Ore Microscopic, X-Ray and Trace Elemental Studies of a few Iron Ores from South India

Samples of iron ore from Kemmangundi (Mysore), Ongole (A. P.) and Salem (Tamilnadu) are investigated by ore microscopic, X-ray and spectrographic methods, and the results are presented.

Under the ore microscope, primary relict magnetite and secondary hematite are observed in ores of Kemmangundi. Magnetite is primary and hematite is secondary in ores from Ongole and Salem. X-ray study of Ongole and Salem ores does not indicate the presence of maghemite, and it is concluded that original magnetite is oxidized to hematite. The trace elements in ores of Kemmangundi are mainly Al and Ti, which are typical of residual hydrolysate sediments. There is depletion of elements like Si, Ca and Mg due to solution and leaching. The ores from Ongole and Salem are deficient in elements like Mn, Ni, Ti, Co, Cr, and V (Ferride group of elements), which feature is characteristic of metasediments.