed through 

ore bodies, seven holes passed near, but not through ore bodies, and one hole was 

drilled in barren ground about five miles from the nearest known ore. Although 

most of the holes were about 300 feet deep, in all but one hole samples representing at least the first 135 feet above the ore bearing horizons were analyzed. 

The cuttings were grouped so that each sample represented either 10-, 15-, or 

20-foot sections from the hole. The cuttings were dried, crushed, and sieved. 

A partial extraction of iron and zinc was made by digesting the samples with 

2N nitric acid in test tubes placed in boiling water. Zinc was colorimetrically 

determined .with dithizone; iron was .colorimetrically determined with tiron 

(disodium-1,2 dihydr-oxy-benzene-3,5 disulfonate).

The results show that the iron and zinc content of the country rock is highly 

variable. The cuttings from the barren hole drilled five miles from the nearest 

known ore had an average zinc content of 0.002 percent and an average iron 

content of 0.25 percent. The cuttings above the ore bearing horizon from 

holes passing through or near ore bodies contained much more iron and zinc 

than the barren hole. The cuttings from the four holes passing through ore 

bodies showed a high zinc content more than 50 feet above the ore and a 

high iron content extending 100 or more feet above the ore. The cuttings from 

one hole contained abnormal quantities of zinc and iron for more than 138 

feet vertically from the nearest known ore.

The author concludes tliat cuttings containing more than 0.02 percent zinc 

or 0.7 percent iron in the country rock, as determined by the author's method, 

may be considered anomalous and could indicate the presence of mineralization in the vicinity. The author suggests that, because of these mineralization 

halos, soil analysis possibly may be useful in prospecting for ore bodies lying 

as deep as a hundred feet beneath the surface. J. W. H.
16 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

46. Kimura, Kenjiro; and Fujiwara, Shizuo. GeOchemical prospecting for 

metallic ore deposits [in Japanese with English summary] : Jour. 

Geography [Tokyo], vol. 60, pp. 9-19,1951.

(Not reviewed)

47. Kimura, Kenjiro; Fujiwara, Shizuo; and Morinaga, Kenichi. Chemical 

prospecting. III. Chemical studies on the natural waters of the 

Hitachi Mine district [in Japanese] : Jour. Chern. Soc. Japan, Pure 

Chem. Sect., vol. 71, pp. 464-467,1950.

To find some relations between the distribution of the chemical constituents 

of brook waters and the location of ore bodies, the contents of sulfate, iron, 

etc., of the water samples which were collected from the brooks that passed 

the area of the Hitachi Mine were determined. The waters which passed 

the area where the working ore deposits were present contained more than 

20 or 30 mg./l. of sulfate ion, while the waters which passed no ore deposit 

did not show the presence of sulfate. Thus, in this district, the brook waters 

which contain 5 to 10 mg./l. sulfate ion can be often traced back to .a suspected 

ore body. The results obtained have been compared with those obtained by 

the electrical method of prospecting. K. Yamasaki, Chem. Abs., vol. 45, col. 

6130g.

48. Kimura, Kenjiro; Fujiwara, Shizuo; and Morinaga, Kenichi. Chemical

prospecting in Hosokura Mine district [in Japanese]: Jour, Chem, Soc,

Japan, Pure Chem. Sect., vol. 72, pp. 398-402, 1951.

Chemical analyses of river water, pit waters, and soils in the Hosokura Mine 

districts, Miyagi Prefecture, are carried out. The sulfate ion is only detectable 

in river waters of the propylitic andesite zone, where the sulflde ores can be 

found. Soils of tuffic quartz-andesitic and propylitic origins can be distinguished from each other by tlie analysis of aqueous extracts of soils, K, JQ^IMsatci, in Chem. Abs., vol. 46, col. 863b.

49. Kimura, Kenjiro; Fujiwara, Shizuo; and Yasuda, Yashio. Chemical 

prospecting. IV. Chemical prospecting at the southern part of the

Sedo gold mine. The distribution of minute amounts of silver and 

copper in rocks [in Japanese] : Jour. Chem. Soc. Japan, Pure Chem.

Sect., vol. Tl, pp. -4OT ATI, 19OO.

Samples of rocks which showed strongest alteration were collected from thesouthern part of the Sado Mine and the contents of silver and copper were

determined. Rooks collected in the vicinity o£ tho mniin oi-o donoslts sfao^.-o«a

high contents, while those collected near copper ore deposits considerable copper and silver was not detected in them. The distribution of these elements 

in rocks was influenced considerably by the location of ore veins, even if they 

were very small ones. Thus, the rocks which showed high contents of copper 

and silver can be traced back to small ore veins and then to a main ore body. 

The rocks from several places of this region contained neither silver nor

copper, though they showed very strong alteration. The alteration seems to.

be hiiriren and no ore deposit is expected in these places. J^. yasmfi#a.7&i:, in Chem.

Abs,, YOl, 45, col, 613IH,

50 Kingman, Owen. Geochemical techniques and results at Ducktown: Min.. 

Cong. Jour., vol. 3T, no. 10, pp. 62-65,1951.

Geochemical work at Ducktown, Tenn., indicates that rock analysis may be 

used to detect mineralization channels. Ore minerals at Ducktown are pyr-
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 17

rhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and magnetite. About 3,000 rock samples 

were collected near four ore bodies. The samples were pulverized and leached 

with sodium hydroxide and acetic acid, and the copper and zinc content was 

determined with dithizone. Results of analyses were plotted to show relation 

to ore or to magnetic anomalies. Although drilling has shown that some of 

the results are contrary to expectations, the author concludes that geochemical 

work may contribute to finding ore. J. W. H.

51. Konovalov, E. P. On the hydrocliemical method of prospecting for gold 

[in Russian]: Sovetskaya Geologiya no. 2, pp. 114-117,1941.

Quantitative chemical analysis of river and stream waters has proved to be 

unsuccessful as a method of prospecting for surface deposits of gold. Analyses 

of the waters of the Sutar River Basin revealed a range of from 0.006 to 0.1 milligrams of gold per ton. In the lower part of the basin the concentration changed 

from zero at the surface of the river waters to 0.01 mg/ton to 0.02 mg/ton with 

increasing depth. In the waters of the tributaries, concentration varied and 

reached a maximum of 0.10 mg/ton. Also, samples taken along a traverse 

across the river at different distances from the banks and at different depths 

varied greatly. Samples taken at the same spot but at different times showed 

large variations. A. P. P.

52. Kreiter, V. M. Search and prospecting for useful minerals [in Russian], 

Gosudarstvennoe izdatel'stvo geologicheskoi literatury, pp. 284-289, 

Moscow-Leningrad, 1940.

The writer describes the procedure and methods of analysis used in surveying the ore zones of copper and lead deposits, giving an example of each type of 

survey. A survey made for copper at the Kal'makyr porphyry copper deposit is 

described and illustrated. Weathered material from outcrops of both disseminated copper ore and country rock were systematically sampled and analyzed for 

copper. The data were plotted on geologic maps and lines of equal coppet 

content drawn. A cuprometric map of the Kal'makyr copper deposit is given as 

an example. (See abs. 151.) Flame test and colorimetric methods proved 

successful in making field determinations of the percentage of copper in the 

samples. A study of limonite structures was used as a further criteria in 

mapping the ore zones. A survey for lead at the Tary-ekan polymetallic deposit 

was made by systematically sampling weathered and altered rock along profile 

lines crossing the deposit. The lead content was determined by estimating the 

amount of precipitate formed in the reaction of lead with potassium iodide and 

nitric acid. The resulting plumbometric map of the Tary-ekan deposit is 

given. A. P. P.

53. Lakin, H. W., Almond, Hy, and Ward, F. N. Compilation of field methods 

used in geochemical prospecting by the U. S. Geological Survey: U. S. 

Geol. Survey Circ. 161, 1952.

Simple field methods are given for the determination of trace quantities of 

heavy metals in water; heavy metals, zinc, copper, lead, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, 

molybdenum, and silver in soils; and zinc, nickel, and molybdenum in plants. 

These tests are designed to give positive tests for background material and 

results within 30 to 50 percent of the correct value for materials containing 

abnormal amounts of the element. One person can perform 30 to 40 analyses 

per 8-hour day. The following topics are discussed: analytical properties of 

colorimetric reagents used in the field methods; toxicity of certain reagents and
18 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

the proper mode of handling these reagents; and special apparatus developed 

to simplify the techniques of trace analysis. Authors' abstract.

54. Lakin, H. W., Stevens, R. E., and Almond, Hy. Field method for the 

determination of zinc in soils: Econ. Geology, vol. 44, pp. 296-306, 1949.

A method is described for the field estimation of total zinc in soils. A small 

sample of soil is fused with potassium bisulfate, the fused mass dissolved in 

water, buffered at pH 4 to 5.5 with acetate buffer, and-sodium thiosulfate added 

to form complex ions with metals that might cause interference. Measured 

increments of the sample solution are added to a carbon-tetrachloride-dithizone 

solution, with vigorous shaking after^each addition, until a standard color is 

obtained in the organic phase. Under favorable conditions up to sixty determinations per day can be made by one man. Comparisons of data obtained .by 

the field method with accurate laboratory analyses of the same samples indicate 

that the method is sufficiently reliable for reconnaissance surveys. Authors' 

abstract.

55. Landergren, Sture. Om spektralanalytiska metoder och deras anvandning 

vid malnmndersokningar och malmprospektering. [On spectroanalysis 

and its application in investigating and prospecting for ore deposits] 

Teknisk Tidskrift Bergvetenskap, vol. 69, pp. 65-68, 73-78, 1939.

Not reviewed.

56. Leach, Paul. Simple chemical tests to aid prospectors: Eng. and Min. Jour., 

vol. 148, no. 10, pp. 78-79,1947.

Some of tbe early research work of the U. S. Geological Survey on geochemical 

prospecting is reviewed. Results of brief geochemical tests on stream water near 

Butte, Mont, are presented, showing the persistence of copper, zinc and iron 

in Stream water many miles from their source. Water in a small stream just 

belOW the mines at ButtC contained 60 to 80 ppm copper, 400 ppm zinc, and 80 

ppm iron. In the same drainage basin, 32 miles downstream from Butte, the 

\vuter of Deer Lodse River was found to contain 0.05 ppm Copper, 3 PPfll ZlDC, 

and 0.8 ppm iron. J. W. H.

57. Lidgey, Ernest. Some indications Of ore deposits: Australasian Inst. Mm.

Eng. Proc., vol. 4, pp. 110-122,1897.

In addition to a summary of personal observations on geologic features that 

serve as ore control, the author presents a list (pp. 116-117) of indicator plants 

for deposits Of iron, lead, zinc, saver, limestone, and phosphate. H. E. H.

58. Levering, T. s. str^ct^e o* East Tintic District modified! Min. Cong. 

JOUT., YOl, 37, no. 9, pp. 61,84,1951.

In the East imtic district. Utah, drilling based ID part on geochemical evidence 

proved the presence of carbonate rod* witn associated mineralized jaSpGrOiCl, 

Underlying flDout i,<>°o *^ of iav£U although previous evidence inGlcatea tto 

presence only of inhospitable quart^te. xnuo v~ . «.oUKHt to be favorable 

for commercial replacement ore has been greatly enlarged. H # s.

oo. Lowering, T. s., Huff, L. C., and Almond, Hy. Dispersion of copper from 

the San Manuei copper- deposit, pinai County, Arizona. Econ. Geology,

VOl. 45, pp. 493-514,1050.

At San Manuei, near Tucson, Arizona, recent churn drilling has blocked OUt 

large reserves of low-grade "porphyry copper" ore. This virgin deposit has a
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 19

small outcrop and seems ideally suited for a geochemical study of the dispersion 

pattern produced by weathering in a desert climate. Samples of soils, alluvium, 

ground water, and vegetation were analyzed for copper. To avoid grinding, to 

accentuate differences in copper concentration, and to decrease sampling error, 

sampling was confined to the silt and clay fraction of the soil and alluvium. A 

sensitive field test for copper, using hydrochloric acid for a digestant and dithizone 

for copper determination, proved both quick and reliable.

The results of the study show that at present little copper from the ore body 

dissolves in the ground water or runoff, and also that very little is taken up by 

plants growing on the ore outcrop. For this reason, prospecting for similar 

deposits by the sampling and analysis of ground water or vegetation is unlikely 

to be fruitful. A study of plant ecology, however, shows that certain plant species 

grow preferentially on outcrops of copper ore and may be useful as indicators 

of ore.

Chrysocolla along joints carries most of the copper in the oxidized zone. The 

chrysocolla is slowly disintegrated mechanically as the rock weathers and enters 

the fine fraction of the soil. Slope wash and soil creep carry the copper along 

with the other soil materials into the nearby washes, where they are incorporated 

in the alluvium and swept downstream during floods. Abrasion probably continues to concentrate the copper in the fines, but the net change downstream is a 

decrease in copper content caused by dilution.

As copper can now be readily determined by chemical analysis in the field, 

analysis of soil and alluvium seems to be one of the best geochemical methods 

of prospecting for copper in a desert environment. Wherever appreciable copper 

is found in alluvium or soils, upstream or upslope sampling can be used to trace 

the copper back to its source. Authors' abstract.

60. Levering, T. S., Sokoloff, V. P., and Morris, H. T. Heavy metals in 

altered rock over blind ore bodies, East Tintic district, Utah: Econ. 

Geology, vol. 43, pp. 384-399,1948.

Standard chemical tests and spectroscopic analyses of altered Tertiary lavas 

that occur above blind ore bodies in the East Tintic district, Utah, have failed to 

show any evidence of the mineralization in the underlying dolomites. A new 

technique involving dithizone was used in the field to test ammonium acetate 

extracts of crushed samples of the lava for soluble heavy metals, with significant 

results. Concentrations of heavy metals, believed to be chiefly zinc, with some 

lead and rarely copper (?), were found in pyritized rhyolite above and up-rake 

from known blind ore bodies, and were lacking in similarly altered rhyolite underlain by barren rocks. An incompletely prospected area of pyritic alteration 

shows a definite pattern of positive tests and seems worthy of further exploration. 

The theory and practice of the dithizone method as used in the field is described 

briefly. Authors' abstract.

61. Lundberg, Hans. Future of geophysics in connection with plant life: 

California Min. Jour., vol. 9, no. 9, p. 5,1940.

The analysis of plant ash as an aid in prospecting is briefly discussed.

62. Lundberg, Hans. The future of geophysics in the light of new developments: Canadian Min. Jour., vol. 61, pp. 225-6,1940.

