TOPIC:

GEOCHEMISTRY
Geochemical exploration

A geochemical anomaly is a variation of

the normal geochemical distribution
corresponding to an area or a
geochemical environment. An anomaly
is expressed by means of numbers,
which can be separated from a larger
group of numbers constituting the
geochemical background.
I. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 2
II. OBJECTIVE.......................................................................................................................................... 2
III. GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION ..................................................................................................... 2
3.1. DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 2
3.2. GEOCHEMICAL LANDSCAPE.................................................................................................................... 3
3.3. GEOCHEMICAL ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................ 3
3.4. GEOCHEMICAL DISPERSION .................................................................................................................... 3
3.5. GEOCHEMICAL ANOMALY ....................................................................................................................... 3
3.6. VALUE OF FUND (BACKGROUND) ............................................................................................................ 4
3.7. ELEMENT INDICATOR, EXPLORER ELEMENT ........................................................................................... 4
3.7. STEPS FOR A GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION ........................................................................................... 5
3.8. TYPES OF GEOCHEMICAL ANOMALIES ..................................................................................................... 6
IV. CONCLUSIONS.................................................................................................................................. 6
V. BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................................................. 6
I. INTRODUCTION

Geochemical exploration has played a very important role in recent decades, thanks
to which it has been possible to search, locate, research and exploit various mineral
resources.
The geochemical method of exploration or prospecting respectively is an indirect
method. The geochemical exploration to minerals includes any method based on the
systematic measurement of one or several chemical properties of naturally formed
material. The trace content of an element or a group of elements is the common
property, which is measured.

It distinguishes the geochemical studies focused on a general recognition and the

more detailed geochemical studies applied in a promising area for a mineral deposit.
In addition, they can be classified based on the material analyzed.

II. OBJECTIVE

The objective of the geochemical exploration is the detection of zones or rocks with
concentrations of elements of economic interest that are above preset values; that
is, they are anomalous with respect to some known and defined range.

III. GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION

3.1. Definitions

It is the discipline that uses the principles of distribution and evolution of the
elements in the endogenous and exogenous cycles to apply them to the location
and exploration of mineral deposits of economic performance.

 Appropriate in areas where the rock is not exposed.

 Collection of background information at the beginning of the prospecting
work.
 The preliminary study of the geology of the area will suggest the class of
deposits and minerals present.
 The metal to be prospected must be identified for a review of its endogenous
and exogenous geochemical behavior.

Types of samples
 Rocks
 Floor
 Water
 Sediment
 Organic material
 Plants and animals
  Gases

3.2. Geochemical landscape

It is defined by the map of 'isocontents curves' for each of the elements studied.
The curves can determine a geochemical anomaly, an area where the
concentration of a selected element is consistent and significantly above the
'normal' values.

3.3. Geochemical environment

Set of factors such as temperature, pressure and chemical components that

determines the stability of the mineral and fluid phases in a given point of the
earth.

3.4. Geochemical dispersion

It is the process in which the atoms and particles of a given material are
mobilized to new geochemical sites and environments.
3.5. Geochemical anomaly

A geochemical anomaly is a variation of the normal geochemical distribution

corresponding to an area or a geochemical environment. An anomaly is
expressed by means of numbers, which can be separated from a larger group
of numbers constituting the geochemical background. To be detected an
anomaly has to deviate clearly from this background.
An anomaly must be considered with respect to some frame of reference; a
sample is not anomalous by itself.
 Significant anomaly: related to mineralization.
 False or non-significant anomaly: not related to mineralization (natural
processes, contamination, analytical errors.
3.6. Background value (background)
It is the normal abundance of element in a lithological unit in a certain area. It can
be local regional. In general it has a log-normal distribution.
3.7. Indicator element, explorer element
Indicator element, direct indicator or white element refers to one of the main
elements of the mineral deposit, which is expected to be found.
Scout element or pioneer element refers to an element associated with the
mineral deposit, but which can be detected more easily compared to the target
element, which can be dispersed in a more extended area and which is not
accompanied by so much background noise in comparison to the white element.
The selection of an explorer element requires a model of the mineral deposit,
which is expected to be discovered. Arsenic (As), for example, can present an
explorer element for the copper (Cu) search in a solid sulphide deposit, but it is
not an explorer for each type of copper deposit.
Table: Indicator elements and explorers of some types of mineral deposits

Asociación de menas Elemento indicador Elemento explorador

Pórfido cuprífero Cu, Mo Zn, Au, Re, Ag, As, F

Depósitos complejos de sulfuros Zn, Cu, Ag, Au Hg, As, S (en forma
de SO4), Sb, Se, Cd,
Ba, F, Bi

Vetas de metales preciosos Au, Ag As, Sb, Te, Mn, Hg,

I, F, Bi, Co, Se, Tl
 Depósitos del tipo ‘Skarn’ Mo, Zn, Cu B, Au, Ag, Fe, Be

Uranio en areniscas U Se, Mo, V, Rn, He,

Cu, Pb

Uranio en vetas U Cu, Bi, As, Co, Mo,

Ni, Pb, F

Cuerpos ultramáficos de oro Pt, Cr, Ni Cu, Co, Pd

3.7. Steps for a geochemical exploration

 Selection of the methods, of the elements of interest, of the necessary
sensitivity and precision and of the sampling network. Selections are made
based on costs, geological knowledge, available laboratory capacity and
preliminary research or experiences with similar areas.
 Preliminary sampling program, which includes immediate analysis of some
samples taken at the surface and at various depths in the subsoil to establish
the confidence margins and to evaluate the factors that contribute to
background noise.
 Analysis of the samples in the field and in the laboratory, including analysis
by means of several methods.
 Statistics of the results and geological evaluation of the data taking into
account the geological and geophysical data.
 Confirmation of apparent anomalies, sampling conducted in smaller areas
(sampling network with short spacing), analysis of samples and evaluation of
results.
 Research conducted with sampling and additional analysis of samples taken
in a previous step.
3.8. Types of geochemical anomalies
 Abnormalities in residual soils.
 Anomalies in gossan and covers affected by corrosion and leaching.
 Water anomalies
 Abnormalities in drainage sediments.

IV. CONCLUSIONS
 The geochemical exploration is the practical application of the geochemical
principles in the exploration of mineral and hydrocarbon deposits; its specific
objective is to find new deposits of metals and non-metals, accumulation of
oil and natural gas, using chemical methods
 The mining geochemical exploration is concentrated, particularly, on the
abundance, distribution and migration of the mineral elements or elements
closely associated with the minerals in order to detect metallic deposits.

V. BIBLIOGRAPHY
 file:///C:/Users/Compaq/Documents/yacimiento/exploracion%20geoquimica.
htm

 https://prezi.com/10ktn0asuy8p/geoquimica-en-la-prospeccion-minera/

 https://glosarios.servidor-alicante.com/geologia/prospeccion-geoquimica

 https://es.calameo.com/books/0008201298e5cdc55ab45