Application of Geochemistry to Emerald Exploration in Swat, Pakistan
Abstract
There are very few cases in the world where geochemistry has been used for emerald exploration. The present studies to find out geochemical pathfinders for emerald mineralization in Swat are hence significant.
Geochemical characteristics of the emerald bearing rocks of Swat Emerald Mines have been determined. For this purpose, rock and stream sediment analyses of mineralized and non-mineralized areas are carried out using Induced Couple Plasma Emission Spectrometry.
Univariate and multi-variate studies on the analytical results of 105 rock and stream sediment samples of Swat Emerald Mines and Malam area were carried out. These studies reveal that high Be along with high Li, Sr and La may be taken as pathfinders for emerald mineralization in the Swat Emerald Mines.
Malam was selected as target area where talc-carbonate have the same physical and mineralogical characters like that of the Swat Emerald Mines. In this area no significant anomalies could be distinguished using the geochemical model of Swat Emerald Mines, however, high Be and Li anomalies are evident in Malam stream sediments. Such geochemical studies, if carried out in conjunction with mineralogical and structural studies of a particular area, would be more helpful for pinpointing its emerald mineralization.
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