Identification and interpretation of mineralogy infiltration occurring in a chrome refractory collected in the Sudbury, Ontario region
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Date
1985
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explain the mineralogical changes that have occurred in a brick taken from a Sudbury copper smelter. A distinct color change is observable across a slab cut from the brick. The scanning electron microscope and computer x-ray analysis program explain the color changes. The x-ray images obtained indicate the brick is composed of magnesia and chrome spinel with very poor crystal bonding. It is this poor bonding that allows material to infiltrate the brick. It was found that copper was the major infiltrated element; however, trace amounts of sulfur, iron, and nickel also were observed. It appears that these elements derived from the processed ore do affect the mineralogy. The color change is the result of new minerals infiltrating the brick matrix. Native copper and cuprite have been clearly identified and there is a strong possibility that additional copper, iron, and nickel minerals have infiltrated to a lesser degree. Many figures illustrate, identify and explain the color changes caused by mineral infiltration.