NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA June 2004 Juin 2004 2004 AWARDS HAWLEY MEDAL TO MUNGALL AND BRENAN ne of the highlights of our annual meeting, held jointly with the Geological Association of Canada in St. Catharines, from May 12 to 14, was the presentation of awards at the Annual Luncheon. About 80 people were in attendance for this heartwarming event. The Hawley Medal for best paper published in The Canadian Mineralogist in 2003 was presented to Dr. James E. Mungall and Dr. James M. Brenan, from the University of Toronto, for their paper “Experimental Evidence for the Chalcophile Behavior of the Halogens” (Vol. 41, Part 1, pages 207-220). O S U M M A R Y Features 2004 Awards 1 Kaolinite Properties and Conditions of Formation 12 From the Newsletter Editor 2 Editorial 3 Association News 6 Highlights of Council Meeting Publication News 10 The paper is based on the observation that “unusual abundances of halogen-rich minerals are found in close spatial association with base-metal and precious-metal sulfide mineralization cogenetic with igneous rocks in several localities worldwide.” Mungall and Brenan’s investigation of the partitioning of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine between coexisting silicate and sulfide liquids established that chlorine, bromine, and iodine have significant solubilities in sulfide liquids but that fluorine does not. In associated experiments on chlorine in Fe-Cu sulfide melts, they found that chlorine substantially lowers the melting point of monosulfide solid-solution, is moderately incompatible in monosulfide solidsolution, and thus is enriched in the residual melt. These results led to the conclusions Members in the News 15 Roger Mitchell Peter Russell Obituary 16 Louise Stevenson Conference News 17 Kimberlite Conference Ion Microprobe Workshop Infrared Spectroscopy Short Course Students’ Pages 19 Letters to the Editor 22 Calendar 23 Outside News 23 This Newsletter constitutes an insert to The Canadian Mineralogist, Volume 42, Part 3 James Brenan (left) receiving the Hawley Medal from President Dan Kontak, on behalf of co-author Jim Mungall (at field school) 72 that “...sulfide melts are capable of dissolving and transporting significant concentrations of halogens in the absence of an aqueous fluid” and that “...observed enrichments in halogens in some mineralized environments are consistent with ore deposition by purely magmatic processes.” These are major changes in our understanding and interpretation of basemetal and precious-metal sulfide mineralization. Although the authors pointed out that this is a reconnaissance study, the preliminary results lead to implications and Continued on page 4 NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 F R O M T H E ne to go! I feel a sense of nostalgia as I write this note. Only one more MAC Newsletter; then I will enlarge my responsibilities to Elements, the new magazine we will co-publish with several other societies. This is such an exciting voyage. You can read about the latest developments under Publication News. O ABOUT MAIL I received more mail than usual following the last Newsletter. I am always learning in this job. My reviews of two popular geology books upset a reader. My apologies if I unintentionally gave the impression that the Atlantic Geoscience Society was a Nova Scotia Society. Two readers wrote to say they preferred the new Serif font used in the NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 N E W S L E T T E R E D I T O R last Newsletter. And I received comments about electronic publishing, which you can read about on page 22. READ RECENTLY On Writing – a Memoir of the Craft, by Stephen King. I enjoyed this book, part autobiography and part tip-sharing, on the art of writing. One tip I picked up and will try to put into practice is “The adverb is not your friend”. In his Toolbox chapter, King highly recommends The Elements of Style, by W. Strunk Jr. and E.B. White, a classic in its fourth edition, which I promptly ordered. The story behind this book is fascinating. Strunk, an English professor at Cornell University, felt strongly about bold, clear, and precise writing. He sum- marized his rules in a small book, which he self-published and sold to his students. Several years after his death, E.B. White (of Charlotte’s Web fame), one of his former students, was asked to update the book for publication. Now in its fourth edition, this little book has quite a following: you can read more than 500 reviews of it on the Amazon.com site, almost all positive. It is the first grammar and stylebook I have read from cover to cover. My only quibble is its size: it is small and can easily be misplaced, which I did… I will order a couple more copies, just to make sure I always have one on hand. ❖ SPECIAL ISSUE OF CANADIAN MINERALOGIST Canadian llCentre canadien Lightl lde rayonnement Sourcell synchrotron S3: Sulfides, Structures and Synchrotron Light – A symposium in honor of Mike Fleet In keeping with Mike’s research interests, the special issue will feature papers on such diverse topics as experimental PGE geochemistry, crystal chemistry/crystallography, and diffraction and synchrotron radiation studies of minerals and melts. Colleagues and former students are encouraged to submit a manuscript. Submission deadline: August 31, 2004 Submit: 1) Mail 2 paper copies and an electronic version (CD) Or 2) E-mail an electronic version as a PDF attachment To one of the following: Grant Henderson Geology Department University of Toronto 22 Russell Street Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3B1 Canada granth@geology.utoronto.ca 2 Yuanming Pan Department of Geological Sciences 