The analysis of plant ash as an aid in prospecting is briefly discussed.
20 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING TOR MINERALS

63. Lundberg, Hans. New techniques in geoexploration : Mining and Metallurgy, vol. 22, pp. 257-258, 1941.

New ideas and developments in geophysical and geobotanical methods of 

mineral exploration are briefly reviewed. Gold can be detected spectrochemically 

in distilled water that has been shaken with a few grains of placer gold for 60 

or 70 hours. Tin can be similarly detected in water after shaking for eight 

hours with cassiterite. Sampling and analysis of vegetation in Canada and 

Newfoundland have indicated the presence of ore beneath 30 to 40 feet of glacial 

material. #. E. H.

64. Lundberg, Hans. On the history of geophysical exploration : Canadian 

Inst. Min. Metallurgy Bull., vol. 41, pp. 171-185, 1948.

The history of geophysical and geochernical methods of exploration for 

minerals is reviewed. Data collected by Dr. Brundin (see abs. 115) where the 

tin content of heather collected on profiles across Cornish tin-tungsten veins 

show a strong correlation with the position of underlying ore. Data are reproduced from the work of Hedstrb'm and Nordstrom (see abs. 38), showing 

increased uptake of chromium in plants growing in three to four feet of residual 

soil over a chromite deposit in Greece. Original data collected by the author 

show increased lead content of the leaves of Acer saccharwn over a lead deposit 

in Canada. H. E. H.

65. Lungwitz, E. E. Der geologische Zusammenhang von Vegetation und Goldlagerstiitten [The geologic relationship of vegetation and gold deposits] : 

Zeitschr. prakt. Geologic, vol. 8, pp. 71-74, 1900.

(Not reviewed)

66. Maliuga, D. P. On soils and plants as prospecting indicators for metals [in 

Russian] : Izv. Akad. Nauk. SSSR, Ser. Geol., no. 3, pp. 135-138, 1947.

Some earlier work on the composition of plants and soils as related to geology 

is reviewed, and original data are presented on the increased cobalt and nickel 

content of plants and soils in the vicinity of mineral deposits in the Urals.

The normal cobalt content of soil is about 10 ppm, and the normal nickel content is 40 ppm ; thus, the ratio of cobalt to nickel is 1:4. In the Ai horizon

of a podsolic soil above the Ufalei nickel deposit, the cobalt content was found

to be 12 ppm, or about the same as in normal soil ; and the nickel content was

130 ppm, Or abOUt three times normal. However, cobalt and nickel were found

tO have greatly enriched all horizons of chernozem soils above two shallow nickel

deposits in the South "Oraig. Cobalt was found in amounts ranging from 84 

to 85O ppm, or 8.4 to 85 times greater than normal. Nickel enrichment was even 

more, ranging from 1,300 to 6,900 ppm, or 32 to 170 times greater than normal.

The ratio of cobalt to nickel ranged from 1:8 to 1:30 over the cobalt-nicKel

deposits, indicating that nickel has enriched more than cobalt. Cobalt and

nickel have enriched most in the uppermost 5 to 1O cm. of the latter soil. Their

concentration decreases with depth through the B! horizon.

Plants are also enriched in cobalt and nickel near certain nickel deposits,

Gg/pillatw Jj, t was found to contain 2.2 ppm cobalt and 8.7 ppm nickel where 

ng on a normal chernozem soil. A sample of this grass growing in a

SOU OVBr a CObalt-niCKel deposit contained 280 ppm cobalt nrxci 6,400

ppm nickel. This is 127 times above normal for cobalt and 725 times uDOVC

normal for nickel. Thus, plants are also relatively more enriched witfi

than cobalt.
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 21

A pine, Pinus sylvestris L., contained 6.5 ppm cobalt and 36 ppm nickel where 

growing on a normal podsolic soil. This pine growing in a podsolic soil over a 

cobalt-nickel deposit contained 45 ppm cobalt, about 7 times normal, and 620 

ppm nickel, which is 20'times normal.

The author concludes that enrichment of cobalt and nickel in soils and plants 

provides an effective prospecting indicator for deposits of these metals. J. W. H.

67. Maliuga, D. P. Soils and plants as indicators in prospecting for metals 

[in Russian] : Priroda, vol. 36, no. 6, p'p. 13-17, 1947.

This paper is identical with previous paper by Maliuga. (See abs. 66.)

68. Maliuga, D. P. Experimental use of soil-flora method of exploration in 

Transural steppe provinces [in Russian] : Doklady Akad. Natik SSSR, 

vol. 76, pp. 231-233,1951.

(Not reviewed.)

69. Micholic", Stanko. A geochemical method of prospecting or ore deposits: 

Internal:. Geol. Gong., "Report of the Eighteenth Session," pt. 2, pp. 

86-87, 1950.

It has been shown elsewhere (Miholic, S., Ore deposits and geologic age: 

Econ. Geology, vol. 42, pp. 713-720. 1947) that there is a certain parallelism 

between the geologic age of a system of joints and faults and the mineral deposits connected with them. In order to determine the age of such a system, 

the age of igneous rocks formed simultaneously is determined by a radioactive 

method. Besides the classical method based on the determination of uranium, 

thorium and lead, a much quicker and more convenient method based on the 

radioactive transformation of rubidium into strontium can also be used. When 

the age of the system is thus determined, the determination of heavy metals 

(other than iron and manganese) in mineral and thermal waters of the region 

gives an additional hint. The method has been applied with success in 1940 

while prospecting for copper in Northwestern Crotia. Author's abstract.

70. Millman, A. P. Geochemical. prospecting by the field analysis of surface 

waters : Mine and Quarry Eng., vol. 16, pp. 145-148,1950.

A review of the general principles of ore prospecting by analysis of surface 

waters.

71. Ozerov, I. M. The stanuometric survey as a prospecting method [in Russian] : Razvedka Nedr., no. 24, pp. 52-56, 1937.

The author describes the experience of his field party in the exploration and 

development of tin deposits in the North Kirgiz region. A portable field spectroscope was used for quantitative analyses for tin in samples of alluvial materials. A method of determining the concentration of tin by means of the order 

of appearance of its spectral lines is described in detail. A. P. P.

72. Prokofiev, V. Summary of the report "The feasibility of spectroanalys6s 

of rare and minor metals in rocks and ores, and the practicality of constructing the apparatus" [in Russian] : Prob. Sov. Geol., vol. 6, p. 740, 

1936.

Members of the Government Optical Institute (U. S. S. R.) obtained successful 

results in performing quantitative spectroanalytical determinations for tin while
22 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

in the field during the summer of 1935. This method is being considered for 

use in the search for other metals. Analytical methods are presently being 

 developed by the Institute for the determination of tungsten, bismuth and beryllium, which are often associated with tin. It is possible to determine an element quantitatively either by comparison of intensities of the spectral lines or 

if the element, such as tin, possesses many lines of differing intensity, by the 

order of appearance of the lines. A. P. P.

73. Raeburn, C., and Milner, 'H. B. Alluvial prospecting, 478 pp., Thos. 

Murby and Co., London, 1927.

The theory and practice of exploration for placer deposits are exhaustively 

reviewed, with particular emphasis on nonprecious heavy minerals. The classification, lithology, provenance, and mechanics of formation of alluvial deposits ; 

the equipment and procedures used in sampling ; and methods of heavy mineral 

identification are discussed at length. Although this treatise is aimed at exploration for placer deposits, many of the principles and techniques discussed 

are pertinent to problems of prospecting for primary ores by raineralogical and 

chemical analysis of stream sediments. For example, in the chapter on provenance, the authors discuss various heavy mineral assemblages that are characteristically derived from certain types of parent rock.

The behavior of the various heavy minerals in stream transport as determined 

by hardness or cleavability is considered. For example, relatively soft minerals, such as wolframite, tend to be pulverized and to enter the fines rather 

tli an the heavy fraction of stream sediment. The soft minerals rarely form economic placer deposits. Colloidal clay may carry fine gold, so that gold is more 

mobile in muddy streams than in clear streams. Flaky minerals such as platinum tend to travel farther than equidiinensional minerals such as cassiterite. 

n. E. H.

74. Rankama, K. K. On the use of the trace elements ID some problems of 

practical geology ; SOC. ge"ol Finlande Comptes rendus, vol. 14, p. 92-106, 

1940.

The nickel content of the ash of the birch leaves from two nickel mining 

districts in Finland was investigated by spectrographic analysis. At Makola, 

where 3 to 4 meters of peat and glacial materials overlie the bedrock, samples 

were collected on a grid pattern. The NiO Content Of the ashed samples ranged

from 200 ppm to less tnan 10 Ppm with, in general, the highest values near the 

ore body. The pOSSiWlltieS Of the use of minor elements in prospecting are 

discussed. L. c. Huff.

TO. »nni«>lnsx, K. K. tjfcer eine neue propsektionginethOde [On a new method of prospecting] ; Geoiogisc^ *^a_^, vol 32 Dp 575_578) 1941

An outline ot tte principles of spectrographic analysis of plant ash as «*

prospecting method.

76. Rankama, K. K. eiD'ia fflaiffilnov^ - - ~.. ^ouemiaiiiset ja radloaktiiviset menetelmat prospektauksessa [CheffilSiry &$ ttn «"~ l~ **- 

search for ore ; geochemical and radioactive methods of prospecting] .' 

Kemian Koskusliiton Eripainoksia, vol. 27, no. 4, pp. 3-11, 1945.

(Not reviewed.)
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 23

77. Rankama, K. K. Some recent trends in prospecting: chemical, biogeochemical, and geobotanical methods: Mining and Metallurgy, vol. 28, 

.pp. 282-284, 1947.

; The development (exclusive of Russia) of prospecting methods based on chemical and biological studies of plants, soils, and water is reviewed.

78. Ratsbaum, E. A. Method of increasing the precision of results of spectral 

determinations for tin in field exploration [in Russian] : Razvedka 

Nedr., no. 8-9, pp. 50-52, 1938.

The precision of semiquantitative spectrographic determinations for tin in 

prospecting work may be increased by using cobalt as an internal standard. 

H. E. H.

79. Ratsbaum, E. A. Field spectroanalytical laboratory for servicing prospecting parties [in Russian]: Razvedka Nedr., vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 38-41, 

1939. Translated by V. P. Sokoloff, "Selected Russian papers on geochemical prospecting for ores", U. S. Geol. Survey, pp. 1-6, Feb. 1950.

The author presents a complete list of equipment necessary to outfit a mobile 

field spectrographic laboratory mounted in a truck. The list is based on the 

author's experience with mobile laboratories in the Turkestan Expedition in 

1936.

SO. Reiche, Parry. A survey of weathering processes and products: Univ. of 

New Mexico Pub. in Geology, no. 3, 95 pp. 1950.

The author presents a comprehensive summary of modern concepts of the 

physical, chemical, and biological factors involved in weathering, with 88 

references.

81. Reichen, L. E. Geochemical field method for the determination of nickel 

in plants: Anal. Chem., vol. 23, pp. 727-729, 1951.

Fresh leaves or vegetation are ashed directly over an open flame in platinum 

dishes. Ten milligrams of ash are taken up in hydrochloric acid, buffered with 

sodium citrate, the pH is adjusted to 8.8 with ammonium hydroxide in a total 

volume of 2 ml, and the solution is filtered through a filter stick. A confined 

spot is made with a chromograph in reagent paper impregnated with dimethylglyoxime using 0.2 nil of this solution. The test spots are then compared with 

standard spots.

The test is intended mainly for concentrations from 0.02 to 0.5 percent nickel 

In the ash of a plant; however, the difference between 0.003 and 0.010 percent 

was detected by increasing the weight of the ash analyzed and holding the 

volume constant. Results of analyses of plants for nickel by this field test 

agreed within 30 percent or less of the true nickel content. This is satisfactory 

for reconnaissance field work in biogeochemical prospecting.

All of the- apparatus is portable, and none of the reagents are hazardous to 

transport so that a field laboratory can be set up at any base of operations. The 

direct method of ashing takes only a few minutes as compared with the" hours 

required by wet-digestion or dry ashing in a furnace. The rapid ashing combined 

with the confined spot, which takes about 3 minutes to make, makes it possible 

to analyze a minimum of 30 samples a day. Author's abstract.
24 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

82. Reichen, L. E., and Lakin, H. W. Field method for the determination of 

zinc in plants : U. S. Geol. Survey Circ. 41, 1949.

A field method for estimating zinc in fresh plant leaves is described whereby 

samples are collected with a leaf punch and ashed directly over a flame, the 

zinc in the ash then being determined with dithizone. Results obtained by the 

field method compare favorable with those obtained by the more precise laboratory method. Forty or more samples can be tested for zinc in a day. Authors' 

abstract.

83. Reichen, L. E., and Ward, F. N. Field method for the determination of 

molybdenum in plants : U. S. Geol. Survey Circ. 124, 4 pp., 1951.

Fresh plant material is ashed directly by heating in nickel or platinum dishes 

over a flame. An acid solution of 25 milligrams of ash is treated with stannous 

chloride and potassium thiocyanate. The amber-colored molybdenum thiocyanate complex ion is extracted with isopropyl ether, and the intensity of the 

color of the ether layer over a sample solution is compared with the ether layer 

over standard molybdenum solutions treated similarly. Field determinations 

can be made quickly and the method requires no special equipment. As little 

as 0.25 microgram or 0.001 percent molybdenum can be determined in plant ash. 

Authors' abstract.

84.. Riley, L. B. Ore body zoning: Econ. Geology, vol. 31, pp. 170-184, 1936.

Ten samples of rock were collected along a mine crosscut in a partially oxidized 

silver-lead ore body at Sierra Mojada, Mexico. The line of samples extended 

through the ore body and into barren and only slightly altered wallrock on 

both sides. The samples were treated with hydrochloric acid, and a series 

of rapid microchemical tests were made on the elements extracted by the acid. 

The minerals that were not dissolved by the acid were examined microscopically. 

Distribution patterns, or halos, systematically related to the distance from 

the walls of the ore were found for euhedral quartz, "microsilica," aluminum 

silicate, gypsum, carbon dioxide, zinc, arsenic, and lead. Some of these features 

are thought to be primary and some the result of dispersion during oxidation

Of the deposit, The author recommends similar studies of mineralogical and 

chemical halos around ore deposits as a method of exploration. H. E. H.

85. Roberts, E. E. Geochemical and geobotanical prospecting for barium and

i'; Unpublished Ph. D. thesis, Stanford University, 1940.

