Can Imaging Spectroscopy Divulge the Process Mechanism of Mineralization? Inferences from the Talc Mineralization, Jahazpur, India

Talc deposits of Jahazpur, Rajasthan, hosted by dolomite, are one of the largest high-quality talc deposits in India. In the present study, we use AVIRIS-NG datasets to study the link between the spatial pattern of talc mineralization, associated alteration minerals, and iron-oxide enrichment. It is noted that the majority of talc-bearing areas are characterized by the presence of clay minerals, such as an intimate mixture of kaolinite and muscovite, illite, dickite (indicative of phyllic and argillic alteration), and also enhanced iron enrichment. The talc-bearing zones are located adjacent to quartz-rich lithologies, and they are aligned along the Jahazpur thrust. Based on mineralogical and geological evidence, hydrothermal alteration of dolomites by silica and iron-rich fluid is proposed as major factorcontrolling talc mineralization. This study has implications for the identification of prospective zones of talc mineralization using imaging spectroscopy.

Automated summary

In this study, AVIRIS-NG datasets were used to investigate the relationship between the spatial pattern of talc mineralization, associated alteration minerals, and iron-oxide enrichment in the talc deposits of Jahazpur, Rajasthan, India. It was found that the talc-bearing areas were characterized by the presence of clay minerals, such as a mixture of kaolinite and muscovite, illite, and dickite, as well as enhanced iron enrichment. The talc-bearing zones were located next to quartz-rich lithologies and were aligned along the Jahazpur thrust. Hydrothermal alteration of dolomites by silica and iron-rich fluid is proposed as the major factor controlling talc mineralization. This study has important implications for the identification of prospective zones of talc mineralization using imaging spectroscopy.