114 Science Place University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2 Canada yuanming.pan@usask NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 E D I T O R I A L ELEMENTS AND KEEPING IN TOUCH BY PIERRETTE TREMBLAY s we announced in Newsletter 71, the MAC Newsletter will be discontinued at the end of this year. At that time, we will become co-publisher of Elements – an International Magazine of Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Petrology and will divert the funds currently devoted to the Newsletter to the new magazine. A When my husband heard about this proposal, he got rather upset and argued that this new magazine and the Newsletter have two entirely different purposes, the latter to develop a sense of belonging among our members, whereas Elements will be a platform to tell the rest of the world about the exciting things we do. He is right: we are taking the gamble MAC Newsletter Number 72, June 2004 Publisher Mineralogical Association of Canada P.O. Box 78087 Meriline Postal Outlet 1460 Merivale Road Ottawa ON K2E 1B1 Canada Tel. and fax: 613-226-4651 E-mail: canmin.mac.ottawa@sympatico.ca Web: www.mineralogicalassociation.ca The Mineralogical Association of Canada was incorporated in 1955 to promote and advance the knowledge of mineralogy and the related disciplines of crystallography, petrology, geochemistry, and economic geology. that reaching out will pay off in several ways. First, by raising the profile of the mineral sciences in general. For example, we will make sure that a subscription to Elements goes to key people in the NSERC Reallocation Committee. Second, this is the first large project on which several mineralogical and geochemical societies have collaborated. There is a lot more to be gained by collaborating than by competing against one another. Who knows what this first common project will lead to! How then will we keep that sense of cohesiveness among our members? I, for one, plan to make greater use of e-mail communication. I have started to send e-mails when an issue of The Canadian Mineralogist is shipped and have included various pieces of news. (If you have never received such an e-mail message, Any person engaged or interested in the fields of mineralogy, crystallography, petrology, geochemistry, and economic geology can become a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada. Membership benefits include six issues a year of The Canadian Mineralogist, free access to the electronic version of the Journal, a 20% discount on publications of the Association and a discount on the registration fee at our annual meeting held jointly with the Geological Association of Canada. Membership dues for 2004 are $90. Membership dues for students and retired individuals are $30 a year. Dues are in CDN$ for Canadian memberships and in US$ for memberships outside Canada. Institutions and corporations may subscribe to The Canadian Mineralogist for US$390 a year (outside Canada) or CDN$390 (in Canada). Subscription includes site-license access to the electronic version at no additional cost to the institution. Institutions and corporations may also become a sustaining member of the Association for $600 a year. it means that I do not have an e-mail address for you or that the one I have is wrong. Please contact me at pierrette_tremblay@inrs-ete.uquebec.ca) We will also develop a section on our web site for announcements so that you our members will have to make a visit from time to time. I also plan to include memos with mailings of the Journal as the need arises. Also a lot of our news will find its way into Elements as we have the equivalent of two pages per issue. As Managing Editor of the new magazine, I will also be seeking conference reports, short-course announcements, people news, etc.. As long as MAC members are pro-active, we will be well represented. We welcome your thoughts on this topic: please write us at mac.amc1@sympatico.ca ❖ President: Daniel J. Kontak, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, NS Layout: Info 1000 Mots Inc. Printer: J.B. Deschamps Inc. The opinions expressed in this Newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Mineralogical Association of Canada. Past President: Norm M. Halden, University of Manitoba, MB Vice-President: Kurt Kyser, Queen’s University, ON Secretary: Andy McDonald, Laurentian University, ON Treasurer: Mati Raudsepp, University of British Columbia, BC The Mineralogical Association of Canada publishes the Newsletter three times a year as a service to its members and subscribers. Send articles for the Newsletter to the Editor: Pierrette Tremblay 1260 de la Chaudière Saint-Rédempteur, QC, G6K 1C5 E-mail: mac.amc1@sympatico.ca Contributors to this issue: Alan Anderson, Jeffrey M. Byrnes, Cara Donnelly, Claire Fialips, Bruce Jago, Matthieu Lapointe, Robert F. Martin, Frank Hawthorne, Jeanne Percival, Eric Potter, Julie Roberge Revision: Thomas Clark, Dolores Durant 3 Deadline for next Newsletter: September 15, 2004. ISSN 0076-8936 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP) toward our mailing costs. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40011842 PAP REGISTRATION NO. 09397 RETURN UNDELIVERABLES CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. 330-123 MAIN STREET TORONTO ON M5W 1A1 Email: circdept@publisher.com NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 F E A T U R E tions of synchrotron radiation X-ray spectroscopy to toxic species in mine tailings sets new standards for stewardship of the environment. 