The major purpose of this investigation has been to develop geochemical and 

geobotanical methods of prospecting for barite deposits. Either soil or plant 

ICSYGSi flfltl W some instances both, were collected at five barite deposits in

California and Nevada. These were analyzed spectrograpuitfally 0.11(1 fQ'Jfld 

to contain barium in highly variable amounts. Variation in the barium content

of plants was shown to be definitely related to variation in the barium content of soil. Soil contained from less tnan o.oi percent barmm to about 10 percent ;

the ash of leaves contained from 0.01 percent to about 5 percent. The highest

concentrations of barium were usually founa nearest Known bante veins. Tte

asU of leaves seiioi-sxiiy contained eever-ixl times as much barium as the Soil

on which the plant grew. These data SHOW mat dispersion naws 9* banum

can be detected by analyzing either soil or plants.

A common disadvantage of plant analysis was the irregular distribution of 

the plant species to be sampled. This made collection of plant samples at 

uniform intervals difficult. The difficulty was overcome, however, by sampling
25

a second species to fill in the gaps. The barium content of one species was 

converted into terms of the other with a conversion factor, determined by analyzing samples of the two species obtained where they were growing close together. 

In this way the barium content of two species could be plotted as if only one 

species had been sampled. For example, interior live oak and whiteleaf inanzanita were sampled at one barite deposit, and Douglas fir and whiteleaf manzanita at another deposit. By expressing the barium content of the oak and 

fir samples in terms of whiteleaf manzanita, the results were plotted as if only 

whiteleaf mauzanita had been .sampled.

The sp.il samples were .obtained at depths ranging from the surface down to 

24 inches. At one barite deposit, samples were taken at two intervals surface 

to 12 inches and 12 to 24 inches beneath the surface. Most of the samples from 

the top interval were found to contain slightly more barium than those from 

the lower interval.

A study of 50 soil samples showed np correlation between the pH of the soil 

and its barium content. However, there is probably a rough correlation between 

annual rainfall and barium content of soil, for .the highest content appears to 

be associated with areas where the rainfall is least.

An improvement in soil analysis technique was made by eliminating the 

grinding and splitting of samples. As an experiment, three soil samples were 

screened into two fractions, one to minus 1.65 mm and the other to minus 0.07 

mm. The minus 1.65 mm fraction was ground in a mortar and split, but the 

minus 0.07 mm fraction received no further preparation. Analyses showed that 

the barium contents of both fractions were closely related, but the smaller 

fraction contained more barium than the larger fraction. Thus, grinding and 

splitting appear to be unnecessary, and screening to minus 0.07 mm is sufficient.

The author concludes that .both soil and plant analysis should be useful in 

prospecting for barite deposits. Soil analysis appears to be simpler,, however, 

because ashing is eliminated.

Copper in soil and tree leaves was investigated in a brief reconnaissance in 

Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula copper country. Soil samples were collected 

about a mile apart and 18 inches deep along two traverses running perpendicular 

to the strike of the rocks. Spectrographic analyses showed the copper content 

to be greatest in samples collected over the copper-bearing series, which locally 

contains native copper. The copper-bearing series crops out within a belt several miles wide but is largely covered by glacial drift. Soil samples collected 

over adjacent barren sandstone formations contained considerably less copper. 

The copper content of quaking aspen leaves showed a correlation with the copper 

content of the soil on which they grew. The author recommends that further 

studies on geochemical prospecting for copper be undertaken. J. W. H.

86. Robinson, W. O., Lakin, H. W., and Reichen, L. A. The zinc content of 

plants of the Friedensville zinc slime ponds in relation to biogeochemical 

prospecting: Ecpn. Geology, vol. 42, pp. 572-582, 1947.

The zinc content of thirty different kinds pf plants growing on slime ponds containing on the average 12.5 per cent zinc were determined by the dithizone 

method. The zinc content ranged from 39 p. p. m. in the fruit of the false 

Solomon's seal (Smilacina rac&mosa) to 5,400 in the horsetail (Equiseteum 

arvense). This latter plant varied considerably in zinc at different places on the 

slime ponds. The zinc contents of the aspen (Populus granaidentata), ragweed 

(Ambrosia artemisiifolia), and horsetail grown on normal soils are compared 

to those on the slime ponds and it is recommended that the poplar and ragweed 

be studied further as indicators of zinc ore bodies. Authors' abstract.
26 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

87. Rokhlin, M. I. Use of the stannometric survey in the Arctic under permafrost conditions [in Russian] : Prob. Arktiki, no. 4, pp. 61-90, 1938.

The writer discusses the problems of prospecting for tin in the primary rocks,. 

residual and alluvial deposits, and beach sands of Arctic regions. Examples are 

given of the results of surveys made over a quartz-tourmaline-cassiterite deposit 

and over a sulflde-cassiterite deposit. A spectrographic field laboratory was 

used to determine the concentration of tin in samples of residual material overlying the deposits.

A theoretical derivation of the size, distribution, and sorting properties of 

cassiterite in alluvial sands is made, and a profile showing the observed concentrations of tin in the different size fractions of a marine placer deposit is 

given. A. P.P.

88. Rosenqvist, Anna M. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting xiv. Et 

fors0k pa a anvende hydrofile laver til geobotanisk malmleting. Kjemisk 

analyse av Cu i vannpr0ver. [Geochemical and geobotanical ore prospecting 14, Is it possible tO use hydrophile lichens as an indicator of 

ore poisoning by Cu in natural waters?] : K. norske vidensk selsk., 

Forh. vol. 22, no. 20, pp. 82-87, 1950.

The variability of the growth of hydrophile lichens in relation to the copper 

contents of the waters is investigated. The copper content of 24 samples from 

the R0ros area has been determined. . No correlation was found between the 

lichen-flora and the copper contents of the water. To judge from the present 

material the hydrophile lichens do not seem to have a sufficient sensitivity of 

copper by the concentrations found. Author's abstract.

89. Rosenqvist, A. M., and Vogt, Thorolf. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting v. Betemmelse av kobber i vannpr0ver analysemetoden. 

f GeOChemical and geobotanical ore prospecting 5, determination of 

copper in natural Waters, the analytical, method]: K. norske vidensk. 

selsk. Forh., vol. 15, no. 22, pp. 83-86, 1943,

A description is given of the method of Hahn and Leimbaeh for the determination of very SIHSH quantities Of copper. The copper acts catalytically on the 

reduction of Fe (III) with Na2S2Os, lHodanine being used as indicator. The 

standard solutions employed are listed, and the data Of a numerical example 

are tabulated and plotted in a curve for adjustment. This method W&S USCQ °n 

natural waters in the R0ros district in the summer of 1941 as a technique for 

chemical ore prospecting. Authors' English abstract.

90. SafrOnOV, A. P. ana 8<i,seev , E A New geophygicai methods for prospecting

and surveying -mineral deposits t,^ the gtudy for digpersipn

[in Russian! -. RazvedfcH M^'i D°' 18' PP' 24~2D> 103G

Recent studies have led to ne'W IDCtllOd8 of prospecting based UflOfl 

and ChemiCSl properties oi tne diSD6rsion halo, ZOUQ Of dispersed metaia or 

elements usually associated With miner ai.deposus

A method of determining anions, such .aS SUlfate ana chloride, m tta<0 .oll by 

measuring the potential developed on specially designed electl'Ou6S MS ,D6en ;Clqveloped for prospecting for suifide deposits. This method, known as the electrode 

potential.method, has been used with success at the Buurdu polymetallic de.pO.Sit 

A spectrochemical method for tin was instrumental in the discovery Of a new 

tin vein at Khapcheranga. Drop analysis methods for boron were used successfully in exploration for borates in the Inder district. '
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 27

All of these methods are in a stage of further development. Quantitative 

spectrochemical methods for tungsten, molybdenum, borou, and chromium, and 

polarographic methods for chromium, lead, zinc, and nickel are being developed. 

A. P. P.

91. Salmi, Martii. Turpeiden hivenaineista [Trace elements in peat]: Geoh 

Tutkimuslartos. Geotek. julkaisuja, no. 51, 20 pp. 1950.

Sixty-three samples of peat, representing forty-nine peat bogs in Finland and 

one in Norway, were analyzed spectrochemically for copper, zinc, cadmium, tin, 

lead, manganese, cobalt, and nickel. Of these fifty peat bogs, three occur in 

mineralized areas: copper and zinc are known to exist in the bedrock in the 

neighborhood 'of the Kivisuo bog, and in the black schist beneath the Viurusuo 

bog; the bog of Jakobsbakken adjoins a copper-nickel-lead deposit. So far as 

is now known, all of the other bogs are over unmineralized ground, and the data 

from them may be used for comparison with the bogs in the mineralized areas. 

The author's data may be summarized as follows:

Bog

Number 

of 

samples

3 

6 

3 

51

Median content expressed as percent of ash

Cu

0.1 

.06 

.1 

.03

Zn

0.3 

.1

<.03

Cd

0.0003 

<.0003

<.0003

Sn

<0. 001 

<.001 

.003 

<.001

Pb

0.06 

.003 

.01 

.003

Mn

0.1 

.1 

.01

.1

Co

0.006 

.006 

.01 

.003

Ni

0.01 

.01 .1

.01

The author concludes that 0.1 percent copper and 0.6 percent zinc in peat ash 

indicates rock mineralized respectively with copper and zinc. In the Jakobsbakken bog, 0.03 to 0.1 percent nickel could be regarded as an indication of nickel-; 

bearing ore. H. E. H.

02. Saukov, A. A. Geochemistry of mercury [in Russian]: Akad. Nauk. SSSB, 

Inst. Geol. Nauk Trudy, vol. 78, Mineral-Geokhim, ser. no. 17, 129 pp., 

1946.

This is a, comprehensive treatise on the geochemistry of mercury, including a 

chapter on primary and secondary dispersion halos of mercury and their relation 

to cinnabar deposits. During hydrothermal deposition, mercury and its sulfides, 

in the gaseous state, may penetrate country rock and produce halos extending 

hundreds or even a few thousand meters beyond the ore deposits.

Twenty-three samples of shale and sandstone collected along a 3,100 meter 

traverse crossing the Khpek mercury depbsit, Latankhor district, were found to 

contain from 0.09 and 0.12 ppin Hg at the ends of the traverse, to a maximum of 

17.6 ppm. The average of all samples is 8.3 ppm, well above the 0.077 ppm value 

for the average of the Earth's crust. The width of the zone of mercury-rich rocks 

is about 2,000 meters. The data suggest that shale commonly contains somewhat 

more mercury than "sandstone from the same locality, A 3,500'.meter traverse 

across the Khpek deposit also shows abnormally high mercury content in 

shales and sandstones adjoining the vein over.a width of about 1,000 meters. 

Twenty samples of shale and marl collected along two traverses, each over 

2,000 meters long, across the Kazardikam deposit, Dagestan, contained an average of over one ppm mercury, but did not show a well-defined'pattern related 

to the known ore.

Mineral specimens collected from various types of ore deposits were analyzed 

spectrographically for mercury. Barite from Khaidarkhan contained 20 ppm
28 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

Hg and barite from Ashata 10.4 ppm. Barite from the Tiuia-Muiun uranium 

deposit, Central Asia, is also considerably enriched in mercury- Calcite and 

stibnite specimens were also found to be rich in mercury.

Cinnabar occurring in alluvial placers is mentioned as an example of secondary 

dispersion of mercury.

The author concludes that rapid field methods of analysis for mercury would 

be of considerable value to the field geologist in mapping mercury-bearing 

districts. if. E. ^.

93. Schmitt, Harrispn. Outcrops of ore shoots: Econ. Geology, vol. 34, pp. 654- 

673, 1939.

The original surface features that led to the discovery of ore bodies in nine 

districts in the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico are described. 

Evidence of hydrothermal leakage of base metals has been observed in channelways extending upward from two sulfide deposits in the Hanover district, N. Mex. 

In the Parral district, Chihuahua, the author finds (p. 667) that

* * * all of the ore shoots are expressed at the outcrop by some silver 

(by assay), even if blind. In searching for ore shoots a good procedure 

is to cut samples across the outcrop of the vein at regular intervals, * * * 

and sink a prospect hole where the assays are highest, even though the 

silver content is below that of ore grade.

One small ore body was found by this method. In general, where the channelways are open, the ore shoots and their associated leakage lialos pitch steeply, 

whereas in manto deposits in flat-lying limestones horizontal flow may predominate. Leakage is commonly evidenced at the surface by low-grade gossans, thin 

seams of high-grade gossans or cappings, and residual gangue minerals. In 

places, a diagnostic "alteration jacket" of secondary silicate minerals or dispersed Irase-metal sulfldes may be associated with blind ore deposits. H. E. H.

94. Sergeyev, Ye. A. Application of drop analysis in prospecting for mineral 

deposits [in Russian]: Razvedka Nedr, no. 12, pp. 27-29, 1936.

The search for methods which may be used in prospecting for concealed borate 

deposits has led to the development of a semiquantitative colorimetric test for

borate ions suitable for use in the field. This method utilizes the reaction of 

boric acid With quinalizarin to give a blue reaction product. An example of

results obtained over a borate deposit in the Inder region is given. A. P. P.

95. Sergeyev, Ye. A. Geochemical method of prospecting for ore deposits [in

Russian] : Materialy Vsesoixiznogo Naticho-Issledovatel'skogo GeologicheskOgO InstitUta, Geoflzika, sbornik 9-10, pp. 3-55, 1941. [Translated

by V, P, SOlJOlOff, "Selected Russian papers on geochemical prospecting 

for ores," U. S. Geol. Survey, pp. 15-87, Feb. 1950.] 

This paper is a comprehensive summary up to 1940 of Russian work on soil

analy51S aS a inetllOa OI prospecting lor ore aeposits. THe author discusses the

origin of and methods for detecting mechanical, saline, and complex types of 

dispersion halos. Details of field procedure, equipment, and techniques for tne

chemical an<J speetrographle determination of heavy metals in soil samples are

given, The reSUltS Of twenty experimental neld projects using geochemical 

methods are described, and mineral discoveries attributable to soil analygig 9rG

listed.-J. W. H.
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 29

96. Sergeyev, Ye. A. Water analysis as a means of prospecting for metallic ore 

deposits [in Russian]: Razvedka Nedr., vol. 12, no. 2, pp.. 51-55, 1946. 

Translated by H. E. Hawkes, "Selected Russian papers on geochemical 

prospecting for ores", U. S. Geol. Survey, pp. 7-12, Feb. 1950.]

In 1941 field experiments were made in the Altai Mountains, Siberia, to determine whether analyses of stream water would be useful in prospecting for 

ore deposits. Analyses of water sampled at successive points from mouth to 

headwaters of streams in two mineralized areas showed that heavy metals 

derived from the leaching of sulfide bodies could be readily traced in the streams. 

