New occurrence of albitite from Nubra valley, Ladakh: Characterization from mineralogy and whole rock geochemistry

Abstract

We report here the occurrence of albitite in Nubra valley of Ladakh region in the Trans-Himalaya area within Indian Territory at 34°44'46″N and 77°33'8″E before Panamik (in the Wish Pond, local name of the area). The albitite has been characterized by petrography, mineral chemistry, X-ray diffraction and whole rock geochemistry (i.e. major, trace and rare earth elements (REE)). The albitite comprises 85-96% albite and amphibole, whereas apatite, zircon and ilmenite occur as accessory minerals. The textural relationship and geochemical data indicate its igneous origin. The albitite contains about 5-6 ppm U and Th which may possibly host U-REE mineralization.