Ore Microscopy and Microanalysis of the Nickeliferous Iron Ores from Komnina Vermion Area (N.W. Greece)

Abstract

Nickel laterites are considerable sources of nickel. To be successfully exploited it is important to know the mineralogical and microstructural characteristics of the ore. Besides, the identification of the mineralogical components as well as the fabric description, can lead to the interpretation of the mechanism of deposit genesis. The aim of the present study is the microscopic and microanalytical investigation of the Fe-Ni ores from Komnina Vermion area (N.W. Greece). The mineralogical composition of the ore is mainly hematite, quartz, chromite and chlorite, while in minor quantities goethite, nickeliferous chlorite, serpentine, talc and calcite are also present. The ore structure is allotriomorphic inequigranular and the texture is oolitic-pisolitic. According to microscopic examination the deposit can be registered as a secondary pseudo-autochthonous.