The author concludes that application of this method is favored where the ore 

bodies are undergoing active oxidation, where the soluble products of oxidation 

are discharged into the surface drainage, and where the drainage system is 

well developed. J. W. H.

97. Sergeyev, Ye. A. A new luminoscope for field use [in Russian]: Razvedka 

Nedr, vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 41-42, 1946. [Translated by V. P. Sokoloff, 

 "Selected Russian papers on geochemical prospecting for ores," U. S. 

Geol. Survey, pp. 13-14, Feb. 1950.]

A luminoscope for field use has been developed in Russia for detecting dispersion halos containing fragments of fluorescent minerals. The instrument 

consists of a light-proof cylinder, the upper end of which is equipped with } a 

quartz-mercury ultraviolet lamp and a magnifying eyepiece. The open lower 

end of the apparatus is placed over the test area of ground that has been 

stripped of humus to expose any fluorescent minerals that may be present. A 

hand-cranked generator supplies current. Minute amounts of many fluorescent 

minerals can be observed; for example, in laboratory expriments less than 0.05 

percent of scheelite in fragmented rock material was definitely detectable. 

J. W. H.

98. Sergeyev, Ye. A., and Solovov, A. P. The ionic method of geophysical prospecting [in Russian]: Materialy, Tsentral'nyi Nauchno-Issledovatelskii 

Geologo-Razvedochnyi Institut, Geofizika, no. 3, pp. 1-10,1937. [Translated and abstracted by H. E. Hawkes, "Selected Russian papers on) 

geochemical prospecting for ores," U. S. Geol. Survey, pp. 89-96,1950.]

Sulfate ion and sulfuric acid concentrations in soil moisture may be determined in the field by measuring the spontaneous potential generated on an 

electrode inserted into the ground. A lead electrode coated with lead sulfate 

is used to determine sulfate ion concentration; a platinum electrode coated with 

lead peroxide is used to determine sulfuric acid concentration. The physical 

theory of the method and the construction of the apparatus are discussed. On 

the basis of field experiments in Russia, the authors recommend the method as a 

means of prospecting for oxidizing sulfide deposits. J. W. H.

99. Sigov, A. P. Prospecting by heavy mineral studies [in Russian]: Ural 

Sci. Res. Inst. of Geol. Prospecting and Econ. Mineralogy, Trans. no. 4, 

64 pp., 1939.

Techniques are described in detail for mapping, sampling, and mineralogical 

determinations of alluvial material as a method of prospecting for both placer 

and lode deposits of tin, tungsten, mercury, molybdenum, zirconium, tantalum, 

niobium, thorium, and rare earths. H. E. H.

247958 53-
30 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

100. Sofronov, N. I. On the "aureoles of dissemination" in mineral deposits and 

their use in prospecting [in Russian, with English summary] : Prob. Sov. 

Geol., vol. 6, pp. 302-323, 1936.

The author reviews the known facts of alterations of primary deposits in the 

zone of weathering. He comes to the conclusion that the outcrops of the deposits 

are regularly connected with zones of accumulation of talus or products of disintegration resting more or less in place, rich in characteristic or useful elements 

of the deposit in different phases.

For these zones the author proposes the name "aureoles of dissemination" 

("dispersion halos"), and divides them according to the state of the contained 

characteristic or useful element into "salt", "mechanical", and "gaseous" aureoles. In the "salt aureoles", the characteristic or useful element is present in 

liquid state (as easily soluble salt), in mechanical aureoles in the shape of 

steady minerals, and in gaseous ones in the form of gas.

The author recommends a wide use in prospecting of the aureoles of dissemination as a feature indicating the presence of different deposits. In many 

cases they can be used in geological surveying.

The search for aureoles is carried out by means of an original method which 

is called the physico-chemical method of prospecting, It is basefl upon a testing 

of surface formations on a large scale by means of the exact and quick methods 

jof physico-chemical analysis.

For the search of salt aureoles of dissemination it is recommended to use 

selective electrodes and a polarographical analysis on the base of an electroanalysis ; spectro-metallometrical surveys for mechanical aureoles, etc.

In order to corroborate his conclusions about the use of the methods recommended the author quotes several examples from the work carried out successfully in 1935 by the geophysical department of the Central Scientific Geological 

and Prospecting Institute on very different deposits (poly metallic, borate, tin, 

deposits). Author's English abstract.

101. Sofronov, N. I. and Solovov, A. P. Summary of reports, "Problems of 

SpectroanalysiS in survey work," and "Results of the application of 

spectroanalysis in prospecting for tin-bearing veins" [in. Russian] : 

Prob. Sov. Geol., vol. 6, pp. 739-740, 1936.

In 1935 a geophysical party of the Government Optical Institute used a 

portable Schmldt-KhenCh prlSffl SpeCtlOgraph for quantitative tin analysis while 

prospecting in Khapcheranga. Satisfactory results were obtained for tin on

Samples Of, Ore, drill cores, and alluvial materials. All the analyses were performed in a field laboratory. In two and a half months, over 2,500 spectrographic tin determinations were made as compared with 1,160 by conventional 

methods in the preceding five years. The spectrographic data led to the discovery of a new tin vein. J. W. H.

102. Sokoloff, V. P. Chemical prospecting for ore [abstract] : Geophysics,

 i. is. i>. 505. 1948. 

A brief review Of prospecting methods by analysis or sous, pnxnts, Q,,«fi ^o.*.,^

for traces of lead, zinc, and copper.

los. sokoioff, v. P. Geochemical prospecting ror ore ; Miue* Mae., vol. 38, 

PP, 21-21, 1910,

The principles of prospecting for ores by analysis of stalB Water, SOll, M 

vegetation are discussed, with examples from the author's work. The dis-
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 31

tribution of heavy metals iu surface waters of part of the Kokorno district, 

Colo., is illustrated graphically. Studies of glacial soil at Kokorno show a 

greater content of lead and zinc in soil over ore than in soil over barren 

rock, and greater in surface soil as compared with the subsoil. Studies at 

the Lucky Strike mine, at Kokomo, suggest that as a result of the glacial history 

the lead-zinc halo spreads uphill from the ore body rather than downhill. At 

Gold Hill, N. C., residual soil over a sulfide ore body shows a leaching of zinc 

throughout the profile, as contrasted with an accumulation of lead throughout 

the profile, especially in the subsoil. Copper at the Gold Hill locality tends 

to increase with depth, and shows a leaching effect intermediate between lead 

and zinc. The use of indicator and accumulator plants in prospecting are discussed. Abnormalities in plants resulting from unusually high amounts of 

certain metals in the soil are illustrated by an example from the Kokomo area 

where chlorosis, or yellowing of the leaves, of willows was found to occur over 

soil containing about one percent zinc. H. E. H.

104. Sokoloff, V. P. Geocheniical reconnaissance in the Wallaroo mining district: South Australia Dept. Mines, Mining Review, no. 88, pp. 32-64, 

1949.

A geochemical prospecting reconnaissance was made in the Wallaroo-Moonta 

copper mining district of South Australia. Large scale soil sampling revealed 

that anomalous amounts of extractable copper in soil could be correlated with 

copper deposits in depth. At one place the physical character of the soil materials and the soil profile appear to reflect the presence of an ore body. The 

Wallaroo-Moonta mining district is well suited for geochemical prospecting 

investigations. Rock outcrops are scarce; the soil is thick, and the topography 

is flat. Soil samples were obtained from auger holes spaced 50 to 300 feet apart 

on 23 traverses. The traverses were run over both known ore bodies and unexplored ground. A total of 1,280 samples were obtained from 326 auger holes.

The soils of the Wallaroo-Moonta district are not over 20 feet thick and in 

places are less than-10 feet thick. The topsoil is underlain by a layer of travertine (caliche), which in turn is underlain by sandy clay, silty loam, and other 

unconsolidated materials. The bedrock is pre-Cambrian. The surface is 

mantled with tailings in places, but the more or less impermeable travertine 

appears to protect the underlying layers, from contamination.

Soil samples were collected at a depth of ten feet, or immediately above 

bedrock, whichever was shallower. A new sample was begun at each change 

in the type of soil material. Only the samples obtained beneath the layer 

of travertine were analyzed for copper; the remaining samples were merely 

visually inspected. The travertine was drilled with a pneumatic jack hammer, 

and the unconsolidated materials were removed with augers. (See abs. 31.) 

Special care was taken to avoid contamination of samples. Tailings, if present, 

were removed from the surface at the sampling site, and every sample was 

examined for evidence of contamination.

After collection the samples were dried over a flame and crushed on an iron 

plate with a roller. Ten grams were treated with 0.25 N sulfuric or hydrochloric acid and the pH of the solution was adjusted to about 2.5. Copper 

was determined by shaking a portion of the sample solution with a solution 

of dithizone in carbon tetrachloride and estimating the copper content by the 

mixed color method according to an arbitrary scale.

The author concludes that there is an association between unusually high 

amounts of extractable copper in the lower part of the soil profile and known 

copper ore bodies in depth. The soil profile also appears to be modified over
32 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

or near certain ore bodies in the following manner: (1) There is a thinning 

or absence of the travertine layer, (2) the lower part of the travertine is 

reddish if it is present, and (3) a yellow sand-silt-clay mixture is present 

in the lower part of the soil profile. Study of the physical characteristics of 

the soil (texture, color, consistency, presence of concretions, and thickness) 

may be of considerable help in prospecting for copper deposits, especially if 

they are interpreted in conjunction with the geochemical data. J. W. H.

105. Sokoloff, V. P. Geochemical prospecting methods: West Australian Min. 

and Commercial Rev., vol. 13, no. 12, p. 16, Feb. 1949.

The detection of dispersion halos by analysis of soils, plants and water is 

briefly discussed.

106. Sokoloff, V. P. Sampling and testing of soil and rock for copper, lead, 

and zinc in geochemical reconnaissance: Mines Mag., vol. 40, no. 11, 

pp. 15-22,1950.

Procedures used by the author for collection and preparation of samples of 

soil and rock in geochemical prospecting are described. Detailed instructions 

and a. list of reagents and equipment for dithizone determination of copper, zinc, 

and lead are given.

107. Sokoloff, V. P. Geochemical prospecting methods bring results in Australia : Min. World, pp. 26-28, April 1950.

A brief account of geochemical prospecting for gold in western Australia is 

presented. (See abs. 108.)

108. Sokoloff, V. P. Dispersion of gold in rock and soil: Chem. Eng. and

Min. Rev., vol. 43, no. 1, pp. 7-10,1950.

The author reviews results of a study of the distribution of traces of gold in 

rocks and soils in the vicinity of go]d-bearing orebodies in-Western Australia.

Drill cores analyzed for traces of gold showed a distribution of "gold-positive 

bands," suggesting diffusion of gold into the walls of the lode channels. These 

bands are interpreted as the trace analogues of economic lodes, localized by 

microstructures in the country rock. Sampling and analysis of mature residual 

Soils Showed a correlation between gold anomalies in the soil and known lodes.

In an experimental reconnaissance, Several gold anOmaliGS &Dd R DUTied t)0fly 

of gold-bearing rock were discovered. The author points out that caution must 

be used in interpreting geochemical anomalies in soil because of uncertainty as

to whether they reflect a large underlying deposit or are merely the remnants

Of a deposit that has been largely eroded. H. E. H.

1OO. SolxolOir, "V. V. Geoclieuiico.1 exploration for- copiiox- in tlie "Wallnroo mining district, South Australia: Geoch. et Cosmoch. Acta., vol. 1, pp.

284-298,1951. 

A systematic examination of the polymorphic soil mantle in the Wallai'OO

jMining district, Soutn Australia, resviitea m a. cu.ecovei.-y o£ tni-ee cojppeianomalies in the lower soil horizons. The exploratory borings of these anomalies

eStutuiSheQ a SUD-eCOnomiC Clialcopyrite mineralization at several hundred feet

depth. The outcome of the project so far may be described as a technical

success (tUQ copper ore was touna) trot a wmmwjun **«-ure ^ess ma

chalcopyrite in the ore). Author's abstract.
33

110. Sokoloff, V. P. Exploration for copper in Wallaroo mining district, South 

Australia: Chem. Eng. and Min. Rev., vol. 43, pp. 331-341, 1951.

The author's experimental geochemical prospecting study at Wallaroo is reviewed. (See abs. 104.) Subsequent drilling of three of .the copper anomalies 

in soil reported in the author's previous paper showed disseminated chalcopyrite in the underlying rock. Inasmuch as the maximum copper content 

was one percent, the results were considered a technical success but a commercial 

failure. H. E. E.

111. Starr, C. C. Leaf samples as an aid to prospecting for zinc: Western Miner, 

vol. 22, no. 1, p. 43, 1949.

Ten samples of alder leaves and 11 samples of surface water were collected 

on the property of the Western Exploration Co., Ltd., Silverton, B. C. The zinc 

content of the alder leaves ranged from 139 to 1,111 ppm expressed on an ash 

basis; the water analyses show an average of about 0.3 ppm and reaches a rnasimum of 0.75 ppm zinc. The location of the samples with respect to the known 

veins is shown on a sketch. The author concludes that plant sampling may be 

useful in prospecting, but that water samples are of doubtful value. H. E. H.

112. Stevens, R. E., and Lakin, H. W. The chromograph, a new analytical 

tool for laboratory and field use: U. S. Geol. Survey Circ. 63,11 pp., 1940.

The chromograph, a new device for making confined spot tests on reagent 

papers, is described The device is used to confine colored precipitates to a definite area on a strip of reagent paper fed through the apparatus, and to control 

automatically the rate of flow of test solution through the confined spot. After 

a spot test is completed, the sample number may be written on the paper, and 

the paper pulled through the apparatus to bring into position a spot on an unused portion of the reagent paper for the next test. The strips of paper containing the spots serve as semipermanent records of tests performed. The rate of 

flow of test solution through the reagent paper is controlled by the pull of a 

column of water and/or the filtrate from previous tests, and by a capillary tip 

which decreases the rate to less than that permitted by the paper alone.

Procedures for chromographic determination of nickel with dimethylglyoxime 

reagent paper and of copper with rubeanic acid reagent paper are described.

The device is readily adaptable to determinations in the field, as it is small, 

of light weight, and not easily damaged. Field kits containing chromographs 

are described. The chromograph has been used successfully in the field for 

locating nickel- and copper-bearing formations by testing samples of the overlying soils. Authors' abstract.

113. Stoll, W. C. The presence of beryllium and associated chemical elements 

in the wallrocks of some New England pegmatites: Econ. Geology, vol. 

