| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1753588 | International Journal of Coal Geology | 2011 | 9 Pages |
Mineral sublimates from the Ruth Mullins fire in abandoned underground and surface mines in the high volatile A bituminous Middle Pennsylvanian Hazard No. 7 coalbed, Perry County, Kentucky, were examined by optical mineralogy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution–transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Optical examination revealed the presence of salammoniac and a fine, unidentified fibrous mineral. XRD also showed the presence of salammoniac, along with trace amounts of quartz, kaolinite, and, possibly, phengite. Both cubic and dendritic salammoniac forms were observed with HR-TEM. Gypsum, jarosite, with cubic pseudomorphs after pyrite, and Fe-minerals, including Cr-bearing hematite in association with jarosite, were observed with HR-TEM. Dehydration of jarosite can lead to the formation of less hydrous Fe-sulfates and hematite.
Research Highlights►Ultrafine minerals are found in inorganic deposits from an eastern Kentucky coal fire. ►Salammoniac is ubiquitous, present in both cubic and dendritic forms. ►Glassy Al–SI spheres with an anglesite coating were noted by HR-TEM. ►Trace elements are associated with the mineral phases. ►Trace elements are associated with fullerene carbons as nanoparticles.
