Abstract

Mineralogy of the radioactive pegmatites ofHumratGhannamalkali feldspar granite, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

Author(s): E.A.Hamoda

Radioactive anomalies are recorded in the pegmatite pockets hosted in themarginal zone ofGabalHumratGhannam alkali feldspar granitic pluton with older rocks, Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. These pegmatite bodies are the most important due to their higher radioactivity level. Generally, they are pink to red in color, elongated in the NE- SW and N-S relatively trends. They found as small bodies and pockets with dimensions ranging from 0.5 to 5 m in width and 10 to 50 m in length. Detailed microscopic examinations, environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and Electron microprobe analysis revealed the presence of several economic minerals in the pegmatite pockets. These minerals include zircon, thorite, uranophane, kasolite, xenotime, cassiterite and fluorite. Accordingly, the mineralized Humrat Ghannam pegmatites can be considered as a promising target for several economic metal values such as Zr, Th, U,Yb andY