40, pp. 136-141, 1945.

Samples of mica-schist and mica-gneiss wall rocks of some New England pegmatites were found, by spectrographic analysis, to contain lithium, beryllium, 

zinc, tin, lead, columbium, molybdenum, and cerium in extremely low concentration. The highest concentration of beryllium obtained was 0.0021 percent 

Be. It is thought likely that these elements were added to the wall rocks by solutions emanating from nearby channels of circulation of pegmatitic liquors during the time of emplacement of the pegmatite bodies. At least part of the added 

chemical elements found lodging as minor elements within common, rock-form-
34 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

ing minerals, possibly as a result of recrystallization of these minerals in the 

presence of the introduced solutions. Author's abstract.

114. Sundberg, Karl. Moderna malmletningsmetoder [Modern methods of mineral exploration] : Jernkontorets Annaler, vol. 121, pp. 455-528, Uppsala, 1937.

New methods of prospecting, including geochemical techniques (pp. 456 460), 

are reviewed.

115. Swedish Prospecting Co. P. M. angaende var goekemiska prospekteringsmetod [Concerning our geochemical prospecting method] : 11 pp. 

Malmo, Sweden, Feb. 1939.

An advertising brochure on spectrographic analysis of plant ash as a prospecting method. Maps and charts show the relative amounts of tin, tungsten, lead, 

and zinc in plants growing near deposits of these metals in Cornwall and 

Wales.-^7. W. H.

116: Takashiro and Fujiwara. Geochemical prospecting of metallic ore deposits [in Japanese] : Jour. Geol. Soc. Japan, vol. 57, no. 670, 1951.

(Not reviewed)

117. Tikhomirov, N. I., and Miller, S. D. On a physico-chemical method of 

prospecting for molybdenum in the semi-desert climate of the northern 

Lake Balkhash area [in Russian] : Razvedka Nedr., no. 2, pp. 34-33,

1946. [Translated by H. E. Hawkes, "Selected Russian papers on geochemical prospecting for ores," U. S. Geol. Survey, pp. 97-103, 1950.]

Weathered rock material was analyzed at the Kounrad molybdenite - 

wolframite deposits of the northern Lake Balkhash area, Soviet Central Asia. 

A mantle of granitic rubble and sandy clay, 10 to 80 cm. thick, overlies the mineralized veins. Samples of this material were collected at intervals of 0.5 to 5 

meters along traverses perpendicular to the veins. Semiquantitative spectregraphic analyses show that there is an extremely well-defined halo of dispersed 

molybdenum. Furthermore, there is a correspondence between the width and 

molybdenum content of the halo, and the thickness of the vein. Tungsten also

forms dispersion halos, but they are less distinctive. /. W. H.

118. Tkalich, S. M. Investigation of vegetation as a guide in prospecting [in

Russian] : Vest. Dal'nevostoch. Filiala Akad. Nauk [Vladivostok]., no. 

32 (5), pp. 3-25, 1938. 

The author discusses plant life and plant ecology as related to the chemical

I. "^ru-lOAes aire given snowing the approximate concentrations of many of the elements in soils, rocks, ores,

dispersion halos, and in several plant species.

Controlled experiments were carried out to determine the ability of plants

sodium clomee anaiyzea quantitatively, oer

experiments were carried out upon plants grown in prepared soils containing

copper, zinc, and iron sulfide minerals. Also, analyses were made of plants

grooving in the vicinity of known ore oodles. -A.n example is given of a. successful survey for iron in leaves of CalmagrosUs (beach grass) growing in the 

area of the Unashin arsenopyrite deposit.

Microchemical, colorimetric, and spectrochemical methods of analysis were 

used to obtain quantitative determinations of metals in plants. Semiquan-
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 35

titative determinations for copper were made by microchemical methods in the 

field. A. P. P.

119. Vogt, J. H. L, Nickel in igneous rocks: Econ. Geology, vol. 18, pp. 307- 

353, 1923.

The tenor of nickel in the sulfide minerals of nickeliferous pyrrhotite ores 

is apparently related to the nickel content of the genetically associated basic 

igneous rocks and their constituent ferromagnesian minerals. H. E. H.

120. Vogt, Thorolf. "Kjemisk" og "botanisk" malmleting ved R0ros ["Chemical" and "botanical" prospecting in the R0ros area]: K. norske vidensk. 

selsk., Forh., vol. 12, pp. 81-84, 1939.

Stream waters draining sulfide deposits of the R0ros district contain easily 

detectable amounts of the sulfate ion. Testing for sulfate ion in natural waters 

or in aqueous soil extract, using barium chloride, may be useful in prospecting 

for sulfide deposits. Hydrochloric acid may be added to the water to expel 

carbon dioxide. Reagents for testing for copper (ferric thiocyanate and sodium 

thiosulfate), zinc (in the absence of ferric compounds: ammonium mercuric 

thiocyanate), and nickel (diphenylglyoxime) are mentioned as testing reagents 

in the field. Revised author's abstract.

121. Vogt, Thorolf. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting II. Viscaria alpina 

(L.) G. Don som "kisplante" [Geochemical and geobotanical ore prospecting 2, Viscaria alpina (L.) G. Don as a pyrite plant]: K. norske 

vidensk. selsk. Forh., vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 5-8, 1942.

The occurrence of Viscaria alpwa (L.) G. Don on different rocks, particularly 

on serpentine, dunite, and outcrops of cupriferous pyrite deposits, in Norway 

is discussed. It is presumed at present that the thriving of the plant at these 

ore deposits is principally due to its enduring large contents of copper, etc., in 

the soil, the plant being thus left without competitors. Author's abstract.

122. Vogt, Thorolf. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting III. Litt om 

planteveksten ved R0rosmalmene [Geochemical and geobotanical ore 

prospecting 3, Some notes on the vegetation at the ore deposits of 

R0ros] : K. norske videusk. selsk. Forh., vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 21-24-, 1942.

As stated in a previous communication (II), Viscaria alpina (L.) G. Don in 

the R0ros area, is reported only from serpentine and cupriferous sulfide deposits. 

Melandrium diaicum (L.) Schinz and Thell., found profusely at some ore deposits, also stands the ore-poisoned soil very well. Further, the following plants 

are growing on more or less ore-poisoned soil: Equisetum arvense L., Equisetum 

palustre L., Equisetum llmosum L., Juncus trifidus L., Agrostis canina L., 

Agrostis borealis Hn., Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin., Eriophorum vaginatum 

L., Eriophorum polystachyum L., Carex rostrata Stokes, Salix reticulata L., 

Saliaa herbacea L., Salix glauca L., Salix arbuscula L., Betula odorata Bechst. 

coll., Betula nana L., and the moss Oligotrichum hercynicum (Hedw.) Lam. 

Author's abstract.

123. Vogt, Thorolf. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting VII. Sporelementer i myrmalm og sj0malm, [Geochemical and geobotanical ore 

prospecting 7, Trace elements in bog and lake ores]: K. norske vidensk, 

selsk. Forh., vol. 15, pp. 91-94,1942.

X-ray spectrograms show that zinc, copper, nickel, cobalt, and calcium are 

co-precipitated with manganese hydroxides in bogs and lakes. Analysis of bog
36 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

and lake ore may be useful in determining the types of ore deposits to be expected within the drainage basin. J. W. H.

324. Vogt, Thorolf, and Bargh, H. Geoldernisk og geobotanisk, malmleting, X. 

Bestemmelse av kobber i .fordpr0ver. [Geochemical and geobotanical 

prospecting 10, Determination of copper in soil] : K. norske vidensk. 

selsk. Forh., vol. 19, pp. 76-79, 1946.

Soil humus can bind comparatively large quantities of copper and other heavy 

metals. This is due to the adsorption or chemosorption of heavy metal cations 

to humic acids, forming metal humates. A grid of 134 samples of humus-rich 

glacial soil, collected near the southern Lossius copper deposit near R0ros, 

reveals copper isograds that outline a fan of glacial dispersion. The copper 

content of soil within the fan varies from 500 to 7,000 ppm, as compared with 

20 ppm in normal soil. J. W. H.

125. Vogt, Thorolf, and Bergh, H. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting, XII. 

Bestemmelse av jern og mangan i ,1ordpr0ver. [Geochamical and geobotanical ore prospecting 12, Iron and manganese in soil] : K. norske 

vidensk. selsk. Forh., vol. 20, no. 27, pp. 106-111, 1948.

Iron, manganese, and humus content were determined in 72 samples of glacial 

soil collected on a grid near the southern Lossius sulfide deposit near R0ros. 

Iron content ranges from 100 to 45,000 ppm, while manganese ranges from 1 to 

3,500 ppm. ,Huraus content ranges from about 5 to SO percent in the soil. The 

areal distribution of iron and manganese are similar, but the distribution of 

humus content shows little relation to that of iron and manganese. The authors 

conclude that determination of iron and manganese in soil may be useful in 

prospecting for deposits containing iron sulfide. </. W. H.

126. Vogt, Thorolf, and Bergh, H. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting, XI. 

Sink og bly i jordpr0ver. [Geochemical and geobotanical ore prospecting 11, Zinc and lead in soil] : K. norske vidensk. selsk. Forh., vol. 20, 

no. 26, pp. 100-105, 1948.

The results of 134 determinations of zinc and lead made in 1942 and 1943 on

soil from the oxitcrop of the southern Lossius sulphide deposits near R0ros are 

published. The contents of zinc varies from. 4. to 7,500 mg Zn per kg waterfree 

soil. As the zinc contents in normal soil may be about 100 (50-200) mg per kg.

the concentration factor near the ore deposits lies about 5 to 00. 

The contents of lead are 0 to 440 mg Pb per kg waterfree soil. The concentration factor may be of the same order as for zinc (and copper). The present

method seems to be very useful tor geocnemicai worK on deposits containing 

Cu, Zn, Pb. and probably also for other heavy metals. IttJJiots' ab&iV&Gl.

±27. Vogtt. Thoroif, ana Braadlle, O. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting. 

IV. Plantevekst Og jordbunn ved R^rosmalmene. [Geocbemicai ana

geobotanical ore prospecting 4, Vegetation and soil at the OPS

Of R0ros] : K. norske vidensk. selsk. Forh., vol. 15, no. 7, pp. 25-25, 1943.

Some analyses of ore-poisoned soil from R0ros are presented in a table. 

SOU SclDlpleS are HlOStly taKen Dear the roots Of different plant species growing 

scattered on the poisoned soil, and also from the ground with normal vegetation 

in the immediate neighborhood. The weathering ore is composed of pyrrhotite, 

chalcopyrite, some sphalerite, etc. The decisive poison agent in the soil probably 

was the copper, possibly also FeSO4 . The plant species, arranged according to 

the copper content in the soil, are tabulated. Authors' abstract.
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 37

128. Vogt, Thorolf, Braadlie, 0., and Bergh, H. Geokj'emisk og geobotanisk 

malmleting IX. Bestemmelse Cu, Zu, Pb, Mn, og Fe i planter fra 

R0rosfeltet. [Geochemical and geobotanical ore prospecting 9, Determination of copper, zine, lead, manganese, and iron in plants from the 

R0ros district]: K. norske vidensk. selsk. Forh., vol. 16, pp. 55-58, 1943.

The copper, zinc, lead, manganese, and iron contents of eight samples of plants 

growing over the Nyberget copper deposit are compared with that of four plant 

samples from normal soil. The content of these metals in different plant parts 

is highly variable and shows no consistent correlation with the location of the 

copper deposit. On an ash basis, the Cu content of the samples ranges from 43 

to 13,600 ppm, the zinc from 4,200 to 39,400 ppm, the lead from 11 to 270 ppm, 

the manganese from 36 to 1,140 ppm, and the iron from 98 to 530 ppm. The 

authors conclude that the determination of copper and zinc in plants does not 

seem to be useful as a prospecting method in the areas studied. J. W. H.

129. Vogt, Thorolf, and Bugge, Jens. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting 

VIII. Bestemmelse av kobber i planter fra R0rosfeltet ved kvantitativ 

r0ntgsnanalyse. [Geochemical and geobotanical are prospecting 8, 

Determination of copper in plants from the R0ros district by quantitative 

X-ray analysis]: K. norske vidensk. selsk. Forh., vol. 16, no. 14, pp. SI54, 1943.

X-ray spectrographic analyses of ash of 12 plant samples show that the leaves 

and twigs of dwarf birch (Betula, nana L.) and willow (Salix glauca L.) contain 

more than twice as much copper where growing on copper-rich soil than on normal 

soil. The leaves contain more copper than the twigs, and the birch contains 

more than the willow. This indicates that the same parts of the same species 

must be collected for comparative results. The authors conclude that the 

method does not seem to be useful in prospecting for copper in the area studied. 

/. W. H.

130. Vogt, T., and Rosenqvist, A. M. Geokjemisk og geobotanisk malmleting 

VI. Bestemmelse av kobber i vannpr0ver fra R0rosfeltet. [Geochemical and geobotanical ore prospecting, 6, Determination of copper in 

natural waters from, the R0ros district] : K. norske vidensk, selsk. Forh., 

vol. 15, no. 23, pp. 87-90,. 1943.

Copper was determined in surface waters in the R0ros district as an experiment-in prospecting for copper deposits. Four water samples containing 2 to 3.2 

ppm copper came from a stream draining a mine, and six samples containing 

0.05 to 0.185 ppm apparently received their copper from hidden ore. Fifty-seven 

samples containing a maximum of 0.044 ppm are believed to represent normal 

waters, the copper presumably coming from decaying plant material and soil. 

J. W. H.

131. Thyssen, Stephau von. Geochemische und pflanzenbiologische Zusammenhange in Lichte der angewandten Geophysik [Geochemical and botanical relationships in the light of applied geophysics] : Beitr. angew. Geophysik, vol. 10, pp. 35-84, 1942.

Certain plants enrich themselves in some of the metals that are present in 

small amounts in rocks and soils. Metals not toxic to plants are absorbed 

through the roots and concentrated largely in leaves and bark. Toxic elements, 

however, tend to be concentrated in the roots as a result of the plant's effort 

to reject them. The degree of concentration for each element can be expressed
38

as the "enrichment factor" (content in biosphere/content in lithosphere). The 

enrichment factor for each element rises with the atomic weights shown in the 

individual vertical rows of the periodic chart of the elements (copper-silver-gold 

for example), where as it remains essentially constant in the horizontal rows 

(sodium-magnesium-aluminum-silicon for1 example). Zinc, boron, strontium, 

beryllium, gold, copper, and lead have high enrichment factors, which range 

from 100 to 1,000 in some plants. On the other hand, molybdenum, iron, titanium, and aluminum have enrichment factors less than one.

