Heavy Minerals of Certain Quartzites from Malaya: a Study in Differentiation and Correlation

• Main Author: Alexander, Joseph Brightwell
• Format: Others
• Published: 1950
• Online Access: https://thesis.library.caltech.edu/5577/1/Alexander_jb_1950.pdf; Alexander, Joseph Brightwell (1950) Heavy Minerals of Certain Quartzites from Malaya: a Study in Differentiation and Correlation. Master's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/5WW2-9A15. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03052010-105800539 <https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03052010-105800539>

<p>This paper has a three-fold aim.</p> <p>Firstly, it demonstrates the practicability of a mechanical method alternative to panning for the preliminary concentration, prior to final bromoform separation, of arenaceous materials carrying only very small percentages of heavy mineral residues. This method utilizes the laboratory Aafley concentrating-table and the Haultain superpanner, with crushed calcite stained green by basic cupric nitrate for visual control to ensure reasonable recovery.</p> <p>Secondly, it serves to present some fresh ideas for the computation of comparative indices and for the illustrative graphical representation of statistical data. Empirical colour ratios and roundness ratios are calculated, in addition to volume frequency ratios of tourmaline, rutile, and zircon, for each grade size of concentrate obtained, and corresponding coefficients are derived for each sample over a common range of grade sizes.</p> <p>Thirdly, it records the results obtained in conjunction with an optical examination of the heavy minerals separated from various quartzites occurring in certain areas of Malaya. The diagnostic feature of the data determined by this preliminary investigation indicate the possibilities of utilizing heavy mineral characteristics, as analternative to fossil evidence, for the differentiation or correlation of these quartzites.</p>