The geochemistry of tungsten, with special reference to the rocks of the Uganda protectorate
Abstract
In recent years the quality of the abundance data for many elements has improved considerably. One exception to this is the data for tungsten, which is still very sparse and contradictory in character. In this paper the use of a new photometric procedure for the determination of tungsten is described, and new abundance data presented. The sampling is restricted to a small area, but in spite of this limitation, the survey is considered to be of general interest to geochemists. The distribution of tungsten in silicate rocks is shown to be positively skewed, and where sufficient numbers of determinations have been made, is shown to approximate to lognormal. A value of 1.4 p.p.m. is recommended for the terrestial abundance of tungsten in granitic rocks: further work is required before the abundance values given for carbonate and other silicate rocks can be considered to be of general application. Regional bias of the distribution of this element in granitic rocks, and variation of tungsten content with age in the sedimentary rock systems have been recorded. These observations are considered in relation to the general geochemistry of tungsten and the distribution of this element in rock-forming minerals.
- Publication:
-
Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
- Pub Date:
- July 1959
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0016-7037(59)90115-2
- Bibcode:
- 1959GeCoA..16..278J