2004 AWARDS (Cont’d from p. 1) speculations in a number of areas. The previously observed elevated ratio of Cl/Br in alteration halos around sulfide ore bodies in the Sudbury igneous complex can be explained by the results in this paper, thus confirming that high Cl/Br ratios are a useful exploration guide. The presence of lawrencite [(Fe,Ni)Cl2] in grains of Fe-Ni alloy in lunar basalts and iron-nickel meteorites now can be explained. The possibility that halogens may have been preferentially differentiated into the core of the early Earth has implications for dating events in the formation of the Earth. The results presented in this paper will have a profound impact on research in many areas of the Earth sciences. Mungall and Brenan’s findings on the solubilities of halogens in sulfide melts are factors that must be considered in any research program on sulfides. YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD TO YUANMING PAN Yuanming Pan was educated in Earth sciences at The Wuhan College of Geology, Beijing, and the University of Western Ontario. His Ph.D. and postdoctoral research at Western centered on mineralogy and rock-fluid interaction in the Hemlo gold mining district. In just a few short years, he authored and co-authored a wealth of original and innovative research papers on various aspects of mineral deposits: on calc-silicate minerals and hydrothermal alteration, Ba-micas, Ba-feldspars, vanadium minerals, REE-rich minerals and geochemistry, apatite, rock-fluid interaction, and geochemistry Yuanming Pan (left) receiving the Young Scientist Award from Dan Kontak and alteration at the Hemlo gold deposit and the Manitouwadge VMS deposit. After joining the University of Saskatchewan in 1993, Yuanming Pan’s research interests expanded into experimental studies, including the synthesis and crystal chemistry of apatite, the partitioning of Ba and Sr, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and infrared reflectance (IR) spectroscopy. Pan has pioneered the application of EPR to the distribution of trace elements in fluorapatite, including quantitative, quantum mechanical spin-hamiltonian analysis of rare-earth element siting. This research has opened the door for the structural investigation of trace-element problems that were never before tractable, such as non-Henry’s law behavior of REE partitioning. He is also the first to use EPR and cathodoluminescence in conjunction to characterize radiation damage in quartz from uranium orebodies in the Athabasca Basin. Pan is now an international expert on mineral-fluid inter4 action in skarns, the geochemistry of phosphates, and the application of mineral spectroscopy to problems in ore deposit mineralogy and geochemistry. Pan has also been a leader in establishing and/or using unique analytical facilities. He is part of the team creating the first Canadian national EPR facility. He has received funding for and commissioned an XRF-microprobe. He has established a short-wave infrared reflectance (SWIR) spectroscopy laboratory and has used this instrument to document the type of clay alteration proximal to uranium orebodies in the Athabasca Basin. His publications on structural investigations of hydrocarbon compounds in the Athabasca and Witwatersrand Basins using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), EPR, and magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy to elucidate the roles of organic compounds in gold and uranium deposits are a first. His research on applica- Yuanming Pan has produced highly original science consistently for 14 years and publishes prodigiously in peerreviewed international journals. Yet his hallmarks are the range of topics, his multidimensional approach, and the creativity and originality of his studies. Furthermore, he is an eminent teacher of mineralogy, mineral deposits, and igneous and metamorphic geology and is held in esteem by his students. In summary, Yuanming Pan has made a brilliant start to what will be an outstanding research career. PAST-PRESIDENTS’ MEDAL TO FREDERICK J. WICKS Fred Wicks is recognized as the world’s leading expert on the serpentine minerals. His research has focused on this complex group of minerals since his Ph.D. work at Oxford in the late 1960s. This was a time when new advances in technology were promising great advances in our knowledge of the common rockforming minerals, and the temptation to work on minerals more tractable than serpentine must have been great. However, the decision to tackle the crystal chemistry and the intriguing textural aspects of the serpentine minerals showed both insight and courage. Fred pioneered the use of X-ray microdiffraction techniques in mineralogy, applying them to the study of the textural aspects of serpentine crystallization in situ. At the same time, he saw NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 F E A T U R E is providing baseline mineralogical information and work in which his expertise in TGAEGA is of particular importance. Fred also has a significant interest in gemstones and has used a wide variety of modern mineralogical techniques to study the Muzo emerald deposits in Colombia More recently, Fred has developed an interest in atomic force microscopy and, together with Grant Henderson, has been one of the few people to develop Past President Norm Halden (left) presenting the Past-Presidents’ Medal to Fred Wicks the importance of a complete understanding of the structure of these minerals to an adequate interpretation of their mechanisms of formation, and undertook a detailed reappraisal of the structural aspects of the serpentines in cooperation with Eric Whittaker at Oxford. The result was a series of benchmark papers on the structure and textural paragenesis of the serpentines, papers that are still widely quoted today. For this work, he was awarded