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The mineralogy of efflorescence on As calciner buildings in SW England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2018

M. R. Power ,
D. Pirrie ,
G. S. Camm  and
J. C. Ø. Andersen
M. R. Power
Affiliation:
36 Cherry Tree Lane, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Clwyd LL28 5YH, UK
D. Pirrie*
Affiliation:
Helford Geoscience LLP, Menallack Farm, Treverva, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9BP, UK
G. S. Camm
Affiliation:
Camborne Schoolof Mines, Schoolof Geography, Archaeology and Earth Resources, University of Exeter, Tremough Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
J. C. Ø. Andersen
Affiliation:
Camborne Schoolof Mines, Schoolof Geography, Archaeology and Earth Resources, University of Exeter, Tremough Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
*
* E-mail: dpirrie@helfordgeoscience.co.uk
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Abstract

Arsenic is a very common by-product of the processing of Cu, Au and polymetallic ores worldwide, where the ore is roasted (calcined) to remove volatile elements. In southwest England, a diverse range of As-mineral species occur as efflorescent secondary mineral growths on historic calciner buildings. Gypsum occurs as abundant dendritic growths comprising either interlocking blades or tabular crystals. Ca-arsenate minerals are locally very abundant as white colloform masses. Positively identified Ca arsenates include pharmacolite, weilite and haidingerite. Other secondary minerals include arsenolite, scorodite, bukovskyite and an As-bearing potassium alum, together with a wide variety of unidentified minerals, including an Al-As-S phase and As-rich F-bearing phases. Gypsum contains As concentrations up to ~7 wt.%. Efflorescent growth at sites exposed to the prevailing weather systems is less abundant than at sheltered sites. This is interpreted as being due to ‘pressure washing’ of exposed sites by driving rain. Successive concentric growths of gypsum and Ca arsenate on masonry are interpreted as being the result of seasonal crystallization.

Understanding both current and historicalmining and mineralprocessing methods is criticalin the evaluation of the potential impact on the modern environment. In particular, due to the abundance of As-bearing minerals in a wide range of ore types, many buildings worldwide are potentially significantly contaminated with As even though few are directly related to As production or handling. Characterizing the secondary As mineralspecies present at mine and mineralprocessing sites is critical in understanding the potentialheal th risk these sites might pose.

Keywords

As calcinersgypsumarsenoliteCa arsenateSW England.
Type
Research Article
Information
Mineralogical Magazine , Volume 73 , Issue 1 , February 2009 , pp. 27 - 42
Copyright
Copyright © The Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland 2009

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