Gypsum, halotrichite, and szomolnokite from Vinton County, Ohio
Loading...
Date
1982-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Samples of sulphate and carbonate efflorescences were collected for identification from several abandoned coalmine tunnels, cliff overhangs, and other sheltered sites along the Sandy Run Creek in Brown Township, Vinton County, Ohio. These samples were analyzed optically and using x-ray powder diffractometer techniques in order to positively identify the minerals present. Of the six samples analyzed, four proved to be gypsum, one contained both halotrichite, FeAL2 (SO 4 ).22H2O and szomolnokite, FeSO4.H2O; and the last was determined to be calcite. One of the sites visited during this study was examined earlier by Foster and Brant, who collected and identified magnesian halotrichite, but did not find szomolnokite (Foster and Brant, 1959). The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the study done on the recent samples including identification data, locality descriptions, and a report on the processes involved in the deposition of these efflorescences.