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Using the geologic setting of talc deposits as an indicator of amphibole asbestos content

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

This study examined commercial talc deposits in the U.S. and their amphibole-asbestos content. The study found that the talc-forming environment directly influenced the amphibole and amphibole-asbestos content of the talc deposit. Large talc districts in the U.S. have mined hydrothermal talcs that replaced dolostone. Hydrothermal talcs, created by siliceous fluids heated by magmas at depth, consistently lack amphiboles as accessory minerals. In contrast, mineable talc deposits that formed by contact or regional metamorphism consistently contain amphiboles, locally as asbestiform varieties. Examples of contact metamorphic deposits occur in Death Valley, California; these talc-tremolite deposits contain accessory amphibole-asbestos. Talc bodies formed by regional metamorphism always contain amphiboles, which display a variety of compositions and habits, including asbestiform. Some industrial mineral deposits are under scrutiny as potential sources of accessory asbestos minerals. Recognizing consistent relations between the talc-forming environment and amphibole-asbestos content may be used in prioritizing remediation or monitoring of abandoned and active talc mines.

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Acknowledgements

This paper benefited from critical reviews by Robert Virta of the U.S. Geological Survey and Larry Macken of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The authors thank Richard Anderson of Death Valley National Park for granting us permission to sample historic talc mines within the Park. Thanks also to Mike Cerino of Luzenac America, Inc., for a tour of their Yellowstone mine, Montana, and for providing permission to sample. The authors appreciate the suggestions provided by Dr. Bernard W. Evans, University of Washington, and Dr. Theodore C. Labotka, University of Tennessee, regarding research techniques that could be applied to model the observations presented in this paper. This study was funded by the U.S. Geological Survey; helpful counsel and support was provided by project chiefs Gregory Meeker and Geoffrey Plumlee.

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  1. U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, M.S. 905, Box 25046, Denver, CO, 80225, USA

    Bradley S. Van Gosen, Heather A. Lowers, Stephen J. Sutley & Carol A. Gent

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  1. Bradley S. Van Gosen
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Correspondence to Bradley S. Van Gosen.

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Van Gosen, B.S., Lowers, H.A., Sutley, S.J. et al. Using the geologic setting of talc deposits as an indicator of amphibole asbestos content. Env Geol 45, 920–939 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-003-0955-2

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