Objective:

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To evaluate the quality of Limonitum from differentmineral genesis and select its high qualitymineral resources by analyzing itsmineral compositions and content.

Method:

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Themineral compositions and content of different samples were analyzed by polarizing microscope and X-ray diffraction

and goethite content was taken as the evaluation index. SPSS 16.0 statistical software was used for hierarchical cluster analysis of themineral compositions in different samples.

Result:

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Limonite

quartz

illite and mica kaolinite were the main components of Limonitum from leaching disseminated type. Sedimentary type limonite was mainly composed of limonite

quartz and albite. Residual-alteration type limonite was mainly composed of limonite

quartz

diopside and carnallite. The content of goethite in limonite was highest (46.4%) in sedimentary type limonite from Jiangxi province

followed by that in leaching-disseminated type from Jiangsu province (17.9%) and leaching-disseminated type from Shandong province (0.5%). The content of sedimentary goethite was higher than 12.0%and the content of leaching-disseminated type goethite was between 0.5%and 18.0%

with significant difference; and the content of residual-alteration type was below 3.0%. Cluster analysis ofmineral components in different samples showed that 6 samples of leaching-dissemination type were clustered into one group

3 samples of sedimentation type were clustered into one group

and 2 samples of residual-alteration type were clustered into one group.

Conclusion:

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The quality of sedimentary type Limonitum in Jiangxi is the best. Generally

the quality of sedimentary type is better than that of leaching-disseminated type

and the quality of leaching disseminated type is better than that of residual-alteration type.