the Hawley Medal twice; this is the only work that we have doubly honored in this fashion, a measure of the impact that it had then, and still has today. More recently, Fred has widened his serpentine interests to include detailed field studies in several of the classic areas of serpentine occurrences in Canada. In this work, he has explored the petrogenesis of serpentines and the serpentinization process. Of particular note is his emphasis on the role of fluids and the particular signature they leave on serpentinites in tectonically active areas. It seems that serpentinites are a sensitive recorder of the fluid regime and may hold the key to a more detailed understanding of fluid behavior in tectonic processes than has hitherto been the case. For this work on the petrogenesis of serpentinites, Fred was awarded the Hawley Medal a third time. However, Fred’s interests are not confined to the serpentine minerals. He has been deeply involved in the development of thermogravimetric and evolved gas analysis techniques (TGA-EGA) for minerals. The mineralogical application of these techniques has focused on two areas, the analysis of clay minerals and the characterization of new minerals. He is generally recognized as the leading expert in the application of TGA-EGA analysis to clay minerals, and has recently been involved in several short courses and symposia as a lecturer/ keynote speaker in this area. Fred has also cooperated widely with many other workers in the detailed characterization of new minerals, perhaps not glamorous work, but work that atomic-resolution imaging of the surfaces of insulating minerals (e.g, silicates) by AFM. Through his significant contributions to crystallography, mineralogy, and petrology, Fred Wicks has achieved wide international recognition, as attested by his being a triple Hawley Medal winner. He is a most deserving recipient of the Past-Presidents’ Medal of the Mineralogical Association of Canada. BERRY MEDAL TO J. DOUGLAS SCOTT Doug Scott began his career in sulfide mineralogy with Digger Gorman at the University of Toronto, switched to sulfide synthesis and crystallography under F.G. Smith and Les Nuffield, went on to a doctorate in sulfide crystallography at Queen’s University under Len Berry, and finished with a post-doc at Bern, Switzerland under Werner Nowacki. These studies were followed by a twentyyear career in industrial process mineralogy, much of it as Senior Staff Scientist for Falconbridge. Doug became involved with The Canadian Mineralogist index with volume 18, in 1980. He reports that, in those days, the index was handwritten on individual file cards, which he sorted and then had typed at the Geological Survey with the assistance of John Jambor. Issue after issue, Doug goes through each and every article to pull out entries for the Author and Subject indexes. He is incredibly thorough and must work efficiently so that the annual index does not slow down the production of the December issue. ❖ Doug Scott (left) showing off the Berry Medal, with Editor Bob Martin 5 NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 A S S O C I A T I O N BY PIERRETTE TREMBLAY, COORDINATOR AC Council met in St. Catharines, Ontario on May 10-11, prior to our annual meeting held jointly with the Geological Association of Canada (May 12-14). Even though e-mail communication allows Council members to stay in touch throughout the year and to vote on issues, nothing will ever replace the in-depth discussions that a face-to-face meeting allows. Council welcomed Martine Savard and Don Dingwell as new Councilors, and Kurt Kyser as the incoming Vice-President. The other new Councilor, Peter Lightfoot, could not attend and sent his regrets. Three Councilors retired from service after several years of dedicated service, namely Ron Frost, Bruce Jago, and Jeanne Percival. In addition, Past President Brian Fryer’s six-year term on the Executive came to an end. MAC thanks these four for their contribution. M INTRODUCING THE NEW VICEPRESIDENT AND COUNCILORS Kurt Kyser, incoming Vice-President, is currently a professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He received his Ph.D. at the University of California (Berkeley) in 1980, under Dr. I.S.E. Carmichael, where he worked on stable isotope distribution in mantle xenoliths. Kurt’s research focuses mainly on the development and application of microanalytical techniques for the analysis of isotopes and trace elements in both organic and inorganic Earth materi- Kurt Kyser (left) getting tips on his new job from Brian Fryer, outgoing Past President 6 N E W S als. Most of Kurt’s interests are centered on the origin, evolution, and timing of fluidrock interactions in the present and throughout geologic time. Martine Savard joined the Geological Survey of Canada in 1990 and applied her expertise in carbonate petrography and geochemistry to the study of dolomitization in the context of carbonate-hosted PbZn deposits. In 1997, she became the leader of large projects dealing with environmental issues. Martine is pursuing her research on groundwater sustainable development, but recently she has also focused on climate change issues, paleoclimate reconstruction, and evaluation of the impact of atmospheric pollutants on CO2 uptake by exposed forest stands. A graduate of Laval University (B.Sc.A. and M.Sc.), she received her Ph.D. in 1991 from the University of Ottawa. Don Dingwell heads the newly established Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Munich, since 2002. He also occupies the chair of Mineralogy and Petrology in the Faculty of Geosciences of the LudwigMaximilians University of Munich. Don’s major research impact has been in the experimental investigation of the physics and chemistry of magmas and melts and their volcanological, geochemical, and petrological significance. Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Don obtained his B.Sc. (Hons.) in geology/geophysics at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and his Ph.D. at the University of Alberta. Peter Lightfoot is Senior Geologist with Inco Technical Services Limited. He is responsible for international nickel sulfide exploration and technical and scientific support to the exploration and mining activities at Sudbury, Thompson, and Voisey’s Bay. He is an Adjunct Professor with the Department of Geology, University of Toronto, and the Department of Geology, Laurentian University. Peter received his B.A. degree from Oxford University in 1980, his M.Sc. degree from the University of Toronto in 1982, and his Ph.D. from the Open University in 1985. He is currently Associate Editor of Mineralium Deposita. Martine Savard catching up on news with President Dan Kontak THE PAST YEAR IN REVIEW In his opening remarks, incoming President Dan Kontak reflected on the highlights of the past year. Vancouver 2003 was a very successful meeting, as evidenced by the summaries of several special sessions and symposia published in MAC Newsletters 70 and 71 and by feedback from participants. The two short courses sponsored by MAC – Environmental Aspects of Mine Wastes and Fluid Inclusions – were well attended and the short-course volumes have been popular. The first reviews are now out and are positive. MAC sponsored a Berry Summer School at the University of British Columbia on silicate melts. Kelly Russell convened the school and Don Dingwell was the lead instructor. A third Berry School will be held at the end of August at the University of Ottawa on Archean volcanology (see page 21). The Canadian Mineralogist had another great year under the editorship of Robert Martin. Several exciting publications are in the works. MAC is also privileged to have in its ranks very dedicated volunteers who have provided a vision and made the right decisions to ensure a bright future for MAC. Again this year, we sponsored several special sessions and one symposium at our annual meeting, and this renewed focus on the science is paying off. MAC’S 50TH BIRTHDAY MAC will celebrate its 50th birthday at the Halifax meeting next year. Several events will commemorate this milestone. The MAC Council extends a warm invitation to NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 A S S O C I A T I O N all to come and celebrate with us (see p. 9). Most importantly, MAC invites those with ideas to submit them as soon as possible. FINANCES From a financial point of view, MAC continues to be healthy. We ended 2004 with a small surplus of $8000. The strong Canadian dollar was in large part responsible for the diminished surplus compared to previous years. Finance Chair Iain Samson presented a balanced budget for 2004. Council discussed at length the feasibility of changing MAC’s pricing structure to a Canadian dollar-based model – that is, all our prices would be in Canadian dollars. But after considering the ramifications of this potential change, Council came to the conclusion that it would not be wise, and that it would complicate dealings with our members and customers. The business office reported a busy year. A new database has been developed, which makes reporting and invoicing much easier. Council voted a modest increase in individual membership fees for the first time since 1999, from $90 to $100 a year. Institutional memberships will increase from $390 to $425. These increases will allow us to create a buffer zone to protect our income from the fluctuations of the Canadian dollar. Council also voted to separate membership fees from subscription to the Journal. Here is the new fee structure for 2005. Libraries Ordinary Student Retired and cormembers members members porations Membership fee $50 $10 $40 Electronic access $30 $10 $10 Paper version and electronic access $50 $50 $50 $425 UPCOMING SHORT COURSES Council approved Jeanne Percival and Michael Parson’s proposal and budget for a short course entitled Mercury: Sources, Measurement, Cycles, and Effects, which will be held prior to the Halifax meeting. N E W S A few months ago, Council also approved a short course on PGE exploration, to be organized by Jim Mungall. This short course will be part of the 10th International PGE Conference in Oulu, Finland. This will be our first short course held outside of Canada. GEOSCIENCE WORLD AND THE CANADIAN MINERALOGIST The biggest item on Council’s agenda was MAC’s possible participation in GeoScience World, an online aggregate of journals in the Earth sciences, spearheaded by the Geological Society of America, the Mineralogical Society of America, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Geological Society of London, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, the Society for Sedimentary Geologists, and the American Geological Institute. Each of these societies has committed to include its journals in the online aggregate for three years. MAC received the detailed prospectus in the middle of April. To be part of the Millennium Collection, to be launched in 2005, we would have had to sign a licensing agreement for a minimum of three years by June 20. After three years, the penetration rate of GeoScience World in American universities is expected to be 25%; this represents roughly the number of American universities currently subscribing to our journal. The libraries that subscribe to our journal are those most likely to subscribe to GeoScience World. In the event that a large proportion of