Work

Chernovite-(Y) and a uranium hot spot in the City of Aberdeen: oxidative mineralization of an orogenic unconformity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The manganite (manganese ore) deposit at Grandhome, City of Aberdeen, has an anomalously high uranium content and negligible thorium content. The very low Th/U ratio is characteristic of a supergene environment, in this case during Devonian exposure of basement rocks at the Caledonian unconformity. The uranium exceeds 100 ppm in mineralized whole rock, and up to 360 ppm in manganite ore. In manganite uranium resides in the yttrium arsenate mineral chernovite-(Y) as a substituent along with rare earth elements. Arsenic levels are an order of magnitude above background. The occurrence exemplifies low-temperature mineralization on orogenic exposure surfaces.

Source: Geochemistry Exploration Environment Analysis

DOI: 10.1144/geochem2026-032

Authors: J. Parnell, J. G. T. Armstrong

Institution: University of Aberdeen

Language: English

Topic: Geochemistry and Elemental Analysis

Subfield: Geochemistry and Petrology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Natural Environment Research Council

Award: Tellurium and Selenium Cycling and Supply