%0 Journal Article
%T Geology and Mineralogy of Uranium Deposits from Mount Isa, Australia: Implications for Albitite Uranium Deposit Models
%A Andy Wilde
%A Alex Otto
%A John Jory
%A Colin MacRae
%A Mark Pownceby
%A Nick Wilson
%A Aaron Torpy
%J Minerals
%D 2013
%I MDPI AG
%R 10.3390/min3030258
%X New geological, bulk chemical and mineralogical (QEMSCAN and FEG-EPMA) data are presented for albitite-type uranium deposits of the Mount Isa region of Queensland, Australia. Early albitisation of interbedded metabasalt and metasiltstone predated intense deformation along D 2 high strain (mylonite) zones. The early sodic alteration paragenetic stage includes albite, riebeckite, aegirine, apatite, zircon and magnetite. This paragenetic stage was overprinted by potassic microveins, containing K-feldspar, biotite, coffinite, brannerite, rare uraninite, ilmenite and rutile. An unusual U-Zr phase has also been identified which exhibits continuous solid solution with a uranium silicate possibly coffinite or nenadkevite. Calcite, epidote and sulphide veinlets represent the latest stage of mineralisation. This transition from ductile deformation and sodic alteration to vein-controlled uranium is mirrored in other examples of the deposit type. The association of uranium with F-rich minerals and a suite of high field strength elements; phosphorous and zirconium is interpreted to be indicative of a magmatic rather than metamorphic or basinal fluid source. No large intrusions of appropriate age outcrop near the deposits; but we suggest a relationship with B- and Be-rich pegmatites and quartz-tourmaline veins.
%K uranium
%K high field strength elements
%K albitite-type
%K Valhalla
%K Bikini
%K Skal
%K Mount Isa
%K Australia
%K brittle-ductile transition
%U http://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/3/3/258