Arsenic as an indicator element for mineralized volcanic pipes in the Red Mountains area, western San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Year: 1972
Type: report
Abstract: In the Red Mountains and adjacent areas, southwestern Colorado, selective testing was done for residual arsenic in surface rocks that have undergone strong acid-sulfate leaching.Analytical results from samples taken across exposed and partly concealed known mineralized volcanic pipes in this solfataric-type altered environment show the general usefulness of arsenic as a geochemical indicator element.The values of arsenic, enhanced by mercury, silver, lead, and locally bismuth and tin, increase over the ore bodies and outline sites for more detailed sampling and elaborate field and laboratory tests.This geochemical technique seems more applicable to preliminary testing for mineralized pipes than for fissures.Caution must be exercised in sample collection and preparation because the presence of pyrite interferes with the accuracy of field determinations.38'00' 55' 37'50' 0 107'45'
DOI: 10.3133/b1364
Language: English
Subfield: Geochemistry and Petrology
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W48510260