Determination of metals with a high enrichment factor is recommended in 

biogeochemical prospecting for metals. It is pointed out, however, that the 

amount of metal taken up by a plant is greatly affected by the pH of the soil. 

Success in biogeochemical prospecting requires that variations in the metal 

content of plants be greater than that brought about by normal differences in 

soil pH.

The author recommends that biogeochemical prospecting investigations be 

made by analyzing healthy plant specimens of the same species and of the 

same size and stage of maturity. J. W. H.

132. Ward, F. N. A field method for the determination of tungsten in soils: 

U. S. Geol. Survey Circ. 119, 4 pp., 1951.

The thiocyanate-stannous chloride method for the determination of small 

quantities of tungsten has been modified for use on soils in geochemical processing. A 0.25 g sample of soil is fused with a modified carbonate flux in a 

pyrex test tube,'extracted with water, and an aliquot of the aqueous extract is 

treated with stannous chloride and potassium thiocyanate in moderately concentrated hydrochloric acid. The tungsten thiocyanate complex ion, formed 

rapidly at a temperature of 90C to 100C, is extracted with a small volume of 

isopropyl ether, and tungsten determinations are made by comparing the 

yellowish-green color of the ether layer over a sample solution with that over 

a standard solution treated similarly. With a suitable aliquot, the field method 

can be used on soils containing 10 to 800 ppm of tungsten. Author's abstract.

133. Ward, F. N. Determination of molybdenum in soils and rocks: Anal. 

Chem. vol. 23, pp. 788-791, 1951.

Molybdenum determinations have been made on soils and rocks using a 0.1-

gram sample by a modified application of the thiocyanate-stannous chloride 

method. The finely powdered sample is fused in a test tube with a 1 to 1 

mixture Of sodium carbonate and potassium nitrate. The fused mass is extracted with hot water and filtered. An aliquot of the filtrate is transferred 

to a similar test tube, and neutralized, and the following reagents are successively 

added With shaking after each addition: sodium tartrate, concentrated hydrochloric acid, potassium thlOCyanate, StannOUS Chloride, and isopropyl ether. 

The latter, being almost immiscible with water, remains on top, and th6 bl'OWn 

colored thiocyanate complex of quinqUeValeDt DlOlyMenum collects in this phase. 

Tlie determination is made in the same test tube by comparing the brOWH

color of the organic layer produced Dy the sample with that given by a staxmara

molybdenum solution.

The time required for each determination and the quantities of reagents used 

Haye hesn decreased proportionally with the size of the sample resulting in U 

rapid method with Sufficient RCCUr'aCy fOr QXplOratoFJ a^a routine work, in an

ordinary working day of 8 hours 25 to 30 determinations can be completed,

The useful range of the suggested procedure is from 0.1" to 32 ppm of molybdenum, but the upper limit may be extended without a great sacrifice in accuracy.
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 39

Finally, a small case will accomodate all the necessary chemicals and equipment, making possible the acquisition of useful geoehemical data at temporary 

locations. Author's abstract.

134. Warren, H. V., and Delavault, R. E. Biogeochemical investigations in 

British Columbia: Geophysics, vol. 13, pp. 609-624, 1948.

Different parts of various trees were analyzed for copper and zinc to determine which part or parts would be most useful in biogeochemical prospecting. 

Analyses of wood and bark have yielded erratic results; cones are too frequently 

absent from trees desirable for sampling, and leaves or needles may contain 

significant quantities of copper and zinc but are .difficult to ash. The use of 

branches with needles or leaves attached is partially satisfactory, but dirt 

retained in the joints between leaves or needles and twigs may cause contamination. Young twigs are considered best because they ash readily, are easy to 

collect, and are less likely to be contaminated. Furthermore, deciduous trees, 

which apparently take up greater amounts of zinc than conifers, may be 

sampled in winter if twigs are collected. J. W. H.

135. Warren, H. V., and Delavault, R. E. Further studies in biogeochemistry: 

Geol. Soc. America Bull., vol. 60, pp. 531-560,1949.

Several methods for the determination of traces of copper and zinc are 

presented; the authors conclude that the dithizone method is best. Samples 

of trees growing near the Britannia and Sullivan mines, British Columbia, were 

analyzed to provide data on the copper and zinc content that might be expected 

in trees adjacent to and some at a distance from buried ore bodies. Results 

suggest that the ratio of these metals is of more importance in biogeochemical 

prospecting than their absolute amount. The normal copper to zinc ratio 

is in the range of 0.10 to 0.15; a copper to zinc ratio greater than 0.15 in areas 

of igneous or metamorphic rock.suggests the presence of abnormal amounts of 

copper. In areas of zinc concentration, the ratio, expressed as zinc to copper, 

will rise from about 10 to 100, or even to 500 at places devoid of copper 

mineralization.

Spectrographic analyses revealed that trees growing near the Sullivan mine 

contain more manganese and boron than samples from trees located elsewhere. 

This appears to be important inasmuch as boron and manganese are associated 

with the Sullivan ore deposit. J. W. H.

136. Warren, H. V., and Delavault, R. E. Gold and silver content of some 

trees and horsetails in British Columbia: Geol. Soc. America Bull., 

vol. 61, pp. 123-128, 1950.

An area known to contain many gold-bearing veinlets, and in which many 

prospect pits and trenches had been dug, was selected for this investigation. 

.Overburden usually ranging from 4 to 8 feet in depth, and in part composed 

of glacial clay, wherever panned near bedrock revealed the presence of gold. 

The amount of gold yielded by panning surface material was in most cases 

negligible. . Samples from five species of trees were carefully taken in a manner that 

appeared to eliminate danger of physical salting. Four collections of horsetails 

were also made from near-by ground which was, however, known to contain 

much more modest quantities of gold.

Careful analyses (fire assays) revealed gold in every sample but one. Control 

samples from non-gold-bearing areas with similar climate in no instances provided 

weighable quantities of gold.
40 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

Silver was found in most plants including those growing in areas where 

there was no evidence of silver mineralization. Authors' abstract.

137. Warren, E. H., and Delavault, R. E. A history of biogeochernical investigations in British Columbia: Canadian Min. and Met. Bull., vol. 43, no. 

458, pp. 344-350, 1950.

This is a chronological account of research on biogeocbeinical prospecting 

in British Columbia by Warren and his associates.-"-*/. W. H.

138. Warren, H. V., Delavault, R. E., and Irish, R. I. Biogeocheniical researches 

on copper in British Columbia: Trans. Royal Soc. .Canada, vol. 43, 

pp. 119-137, 1949.

Twigs of sagebrush and of seven species of trees common in British Columbia 

were analyzed for copper and zinc by the dithizone method. The twigs were 

sampled (1) in areas mineralized with copper (positive areas), and (2) ia 

unmineralized areas (negative areas). The copper content and the coppsr to 

zinc ratio observed in the negative areas are taken as normal; the samples 

from positive areas frequently showed a copper content and copper to zinc 

ratio higher than normal.

For each species the following estimates are made of the limits that appear 

to separate normal from abnormal copper content and copper to zinc ratio. 

Where either the copper content or the copper to zinc ratio is above this 

limit, the presence of copper mineralization may be suspected. Copper is 

expressed on a dry-weight basis.

ppm copper

Species (dry-weight Copper: zinc

basis) ratio

Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga taxifolid) _ _ _ _ 10 0. 25

Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorto) ______ 10 .25

Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanni). 12 . 20 

Dwarf and Rocky Mountain juniper

(Juniperus communis and J. scopulorum) __________________________ 8 .40

Poplar (Populus tremuloides) _________ 10 . 20

Red alder (Alnus rubra) _-___.___-___ 10 .40 

Sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata). 24 1.0 

J. W. H.

139. Warren, H. V., Delavault, R. E., and Irish, R. I. Improved dithizone field

test for heavy metals in water [abstract] : Geol. gpo. America BulL,

vol. 61, no. 12, pt. 2, p. 1533,1950.

In many areas of the Pacific North-west heavy runoff from rain, melting snow,

and ice fields causes extreme dilution of the heavy-metal content of natural

waters.

Field work has shown that in many areas it is practical to apply geochemical

methods in the search for copper and zinc only if it is feasible to detect as little

flS 0.001 partS per million Of these metals in natural waters.

A modification of the dithizone methods has been developed. (S96 flbS. 18.) 

This modified method is simple, as accurate as is necessary for field work, and 

can readily detect heavy metals in concentrations as low as 0.001 p. p. m. Under

fflVOrflt)lC CODflitiOBS ^n experienced fleia man Can aetect even lower concentrations. Authors' abstract.
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 41

140. Warren, H. V., Delavault, R. E., and Irish, R. I. Further biogeochemical 

data from the San Manuel copper deposit, Final County, Arizona: Geol. 

Soc. America Bull., vol. 62, pp. 919-930,1951.

Analyses of certain species of plants collected over and near the oxidized outcrop of the San Manuel copper deposit show a higher copper content and higher 

copper: zinc ratio than was found in similar plants from unmineralized areas. 

Many samples representing different parts of the same individual plants were 

analyzed, but no well-defined trend in the localization of copper and zinc is apparent. The following are averages, irrespective of the plant parts sampled, 

computed from the authors' tables:

Number of --- Ratio 

California poppy: samples Cu Zn Cu: Zn

Over ore._______.__...._. 2 32 59 0.54

Over barren ground__.__ 2 12 108 .11

Palo Verde:

Over ore_________.._ 2 11 17 .65

Over barren ground___.. 9 6 22 .27

Creosote bush:

Over ore______________ 4 32 23 1.4

Near ore_.__.__----_-_- 26 26 28 .93

Over barren ground_.___ 31 12 29 .41

Scrub oak:

Over ore....--_--____.__. 4 37 31 1.2 

Over barren ground_._._ 4 7 20 .35

Saguaro and ocotillo cactus were also sampled with inconclusive results. The 

authors conclude that biogeochemical methods should not be overlooked as a 

potential prospecting tool even in areas where soil testing has been shown to be 

elfective. (See abs. 59.) -H. E. H.

141. Warren, H. V., Delavault, R. E., and Irish, R. I. Preliminary studies on 

the biogeochemistry of iron and manganese: Econ. Geology, vol. 47, pp. 

131-145,1952.

Twig and leaf samples, collected for copper and zinc as part of the authors' 

experimental work on biogeochemical prospecting, were also analyzed for iron 

and manganese. Iron was estimated colorimetrically with dipyridyl, and manganese was estimated with formaldoxime. The data show that, under comparable conditions, the iron content of alder (av. 40 ppm dry weight) is nearly 

twice that of other associated plants (av. 20 ppm dry weight). The data also 

show that the manganese content of hemlock is highest (av. 50 ppm dry weight) 

and that of cottonwood least (av. 25 ppm dry weight). There is a marked 

variation in the iron and manganese content, which appears to depend on the 

plant organ sampled. However, many more analyses are necessary before it 

will be possible to generalize on these relations. Other things being equal, the 

ratio of iron to manganese is higher in dry climates than in humid climates. 

Comparable samples of 16 species collected over granodiorite and over conglomerate show a generally higher content of iron and manganese in samples from 

over the conglomerate than in those from over the granite.

At the Sullivan mine the iron, manganese, and zinc contents of plants growing 

over the deposits are higher than normal. The data suggest that, in the Sullivan 

area, it would be more profitable to concentrate biogeochemical studies on zinc. 

However, biogeochemical anomalies in iron and manganese might be useful in
42 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

prospecting for deposits where iron or manganese were abundant and where the 

metal being sought was present in only minor quantities, such as for some 

epithermal gold or silver deposits. H. E. H.

142. Warren, H. V., Delavault, R. E., and Irish, R. I. Biogeochemical investigations in the Pacific Northwest: Geol. Soc. America Bull., vol. 63, pp. 435- 

484,1952.

Comparative data are presented on the copper, zinc, and ash content of buds, 

leaves or needles, and stems of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, yellow pine, whitebark pine, Engelmann spruce, Sitka spruce, white spruce, western red cedar, 

Rocky Mountain juniper, dwarf juniper, hemlock, Rocky Mountain fir, alpine fir, 

balsam fir, willow, aspen, cottonwood, scrub birch, mountain birch, silver birch, 

Sitka alder, syringa, choke cherry, saskatoon, mountain maple, devil's club, 

broom bush, and sagebrush. Less complete data on many other species of plants 

native to British Columbia are discussed.

The analytical methods are essentially those described by Warren and Delavault 

(See abs. 135.) Experience has shown that a precision for copper of 2 to 5 

percent may be expected if enough copper is present in thQ sample. The weight 

of sample to be used in an analysis should be such that the sample will contain a 

minimum of 5 micrograms of copper, or 2 micrograms of zinc. Most ashing was 

done in an automatically controlled electric oven at 620° C. After treatment with 

HC1, any appreciable amount of residual charred material in the ash is filtered 

off. Estimation of copper and zinc was made by dithizone.

Consideration of both significance of data and ease of sampling and ashing 

leads to the conclusion that stems of one full year's growth of gymnosperms, 

particularly Douglas firs and pines, provide the most useful samples in biogeechemical prospecting. With gymnosperms it is necessary to confine sampling 

only to the same genus in any given problem, as different species within a genus

appear to give comparable results. Gymnosperms can be identified in winter as

well as summer, and the year-old stems do not vary significantly with time of 

year. Using DOUglaS fir Stems, the authors consider as anomalpus anything 

over 9 ppm (dry weight) for copper, 60 ppm (dry weight) for zinc and anything

OUtSide the limits O.O7 to O.23 for the Cu : Zn ratio.

Although angiosperms have not been investigated as thoroughly as the gymnosperms, several genara. oarticularly the foirc&es and possibly also maples, willows,

and devil's club, show considerable promise. The principal drawback is the 

difficulty in identifying the species of angiosperms in the absence of flowers or 

fruit, particularly during the winter.

la general, the normal metal content of vegetation was found to range considerably from area to area because of climate, physiography, and underlying rock

types. Within a given 'onyironment, the authors consider variations of more

than 100 percent above normal for copper and more than 50 percent above normal

Tor Zinc as "probably anomalous." Examples are given from the data of field

.surveys.

Common errors in biogeochemical prospecting work are: (1) Failing to COUSlder the dilution effect in plants growing along river banks and lake shores,

(2) collecting orientation samples over mine dumps or conspicuous ore Outcrops, 

where experience has shown erratic variations in copper and zinc content,

(3) failing to take account of the effect of variations in the pH of the soil,

(4) failing to determine a reliable value for the normal lead and zinc content

in a given area. H, E, H.
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 43

143. Warren, H. V., and Howatson, C. H. Biogeochemical prospecting for copper 

and zinc: Geol. Soc. America Bull., vol. 58, pp. 803-820, 1947.