them dropped their paper subscription, MAC could find itself in a position in which it could no longer produce The Canadian Mineralogist. The potential income derived from the aggregate would not compensate for the loss of income from the sale of subscriptions. Looking at the make-up of the aggregate, Council felt that our journal was perhaps the most vulnerable. The vote reflected the uncertainty, as everyone realized that GSW will be a powerful research tool. Council therefore decided on a waitand-see attitude. We will not join GSW in 2005 but will re-examine the issue at the next Council meeting. We should have a lot more answers by then. ELEMENTS Everyone is excited about MAC’s involvement in Elements – the new magazine we will co-publish with the Mineralogical Society of America, the Mineralogical Society of Great Britain and Ireland, the Geochemical Society, and the Clay Minerals Society. Council expressed the wish that every effort be made to develop a strong institutional subscriber base, as this is seen as key to reaching out to other disciplines. You can read about the latest developments concerning Elements on page 11. GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS The MAC Foundation now holds in excess of $380,000, after the transfer of $105,000, as approved last year by MAC Council. The fund can generate close to $15,000 in interest income, given that we must invest in very safe vehicles generating a guaranteed income. The MAC Foundation will continue to disburse $10,000 annually for its Foundation Scholarship and will award the remaining income as grants-in-aid for students. MAC awarded its first travel grants in April. At this year’s meeting, Council moved to increase the maximum amount of the grants from $1000 to $1200 and to expand the guidelines to include research activities. The deadline to apply for 2005 travel and research grants is January 15. In 2005, MAC will add some money to that generated by the Foundation in order to provide $8000 towards travel and research grants. Also a $1200 grant has been set aside for students applying to attend the International Clay Conference in Japan. Watch the MAC web site for more details. ST. CATHARINES 2004 MAC sponsored several special sessions and one symposium at the St. Catharines 2004 meeting. We will report on these in the next Newsletter. Our warmest thanks to the dedicated members of the Local Organizing Committee, who logged countless hours to make sure the meeting ran smoothly. The meeting was held on the beautiful Brock University campus and the weather was gorgeous. In spite of the fact that the number of potential attendees Continued on page 10 7 NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 MERCURY: SOURCES, MEASUREMENTS, CYCLES, AND EFFECTS Mineralogical Association of Canada SHORT COURSE May 14-15, 2005 Immediately before Halifax 2005 An invitation from the Mineralogical Association of Canada Come and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mineralogical Association of Canada at Halifax 2005, May 15–18, 2005. Some of the highlights: ❖ A two-day symposium, convened by Frank Hawthorne, will feature invited contributions from leaders in the mineral sciences in Canada and beyond. The invited papers will be published in a special issue of The Canadian Mineralogist and will be distributed to all registrants. ❖ A plenary talk will be given by Ian Parsons, President of the International Mineralogical Association. ❖ The outreach program will include a public lecture at a local museum by André Lalonde on Minerals in Everyday Life. ❖ A birthday party will feature cake and a visual presentation of the highlights of MAC’s history. Former MAC Councilors and Members of Executive: Come and see what you have helped build by donating your time so generously to the Association. You are invited to the MAC luncheon. We are looking for anecdotes and pictures of former Councilors and events. Please contact Pierrette Tremblay at Pierrette_tremblay@inrs-ete.uquebec.ca Co-organizers: Michael B. Parsons and Jeanne B. Percival, Natural Resources Canada Mercury and mercury compounds are of significant human and environmental health concern because of their toxicity and ability to accumulate in fish and wildlife. Levels of mercury in the environment have risen considerably since the onset of industrialization, and studies have shown that even remote locations such as the Canadian Arctic have been adversely affected by the long-range atmospheric transport of mercury. Many countries now restrict mercury usage in various products and processes, and have passed regulations to limit emissions from anthropogenic sources such as coal-fired power plants, metal mines, and landfills. The release, cycling, and impacts of mercury in the environment have been studied extensively; however, mercury behaviour is very complex and there are many important questions left unanswered. This short course will discuss the current state of knowledge regarding: (1) natural and anthropogenic sources of mercury; (2) sampling protocols and analytical methods; (3) transport and transformation of mercury in the environment; and (4) effects on ecosystems and human health. Most of the course material will be presented at a level suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate students and should appeal to all scientists interested in environmental issues. A special session on Mercury in the Environment will complement the short course. For more information, please contact Michael Parsons at Michael.Parsons@NRCan.gc.ca Or visit the MAC web site www.mineralogicalassociation.ca 9 NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 P U B L I C A T I O N S n the