Uranium Mineralizanon in Singhbhum Shear Zone, Bihar: I. Ore Mineralogy and Petrography

Abstract

More than fifty ore minerals have been identified in the uranium and copper deposits of the zone. Uranium occurs in several forms-uraninite, sooty pitchblende, refractory uranium-bearing minerals like allanite, davidite. sphene, xenotime, etc., secondary uranium minerals and uraniferous iron oxides. Other ore minerals include sulphides of Cu, Ni, Mo and Fe, tellurides of Bi and Ni and native metals Bi, Au, Ag and Te.

The structure, texture and paragenetic association of uranium minerals in the different sectors of the shear zone differ considerably, indicating varying physicochemical conditions of their formation. The study also shows that more than one episode of mineralization has taken place.