Mineralogy of Orangeites

Abstract

The mineralogy of orangeites has not been extensively studied as data for these rocks have typically been incorporated with studies of kimberlites(sensu lato).Thus, previous studies did not attempt to delineate mineral assemblages and compositional trends which could be used to discriminate between each group of rocks. This chapter is based upon many new analyses of minerals in archetypal kimberlites and orangeites. The study of the latter is far from definitive as detailed studies have been made only of the major silicate and oxide minerals and not all occurrences of orangeites have been examined. The minor and accessory minerals require much further investigation, and the data presented here should be regarded merely as a reconnaissance study.