publications front, several special publications are in the works, and you can expect a steady flow of them. Minerals Discovered in Greenland, by Ole Petersen and Ole Johnsen, is in final stage of correction and is expected to be out in the fall. Atlas of Minerals in Thin Section, coordinated by Joan Carles Melgarejo, and Atlas of Migmatites, by Edward Sawyer, are also progressing nicely. O N E W S St. Catharines meeting, thanks to our publisher J.B. Deschamps going out of its way to shorten the delay at the press, and of course to contributors and organizers. Short-course editor Rob Raeside put in long hours editing the manuscripts as they were received. the documentation is excellent. It is a very worthwhile companion to the other five volumes in the series and deserves a place on the shelves of anyone interested in mineralogy and gemology, generally, not just that of Canada.” Q. Wight, The Canadian Gemologist, Spring 2003, p. 28-29. “Horvath presents an encyclopedic account of Canadian minerals, with emphasis on information of interest both to the scientific and amateur communities. The book consists of three main parts focusing on the 206 minerals discovered in Canada, the 30 minerals discovered elsewhere but named after Canadians, and a compilation of defunct minerals first described from Canada… The unique combination of useful data and historical context make this book a must-have for those interested in Canadian minerals... Details of type localities and the disposition of type specimens are invaluable”. Several exciting thematic issues of The Canadian Mineralogist are in various stages of development. In the October issue, we will publish the proceedings of the PACROFI Conference on Fluid Inclusions, held during the summer of 2002. Then, an issue honoring Dugald Carmichael and devoted entirely to metamorphic petrology will follow in short order. Collections of papers on environmental mineralogy and gem materials are also in preparation. Our new short-course volume on infrared spectroscopy was available at the P.C. Burns, Geoscience Canada, vol. 30(2), June 2003, 77-78. Mineral Species Discovered in Canada, and Species Named after Canadians – one Year Later Several reviews of Mineral Species Discovered in Canada have now been published. Here are some excerpts, but several full reviews have been posted on our web site: “This book is a major work of scholarship with respect to Canada and its minerals. It deserves even more respect when one considers that the author is Hungarian born and his wife, Swiss born. They chose Canada for themselves. The material is treated accurately and exhaustively, and ASSOCIATION NEWS (Cont’d from p. 7) within driving distance was large and that special attention had been paid to the technical program, the number of registrants was disappointing. In fact several regular attendees chose instead to attend the American Geophysical Union meeting held in Montreal the following week. On one hand, there are 10 more and more meetings to attend and, on the other, potential participants often have less money and time to attend meetings, and therefore pick and choose carefully. How in this context can our annual meetings stay relevant and attractive to the Canadian geoscience community? Your views on this ❖ topic are welcome. “Of particular interest to me was the initial chapter on the history of Canadian mineral finds going as far back as Jacques Cartier’s collecting of quartz crystals which he thought were diamonds. This information is scattered in the literature and it is useful to have it in one binding.” Bob Jones, Rocks and Gems. « ...l’impressionnant travail de collecte de données, la clarté de la présentation pour chaque espèce, l’ingénieuse imagination des appendices proposés en fin d’ouvrage, le supplément «chronologie des découvertes », .. font de ce livre une véritable mine. » J.-C. Goujon, Le Règne minéral, Mai-juin 2003, 51, 41. “Mineral Species is an informative, useful book that has been carefully prepared. It clearly represents a major effort to accumulate widely dispersed data and photographic documentation. Well edited and produced, it is certainly worth the price.” R. Cook, Rocks & Minerals, ❖ Sept.-Oct. 2003, 353. ❖ NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 P U B L I C A T I O N S ELEMENTS – AN INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE OF MINERALOGY, GEOCHEMISTRY, AND PETROLOGY BY PIERRETTE TREMBLAY, MANAGING EDITOR The editors Rod Ewing, Mike Hochella, Ian Parsons, and I met for the first time in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on April 22 and 23. This was an exciting meeting where several important decisions were made. We now have settled on a name, have formed an advisory board, have a line-up of themes for the first year of publication, and have drawn up guidelines for guest editors and authors. We have also developed terms of reference and a mission statement. What’s in a Name? Choosing a name for the magazine was certainly the hardest decision we had to make. If we had had a lot of time and money, we could have held focus groups, hired marketing experts, etc. But we had neither. However, we consulted as widely as possible. We solicited name ideas from members of the participating societies. These were collected in a master file along with the justifications given. We received about 35 proposals. I then circulated this list of names to the members of the Executive N E W S Committee and suggested they might want to forward it to members of their respective council. I asked that they choose their top five favorites. I also sent the list to a few members of each society. I was hoping that from 7 to 10 names would be