Date of Award

12-2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Program

Earth & Environmental Science

Department

Earth and Environmental Sciences

Major Professor

William B. Simmons, Jr.

Second Advisor

Alexander U. Falster

Third Advisor

Karen L. Webber

Abstract

Investigation of phosphate assemblages selectively collected at the Fletcher Mine pegmatite, North Groton, New Hampshire, yielded eighteen discrete secondary phosphate species. Secondary phases were formed via metasomatic (high temperature) and hydrothermal (low temperature) alteration of primary triphylite and fluorapatite. Mineral associations bear proximal phases known to occur under contrasting conditions, both oxidizing and reducing, suggesting the formation of microenvironments during concomitant mineral generation. Late-stage hydrothermal fluids provide ions taken up in low temperature secondary phases with calcium and magnesium most prevalent in these suites. High iron to manganese ratios in analyzed specimens establish the relative evolution of the pegmatite host. Ubiquitous presence of Huréaulite in all associations suggests trend in late-stage cooling. An unidentified aluminum rich phase requires further investigation. Updated standards of pegmatite classification allow for more precise categorization of the Fletcher Pegmatite based on mineralogy and complexity.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

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