Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Sta. Cruz Nickel Laterite Deposit, Zambales, Philippines
In this study, we present mineralogical and geochemical characterization of samples systematically collected from a nickel laterite profile at the Sta. Cruz nickel laterite deposit, Zambales, Philippines. Wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WDSXRF), mass-balance element mobility c...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2022-02-01
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| Series: | Minerals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/12/3/305 |
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| author | Karmina A. Aquino Carlo A. Arcilla Christian Schardt Carmela Alen J. Tupaz |
| author_facet | Karmina A. Aquino Carlo A. Arcilla Christian Schardt Carmela Alen J. Tupaz |
| author_sort | Karmina A. Aquino |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In this study, we present mineralogical and geochemical characterization of samples systematically collected from a nickel laterite profile at the Sta. Cruz nickel laterite deposit, Zambales, Philippines. Wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WDSXRF), mass-balance element mobility calculations, transmitted and reflected light microscopy, and previously reported results from coupled X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement analyses reveal that the laterite profile investigated is composed of two main horizons—the limonite and saprolite zones—separated by a thin transitional zone. Based primarily on the mineral assemblage and major element chemistry, the main zones are further subdivided into subzones: upper limonite, lower limonite, transitional zone, upper saprolite, and lower saprolite. Garnierite veins were observed cutting the upper and lower saprolite subzones. Investigation of the structure of goethite within the limonite zone via Rietveld refinement shows that the crystallinity of goethite decreases with increasing Ni content and increasing crystallite size. This suggests that upwards through the limonite zone, as goethite ages, its crystallinity increases, which possibly results in the removal of Ni from its crystal structure and eventual remobilization to the lower laterite zones. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T13:14:23Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-393eb926878f424492b4f3b2ef1e18a7 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-163X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T13:14:23Z |
| publishDate | 2022-02-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Minerals |
| spelling | doaj.art-393eb926878f424492b4f3b2ef1e18a72023-11-30T21:38:15ZengMDPI AGMinerals2075-163X2022-02-0112330510.3390/min12030305Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Sta. Cruz Nickel Laterite Deposit, Zambales, PhilippinesKarmina A. Aquino0Carlo A. Arcilla1Christian Schardt2Carmela Alen J. Tupaz3Department of Earth Sciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich (ETH Zürich), Sonneggstrasse 5, 8092 Zürich, SwitzerlandNational Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the Philippines, Velasquez St., Diliman, Quezon City 1101, PhilippinesArtec Umweltpraxis GmbH, Fabrikgasse 2, 08294 Lößnitz, GermanyFaculty of the International Resource Sciences, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, JapanIn this study, we present mineralogical and geochemical characterization of samples systematically collected from a nickel laterite profile at the Sta. Cruz nickel laterite deposit, Zambales, Philippines. Wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WDSXRF), mass-balance element mobility calculations, transmitted and reflected light microscopy, and previously reported results from coupled X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement analyses reveal that the laterite profile investigated is composed of two main horizons—the limonite and saprolite zones—separated by a thin transitional zone. Based primarily on the mineral assemblage and major element chemistry, the main zones are further subdivided into subzones: upper limonite, lower limonite, transitional zone, upper saprolite, and lower saprolite. Garnierite veins were observed cutting the upper and lower saprolite subzones. Investigation of the structure of goethite within the limonite zone via Rietveld refinement shows that the crystallinity of goethite decreases with increasing Ni content and increasing crystallite size. This suggests that upwards through the limonite zone, as goethite ages, its crystallinity increases, which possibly results in the removal of Ni from its crystal structure and eventual remobilization to the lower laterite zones.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/12/3/305nickel lateriteslateritizationserpentinizationweatheringgoethite ageing |
| spellingShingle | Karmina A. Aquino Carlo A. Arcilla Christian Schardt Carmela Alen J. Tupaz Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Sta. Cruz Nickel Laterite Deposit, Zambales, Philippines Minerals nickel laterites lateritization serpentinization weathering goethite ageing |
| title | Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Sta. Cruz Nickel Laterite Deposit, Zambales, Philippines |
| title_full | Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Sta. Cruz Nickel Laterite Deposit, Zambales, Philippines |
| title_fullStr | Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Sta. Cruz Nickel Laterite Deposit, Zambales, Philippines |
| title_full_unstemmed | Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Sta. Cruz Nickel Laterite Deposit, Zambales, Philippines |
| title_short | Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of the Sta. Cruz Nickel Laterite Deposit, Zambales, Philippines |
| title_sort | mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the sta cruz nickel laterite deposit zambales philippines |
| topic | nickel laterites lateritization serpentinization weathering goethite ageing |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/12/3/305 |
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