Evaluation of Ceramic and Refractory Grade Raw Materials in Alabama: Gibbsite in Saprolites of East-Central Alabama

摘要

Gibbsite, a major source of alumina, occurs in the northern and inner sections of the Piedmont province of Alabama in soils and saprolite derived from amphibolites, granites, feldspathetic hornblende gneiss, and other gneissic rocks. The major occurrence of gibbsite are in areas underlain by hornblende gneiss in Chambers and Randolph Counties. This region provides the proper physiographic and mineralogical setting for large areas containing up to 25 percent of saprolite gibbsite. These areas provide potential sources of alumina that could be used to meet the U.S. future needs. Narrow zones and pockets rich in gibbsite also occur in soil and saprolite derived from a really restricted feldspar-rich zones of narrow linear amphibolites in the inner Piedmont and feldspathic zones in various granites distributed throughout the Piedmont.