Copper and zinc were determined in the ash of leaves, twigs, bark, wood, and 

cones of a variety of trees. The samples, collected in five copper or zinc mining 

camps in British Columbia, have been separated into two classes: (a) Those 

collected in "positive" areas containing known ore deposits and (b) those 

collected in nearby "negative" areas where sufficient mining or exploration has 

assured the absence of ore deposits.

Results show that the samples collected in copper-bearing areas contain 

considerably more copper than samples from negative areas. Similarly, samples 

obtained in zinc-bearing areas contain more zinc than samples from negative 

areas. The authors conclude that analysis of vegetation may be helpful in 

prospecting for copper and zinc. J. W. H.

344. Webb, J. S., and Millman; A. P. Heavy metals in natural waters as a 

guide to ore; a preliminary investigation in West Africa: Inst. Min. 

Metallurgy Bull., no. 518, pp. 3-16, 1950.

o

The dithizone field test evolved by the U. S. Geological Survey (see abs. 40) 

was used by the writers to estimate the heavy metal content of natural waters 

in areas of lead-zinc mineralization in Nigeria, West Africa. The test, of which 

details are given, is rapid and simple in operation.

It was found that springs issuing from the lodes contained relatively high 

concentrations of heavy metals. The addition of these natural lode waters to 

the main drainage system caused significant increases in the metal content of the 

stream waters; the magnitude of these increments being subject to considerable 

diurnal variation during the rainy season.

The results of this preliminary reconnaissance indicate tha.t dithizone testing 

of natural waters, including streams, springs and pools, should be given a 

thorough trial. This geochemical method shows promise of becoming a' useful 

supplement to geological prospecting in the Nigerian lead-zinc belt and elsewhere. Authors' abstract.

145. Webb, J. S., and Millman, A. P. Heavy metals in vegetation as a guide 

to ore; a biogeochemical reconnaissance in West Africa: Inst. Min. 

Metallurgy Trans., vol. 60, pp. 473-504, 1951. Discussion at Oct. 1951 

general meeting of Institute: Trans. vol. 61, pp. 105-118, 1952.

The concentrations of Pb, Zn and Ag in twigs and leaves of savannah trees 

in the Nigerian lead-zinc belt increase in proximity to mineralization. Using 

a spectrographic technique, Pb is found to give pronounced geochemical 

anomalies many times wider than the lodes. Although Ag is erratic, this 

element has a limited value as a "pathfinder", while-the status of Zn as an index 

element is lowered to some extent by the relatively poor spectrographic sensitivity 

of this element.

The normal concentration of Pb, Ag, and Zn in dried twigs of several species 

of trees when growing in unmineralized. areas, is essentially constant at approximately 1, 0.05, and <100 ppm respectively. The ratios between peak and 

background values in positive areas range between 7-270 to 1 for Pb, 4-6 to 

1 for Ag, and up to at least 20 to 1 for Zn. Comparable anomalies were detected 

in leaves. Some of the factors controlling the nature, width and magnitude 

of the geochemical anomalies are considered.

In addition to the positive results obtained near lodes which have been more 

or less disturbed by shallow opencasting, the anomalies detected over essentially
44 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GE.OCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

virgin mineralizations suggest that the systematic determination of the heavy 

metal content of twigs might, in favourable circumstances, provide useful 

information concerning the location of hidden (sub-outcropping) veins. Further 

orientation work is required, including a comparison with the methods of 

syste'matic soil analysis. Authors' abstract.

146. White, C. H. Organisms as guides to copper ore, Mining Mag., vol. 40, 

pp. 2&-2T, 1929.

It was formerly thought that study of the habits of a group of African birds, 

the plantain eaters (Musophogidae) , might help to locate outcrops of copper ore. 

The red pigment of their wing feathers contains 7 percent copper, and it was inferred that these birds obtained copper when they picked up gravel for their 

craws from copper outcrops. Inasmuch, as these birds inhabit all of Africa south 

of the Sahara, the author maintains that observation of them would not be 

helpful in prospecting. J. W. H.

147. White, W. H. Plant anomalies related to some British Columbia ore deposits : Canadian Inst. Min. Metallurgy Bull., no. 459, pp. 368-371, 1950.

Twigs of fir or pine trees from three lead-zinc areas and one copper area in 

British Columbia were analyzed with a dithizone field test. Zinc alone was determined in samples from the zinc-lead areas. The results show a good correlation between location of the veins and high zinc content of the twigs. The 

zinc content was found to range from 24 to 364 ppm of twig material. Fifty 

ppm was considered to be the boundary between normal and anomalous zinc 

content in one of the areas and 100 ppm as the boundary in the other two. In the 

copper area analyses were made for both copper and zinc. Here, samples with a 

ratio of copper to -zinc of 0.30 or more correlate moderately well with the location of the copper deposit, The distribution of copper alone, however, shows 

poor correlation, and zinc shows no correlation.

The author draws the following conclusions from this study : (a) The tests for 

zinc or copper are inexpensive and quick; (b) the normal metal content of each 

species varies with the type of bedrock; (c) the increase from normal to anomalOUS metal content takes place within a short horizontal distance ; (d) the width

of the anomaly may range from 4 to 50 times the width of the ore deposit ; (e) 

the size and intensity of the anomaly vary with the size of the deposit, but not 

necessarily with the grade or ore; (f) the ratio of copper to zinc is more 

important in investigation of copper deposits than either metal singly; (g) a 

"metal shadow" is Cast by an ore deposit into the overburden, even though the 

overburden consists of transported material, SUCll RS glacial drift) ^h) the 

"metal ShadOW" is Stationary in position, uninfluenced by groundwater moveHi CD t ' (1) the maximum thickness of overburden through which a ".metal 

shadow" may be cast is unknown, except that It 6X06608 30 feet. J. W. H.

3.48. w««on. H. r>. B. Geochemical studies of the Gpithermal deposits at GoidNevada : Econ. Geology, vol. so, pp. ST-BS. 1Q44.

Approximately fifty samples of vein material aM Walll'OCK from the ore deposits of Goldfield, NeV., Were quantitatively analyzed by means of the SpectrOgrapn to aeteimlne wuetheT. the quantitative distribution of certain elements 

would give some clue to the loci or mmerauaatt^. « *M «« est« blished

that three elements, bismuth, silver, and tin, are genetically associated \Vttll gOlfl 

values in the deeper veins. These elements are determinable even in very low 

grade vein material. Vertical zoning at Goldfield is evident with respect to tin,
vGEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 45

less definite for bismuth and probably present among several of the accompanying elements.

Analyses of the wallrock show a great diversity in the change in distribution 

of the constituent elements during the process of mineralization and the accompanying alteration of the adjacent rocks. Some elements, such as manganese 

and magnesium, show a sharp quantitative change at the contact between highly 

altered and altered wallrock, while others, such as sodium and sometimes calcium, completely fail to show any change within this zone.

Going from the vein into the wallrock, little change is apparent in the 

manganese and 'magnesium content of the wallrock until the contact between 

the highly altered wallrock and less altered wallrock is reached. At this 

contact the amount of manganese and magnesium suddenly increases tremendously, then shows little additional change at a greater distance from the 

vein. On the other hand the leaching of sodium and sometimes calcium gradually decreases away from the vein with no marked boundary such as occurs 

with manganese and magnesium.

The wallrock of the Jumbo "vein shows that magnesium, manganese, and 

calcium have been differentially leached over the entire distance investigated, 

but sodium is only leached for about forty feet from the vein and beyond 

that the highly altered wallrock contains almost the same amount of sodium 

as the fresh dacite.

Many other elements, such as boron, cobalt, copper, nickel, titanium, and 

zirconium, show no evident change due to wallrock alteration. Aluminum and 

vanadium show little evidence of change in the wallrock itself, but have been 

leached to a large degree in the highly silicified ledge of the Jumbo vein, which 

Ransome would consider the most extreme type of dacite alteration.

Cobalt showed an increase in the altered wallrock near the vein at the 225-foot 

level of the Clermont mine. The enrichment continued outward for thirty to 

forty feet from the vein. From author's abstract and summary.

149. Wilson, M. E. Rock alteration at the Amulet mine, Noranda district, 

Quebec : Econ. Geology, vol. 30, pp. 478-492,1935.

Pre-Cambrian rhyolite breccia, andesite lavas and dikes, and diorite associated with the sulfide ores at the Amulet mine have been altered to a rock 

showing an unusual spotted appearance on the weathered surface. This rock, 

called dalrnatianite because of its spots, consists of cordierite, brown mica, 

gedrite, green spinel, quartz, chlorite, magnetite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, 

and chalcopyrite. Analysis of one specimen of dalmatianite shows 1.61 percent 

zinc. The author concludes that this alteration is the effect of the same hydrothermal emanations that formed the ore deposits. H. E. H.

150. Zaidina, and Sergeyev. The work of the geophysical groups of TsNIGRI 

on spectral methods [in Russian] : Razvedka Nedr., no. 7, pp. 55-57, 

1938.

Development of quantitative spectrochemical methods for use in prospecting 

for metals was begun in the U. S. S. R. by the Central Geological and Prospecting Institute (TsNIGRI) in 1934. In 1935 the State Optical Institute (GOI) 

developed a successful method for making quantitative determinations of tin 

in rocks and ores. During 1935-36 research was begun upon the determination 

of molybdenum by means of an ultraviolet spectrograph. In 1936 methods for 

determining boron and nickel in rocks were worked out for field use. During

. 247958 53 4
46 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERAI^

1937 methods for determining molybdenum, tungsten, and copper were tested 

in the field. In 1938 work was in progress on a method for determining 

chromium. A. P. P.

151. Zenin, M. F. An experimental cuprimetric survey in Almalike [in Russian] : From "Geology of Central Asia," vol. 1, pp. 58-75, Tashkent, 1935.

The writer describes the methods employed in surveying the Kal'makyr 

porphyry copper deposit. Samples of rock from drill cores and the weathered 

ore outcrop were analyzed for copper and examined for cellular limonite structures. "Isocupric" contours were drawn to show the areal distribution of 

copper. (See abs. 52.) A. P. P.
INDEX

Abstract.

Accumulator plants. (See Plants, accumulator.) 

A ge, geochemical determination of.... ___.. 69

Alluvium. (See also Placer deposits.)

General......._____.__..._..... 73,99

Copper._____..._..._._.___ 59 

Gold..................................... 73

Mercury....._.___..._...__._ 92,99

Molybdenum....._..........I......... 99

Niobium..............._...._.._..^ 99

Platinum....__......................... 73

Eare earths._ ._...____ ___ _ _.__ 99

Tin.................... 13,22,23,71,73,87,99,101

Tungsten.......__...................... 73,99

Zirconium....-_.__.--._............ 99

Alteration halos

Distribution of minor elements............ 29,

49,60,148,149 

Indicator plants...--.....-..--......-.... 9

Aluminum

Plants, accumulator.-..-.-....-._...... 44

Rocks...............___--...------... 29

Analytical procedures. (See Chemical analysis, Chromograph, Fire assay, 

Flame tests, Polarographic analysis, Spectrographic analysis, X-ray 

spectrographic analysis.) 

Animals....................-...-.-----..-.... 7,146

Appraisal of prospects.................... 52,117,151

Arizona...........__._............... 16,59,140

Arsenic 

 Rocks..--.------------.-------------.---- 84

Australia,............. 19,31,39,104,107,108,109,110

Barium

Plants, accumulator...................... 85

Residual cover. -------------_._. 85

Belgian Congo......_..__....-....--.-..-. 28

Beryllium

Rocks.------------------.-----.--------.- 113

Biogeochemical prospecting. (See Plants, accumulator.)

Bismuth

Rocks.....-..---.-.---.-.-..-----...-... 148

Bog and lake deposits........................ 91,123

Boron

Plants, accumulator...................... 135

Residual cover__ _.__._. ...__._.__ 94 

Rocks..--..---.-.-__...-__-..-_.... 148

Water.................................... 20

Brazil..-..--.......--...-.--...---........... 19

British Columbia.-.......-.-................ Ill,

134,135,136,137,138,141,142,143,147

British West Africa.....-....-..--------..-. 144,145

Bromine 

Water.

Abstract 

20

Cadmium

Bog deposits_ -. ...... ._......... 91

California.._-.-...__.._.---.--..--..--- 85

Canada..._.__-___._-__.........__..... 63,64

Cerium. (See Rare Earths.)

Chemical analysis, plants

Copper..................... 30,118,135,142,147

Iron..-.--- . -_- - 141 

Manganese_............................ 141

Molybdenum............................ 83

Nickel ................................. 81

Zinc..--.-----... .-.. 30,82,86,135,142,147

Chemical analysis, soils and rocks

Aluminum............................... 84

Arsenic.__................. ........ 84

Boron........- -----. ---- . -.- 90,94

Copper...............-----. 3,50,52,59,104,106

Heavy metals.. .-..----. 14,15,16,27,41,60

Iron..--._...... -.-. .----- -.-- 45

Lead.... ..................... 3,43,52,84,106

Molybdenum ---- . ----.-. -------- 133

. Tungsten...-.-.---....----.--..-.. 132

Zinc.........- . .. 3,26,36,45,50,54,84,106

Chemical analysis, water

Copper....-.........-. 18,40,89,120,139

Heavy metals..- --- - - - 14,15,40,144 

Lead._........... ................... 40

Nickel... 120

Sulfate.- - 120

Zinc 18,40,120,139

Chromium

Plants, accumulator .................... 38,64

Plants, indicator..- . - -- --.- . 11 

Residual cover... ...................... 4

Chromograph.........-.....-.... -.-.-.- 2,112

Cobalt

Bog deposits...... ... 91,123

Plants, accumulator.-.-._... 30,66 

Residual cover..._......- ........ 24,42,66

Rocks 42,148

Colorado..---.----------------------- 103

Columbium. (See Niobium.)

Copper

Alluvium__............................ 59

Birds. . - 146

Bog deposits .... , 91,123

Glacial cover.-.-..-.-------.-.-.-. 85,124

Plants, accumulator.................. 30,38,59,

85,128,129,134,135,138,140,142,143,147 

Plants, indicator.......... 19,59,88,121,122,127

Residual cover............... 59,85,103,104,110

Rocks.------...---- 3,29,49,50,52,148,149,151

Water.....-.--........-----.. 40,56,59,130

47
48 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

Abstract 

Corundum. .................................. 5

Cost of geochemical surveys. _.-___ ___.- __ 24, 27, 101

Cuba...-.--.----------..... ........... 11

Czechoslovakia- . - .... 7

Dispersion halos, primary. (See leakage halos, 

wall-rock halos.)

Dispersion halos, secondary. (See residual 

cover, transported cover, glacial 

cover, accumulator plants, indicator plants, plant symptoms.)

Dispersion trains. (See alluvium, water, bog 

and lake deposits.)

Electrochemical methods of analysis. . ........ 90, 98

Faults . 26,29,69

Finland.... . 74,91

Fireassay 136

Flame tests for copper... __ ....... . 52

Fluorescent methods of mineral identification. 5, 97 

French West Africa.---- .-.....--.-.--.-.. 28

Gallium

Residual cover. ..... _ .. ......-.. . 24,42

Rocks 42

Genetic halos. (See leakage halos, wall-rock 

halos.)

Geochemical prospecting, general. (See Reviews.)

Geochemical provinces

General.... ------------------------- 39

Boron.......- ------------------ 20

Bromine ------------ --- . 20

Gold.-. 7,28

Nickel-.-------..--.-------...... 119

Tin . ...... ______ . _ 1,28

Germany..... ..................... -.-..-. -19

Glacial cover.. ---------- 14,85, 103, 124, 125, 126

Gold

Alluvium - - - 73

Animals.. . __ ... __ ..... - 7

Plants, accumulator-..-.---.. ............ 136

Plants, indicator....-..--...--.---.----.. 19

Residual cover----- - ._. 108

Rocks . 28, 108

Water.. _____ .. .. .. _____________ 51,63

Great Britain.. _ .. __ ._ _ ..__._....... 64, 115

Greece..... - - 38> 64

Heavy metals

Glacial cover. 14

__ Jg 27

16,60',93

Water;. 14,40,98,103,144

Heavy mineral studies ___ .___.__ 22,99

Indicator plants. ( Se<. Plants, indicator )

Indo-CHina....- : - »

Insects.-.---_.-..--. . . ....... 7

Iron

Glacial cover............................. 125

plants, accumulator................ m, 12$,wi

Plants, indicator............ 11,12,19,57

Rocks_______._..._ . - 45 

Water 47,56

Abstract

Japan. . 47,48,49 

Jugoslavia.................................... 69

Lead

Bog deposits. ---- -. . .. 91

Glacial cover. ._ . .____ 103,126 

Plants, accumulator....... 10,30,64,115,128,145

Plants, Indicator......--.-........-.....'.. 19,57

Plant symptoms__-- _._. . . 10 

Residual cover....................... 24,42,103

Rocks.---.-........ ....... 3,29,42,52,84,113

Water.............-.-...-.---.:.-.- 40

Leakage halos. (See also Wall-rock halos.)

General............................__..25,58

Cobalt-........-.-.-..-...-.-......... 42

Copper______.__..__.__.__ 3,50 

Gallium .. 42

Heavy metals...-------- ----- 16,60,93

Iron.___.____.__. - -. 45 

Lead..... .. . . 3,29,42

Mercury................................. 92

Manganese.... _........................ 42

Molybdenum....... .__..____.......... 42

Nickel . .. 42

Silver.....___._____..........__ 93

Titanium................................. 42

Vanadium__- _ _ 42

Zinc . 3,29,45,50

Lithium

Rocks-..-......---...-..-.---.... 113

Magnesium

Rocks.---.-----.---..----.-.--- 148

Malaya. - -.. ----- 28

Manganese

Bog deposits 91,123

Glacial cover. .. . _ ____......__ 125

Plants, accumulator----............ 128,135,141

Plants, indicator........ ................ 19

Residual cover..... 42

ROCkS 29,42,148

Mercury

Alluvium .. . 92,99

Plants, indicator......................... 19

Rocks- .----.-------.--------.. 92

MexiCO ... 84,93

Michigan ........._. . -. ....'. 85

Missouri.-. __ _-__-.-_-__.________________ 44

Molybdenum

Alluvium.

Residual cover--...--.----.-.----.---... lZ| 111

ROCkS------------------------------ 42,113

Montana. . -. 19,56

New England.. 

Newfoundland..--. ............---- ......................... 63

New Mexico.... . ,._____.-.-......----- ?9,93

Nevada.. --...---------------------- 9,85, H8

NicRel Bog deposits... 91 - 123

Plants, accumulator.---.----.----- 30,66,74 

Residual cover...__ 24,42,66,112

Rocks. .. .. 42,119,148

Niobium

Alluvium .-.-..--.-.__.........__ 99

Rocks . 113
GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING ABSTRACTS THROUGH JUNE 1952 49

Abstract

North Carolina -- - 103

Norway..-... ....-.. -- 88, 89,91,120,121,

122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130

Ontario. 14

Peat. (See Bog and lake deposits.)

Pennsylvania.. .. 86

Phosphorus, phosphates

Plants, indicator......---......-..--..... 19,57

Placer deposits (see also Alluvium)........... 13,

22,23,'71,73,87,99,101

Plants, accumulator

General..........----------------.----.-- 63

Aluminum.----..----.------..... 44

Barium_______ ------_-_-----.--_- 85

Boron-.-.--.------ .... 135

Chromium......... ....-.............. 38,64

Cobalt..-- 30,66

Copper............-------.- -. 30,38,59, 85,

128, 129, 134, 135, 138, 140, 142, 143, 147 

Gold.....-.--.------------------ -------- 136

Iron.........--.-----------..----- 118,128.141

Lead..-.-.-..----- .- 10,30,64,115,128,145

Manganese..--------------------.- 128,135,141

Nickel 30,66,74

Silver...--..-.-------------..---- 30,38,136,145

Tin 30,64,115

Tungsten ----------------_ __ 115

Zinc....----.--------- 10,19,30,38,86,111, 115,

128, 134, 135,138, 140, 142, 143, 145, 147

Plants, indicator

Alteration zones.--------- ----.-.-.-.--. 9

Chromium............ _.___ ___... 11

Copper.................. 19,59,88,121,122,127

Gold..... 19

Iron - 11,12,19,57 

Lead..-.------------ ------- 19,57

Manganese. _.......... 19

Mercury..... . ... .._. 19

pH..... .. . . 9

Platinum............................ 19

Rocktypes. .. 12,19,57,121,122

 Selenium-....-..-------.......---...... 8

Silver...... .....- ................ 19,57

Tin.. . 19

Zinc.--.........-...--...-.........-- 19,57

Plant symptoms

Lead-.---..-------------.---.-...-...... 10

Zinc. - 10, 103

Platinum

Alluvium... . 73 

Plants, indicator. .......___...... ___. 19

Poland........-------------........-.-.. 10

Polarographic analysis.. 90

Portugal.... ... 17

Primary halos. (See Leakage halos, Wallrock halos.)

Productivity of geochemical surveys...... 24,27,101

Quebec.. ._______._ .... ....... 149

Rare earths

Alluvium..___...__.__..._..... 99 

Rocks.-.-..-..-..............--......- 113

Abstract 

Residual cover

Barium__. .....-..-........'........... 85

Boron..-..__.___ ....... ....... 94

Chromium. . 4

Cobalt-----------------------.---- 24,42,66

Copper-..............-.---- 59,85,103,104,110

Corondum ___ ......- . 5

Gallium 24,42

Gold.... 108

Heavy metals....... ..........._..... 16,27

Lead..--....-.------.-.---...-- 24,42,103

Manganese . 42

Molybdenum....----------.-.- ....-.- 42,117

Nickel 24,42,66,112

Sulfate.--------------------------------- 5

Tin 22,23,24,87

Titanium. - b,42

Tungsten. - 97,117

Vanadium... 42

Zinc 26,36,103

.Reviews of geochemical prospecting

General-. .. . 6,21,32,33,

34 35, 56, 64, 77,95,100,102,103,105,114

Alluvial prospecting.... ................. 73,99

Biogeochemical prospecting_........... 11,

38,61, 62,63, 75,131,137 

Water analysis.- .. 17,70

Rhodesia...- _ 12

Rocks 

 General....-..------.-.-------.-.... 26,84

Aluminum _ ----- - .. 29

Arsenic-.----.... ....... 84

Beryllium.- 113

Bismuth.... -.-... 148

. Boron..--......----------. .-. ... 148

Cobalt .- 42,148

Copper----..--------- . 3,29,49,50,52,148,151

Gallium....---...---------.-......- 42

Gold.. 28,108

Heavy metals....... ..... __.... 16,60,93

Indicator plants for...--------- 12,19,57,121,122

Iron.-.. 45

Lead. 3,29,42,52,84,113

Lithium.......... ...... ......... .... 113

Magnesium . . .---- . ... 148

Manganese. ------------- . ... 29,42,148

Mei cury...__ ... 92

Molybdenum... ..... . 42,113

Nickel . . . 42,119,148

Niobium. . 113

Bareeartns - 113

Silver....... . . .... 29,49,93,148

Tin ---.-...-.-..----.---- 1,28,101,113,148

Titanium... .- 42,148

Vanadium....---.------.............. 29,42,148

Zinc. 3,29,46,50,84,113

Zirconium..--.... .. 148

Sampling techniques-.. ......... .. ?6,27,31,106

Secondary holos. (See residual cover, transported cover, glacial cover, accumulator plants, indicator plants, 

plant symtpoms.) 

Selenium

Plants, indicator..-..- ..... 8
50 CONTRIBUTIONS TO GEOCHEMICAL PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS

Abstract

Silver

Plants, accumulator. ___.-..-.- 30,38,136,145 

Plants, indicator.............__- _.. . 19,51

Rocks.--.......................... 29,49,93,148

Soil. (See residual cover, transplanted cover, 

glacial cover.)

Spam.............................._........ 19

Spectrographic analysis

Oeneral................................. 25, 79

Aluminum.............. _ -------------- 29,44

Barium .......--.____.............. 85

Beryllium_...:_______.____..... 113

Bismuth-..............-..-....,,.-----.- 148

Boron.................... .. 90,135,148

Cadmium__'. _....._-.-....---.-...- 91

Chromium_.._.................... 4,38,90

Cobalt---....., ................ 30,42,91,148

Copper......................... 29,38,85,91,148

Gallium - ... 42

Gold.._................................ 63

Lead.. .............. 29,30,42,91,113,115,145

Lithium_____.__.................. 113

Magnesium.... _..-..-..--....,........ 148

Manganese.....-...-.-.......- 29,42,91,135,148

Molybdenum................ 42,90,113,117,150

Nickel- ..................... 30,42,74,91,148

Niobium................................. 113

Rare earths____...................... 113

Silver.......................... 29,30,38,145,148

Tin................................_ 1,13,30,63,

71, 72, 78, 87, 90,91,101,113,115,148,150 

Titanium................................ 42,148

Tungsten............................ 90,115,117

Vanadium.........-----..---.----..-.. 29,42,148

Zinc.--.----. .......-. 29,38,91,113,115,145

Zirconium_______................... 148

Sulfate

Residual cover.-...-..-...-..-..-.-.....- 5,97 

Water..._____________........ 47,48,120

Sweden___- .- ._- --- ___ _____._ 38

Tennessee.................................... 36, 50

Tin

Alluvium.............. 13,22,23,71,73,87,99,101

Bog .deposits___....................... 91

Plants, accumulator..__............ 30,64,115

Residual cover...-.-_--.--......... 22, 23, 24,87

Rocks............................ 1,101,113,148

Water_._____........ _.._.__- ______ 63

Titanium

Residual cover.._____-........__-_._ 5,42

Rooks ..... ................. 42,148

Transported cover__._.__ 14, 26, 85,103,124,125,126

Tri-Statedistrict........---.- . .-- 24,30,42

Alluvium..__.-...._...._.............._ 73,99

Plants, accumulator ............ . 115

Residual cover................._........ 97,117

Utah _ _ _ _____......__.__..3, 27, 58, 60.

U, 8. S. R .... - _- 4, 5, 20, 21, 22,

23, 51, 52, 66,71,72,79,87,90,92,94,

95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 117, 118, 150

Abstract 

Union of South Africa.______..___.... 1,19

Vanadium

Residual cover............._-............ 42

Rocks......-----.....-..-...---...-.. 29,42,148

Venezuela__................_-_...__.. 11,12

Virginia.-___--.-_ .--_...........__ _... 26

Wall-rock halos

General. _--_--__-.-- ................ 84

Arsenic.......--.....-.........-.......--. 84

Beryllium__.__..._...._____... 113

Bismuth...--____._-____-__._--__-.-_... 148

Boron.. . - - - 148

Cobalt...- . . 148

Copper.................................. 49,148

Gold.... ... . 108

Lead.. 29,84,113

Lithium. 113

Manganese....--....-.-.....--.--.-..._ 148

Mercury... .._............._.. . 92

Molybdenum............-..---...-...... 113

Nickel...-..--..-...-.....--....-.. - 148

Niobium...--....,.....-......-...---. 113

Rare earths. . _. __. __. __ 113 

Silver....-.................--..-..,-- 49,148

Tin.--..--.-.-.........-...-.-----.... 113,148

Titanium....---......- . . ... . 148

Vanadium...--.-.. ...-..--.-----..-..- 148

Zinc 29,45,84,113

Zirconium,- - _.. __. _. _ _ 148 

Water

Boron.---.------..--.---.---..--- 20

Bromine.-----..--.__.................. 20

Copper. .. .__.............. 40,56,59,130

Gold.....--.-..-.--.....-..--..,--- 52,63

Heavy metals....... 14,40,96,103,144

Iron.... 47,57

Lead........--...-.......-..--.-....-. 40

Sulfate .-----.-..-...--.-..._- 47,48,120

Tin.. ..- _ __..-__------- 63

Zinc ......--..__................... 40,56,111

Weathering, review.... 80

Wisconsin___.. ... ___. 45

Wyoming..--__-____-------__------- 8

X-ray Spectrographic analysis.............. 123,129

Zinc

Bog deposits -. -_ ---_ _----__ -- 91,123 

Glacial cover...._--.-_-..____.__...____ 1O3,126

Plants, accumulator. .......... 10,

19, 30, 38, 86, 111, 115, 128, 134, 135,

138, 140, 142, 143, 145, 147.

Plants, indicator.._.._ ..__----_-._.. _ 19,57

Residual cover..."..."....".-"..".-"."."."."»>, 103

Rocks ................ 3,29,45,50,84,113,149

Transported cover 26

Water. 40,56, 111

Alluvium... , - 99

Rocks 148

O