favored, and indeed we ended up with 10 finalists: Elements, Geomaterials, Interface, International Magazine of Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Petrology (IMMGG), Mineral Matters, MGP News, Solidus, Sphere, and Triple Point. the name becomes very important and therefore the more general the name the better.” The list of finalists was circulated to the Executive Committee, to a sampling of students in the geosciences, to a few advertisers and publishers, and to members of the Association of Earth Science Editors for feedback. At the beginning of the meeting, the editors discussed the ten finalists and, in light of the comments received, felt comfortable dropping seven of them. We were left with Triple Point, Elements, and Sphere. At the end of the day, after having considered our target audience and our wish to reach out to the other fields of science, we chose Elements. We want to thank everyone who has provided input on names. You can rest assured that every comment and suggestion we received was carefully read and considered. One fact that came into play was that none of the students we consulted chose Triple Point. The majority of students were attracted to short names like Sphere, Elements, and Solidus. So were advertisers and publishers. The following comment received from Ph.D. student Daniel Layton-Matthews provided a compelling argument. “..A single name would be better than a long series of words. At a quick glance, I personally like Elements or Solidus. I like the idea of Elements as a name because it is very broad and allows flexibility for the magazine’s content. Yes, this does sound like a “pure science” name invoking thoughts of chemistry rather than Earth sciences, but I actually like that idea. If one of the aims of this magazine is to attract students and researchers alike to the study of mineralogy, geochemistry and petrology, then why not have a name broad enough to attract a wide diversity of readers. For the avid and long standing members of the societies, the name is just semantics, as they will read the magazine regardless of the name. But for those new to the societies or outside of the societies, Elements also had acceptability in all societies, whereas other names were clear favorites in one society and were not even considered by others. It is also a word that is very similar in several languages (Elements in German, éléments in French, elementi in Italian, etc.). Also, the two most influential science journals have broad short names: Nature and Science. Advisory Board We asked each of the participating societies to provide nominations for the Advisory Board. From these, we chose ten names and added another seven to broaden the geographic and science coverage. Members of the Advisory Board will identify topics and Guest Editors for the thematic issues. They will be consulted by the Principal Editors as need arises and Guest Editors will be encouraged to consider them as potential reviewers. At the time of writing, the following persons have accepted our invitation to be part of the Advisory Board for either a twoor three-year term: Peter Burns, University of Notre Dame, U.S.A.; Randall T. Cygan, Sandia National Laboratories, U.S.A.; Roberto Compagnoni, Università degli studi di Torino, Italy; Adrian Finch, University of St. Andrews, UK; Monica Grady, National History Museum, UK; Alain Manceau, Université J. Fourier, France; Dougal McCarty, Chevron Texaco, U.S.A.; Klaus Mezger, Universitaet Muenster, Germany; Jim Mungall, University of Toronto, Canada; Takashi Murakami, University of Tokyo, Japan; Nancy Ross, Virginia Tech, U.S.A.; Everett Shock, Arizona State University, U.S.A.; Neil Sturchio, University of Illinois at Chicago, U.S.A.; John W. Valley, University of Wisconsin-Madison, U.S.A.; and David Vaughan, University of Manchester, UK. We welcome them all and look forward to working with them. 11 NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 71, DECEMBER 2003 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 71, DÉCEMBRE 2003 F E A T U R E KAOLINITE PROPERTIES AND CONDITIONS OF FORMATION OR TRANSFORMATION BY CLAIRE I. FIALIPS EES-6, MS-D469, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545. Fialips@lanl.gov lay minerals, along with oxides and C oxy-hydroxides, are the most common reactive minerals under surface and subsurface conditions. The crystal-chemical and surface properties of clay minerals and their interactions with fluids play a crucial role in determining the major physical and chemical properties of hydrothermal, weathering, and sedimentary deposits. Natural, synthetic, and modified clays are used extensively in industry and have also proved to be efficient tools for controlling or mitigating environmental contamination. The mineralogical and physicalchemical properties of clayey materials are determined by the geological conditions under which they formed or transformed. The mineralogical and crystal-chemical study of clay minerals, either from an experimental approach or from the investigation of natural systems, allows us to better understand past and present geochemical processes occurring on continental surfaces, can contribute to the control or remediation of natural or anthropic pollutions, and can promote and/or improve industrial exploitation of clay deposits. In particular, there is still much to learn about the origin and variability of the chemical, structural, and surface properties of clays, particularly through the use of increasingly powerful analytical techniques. Kaolinite is one of the most common clay minerals on Earth. It is an important industrial mineral and geological indicator. Well-constrained laboratory experiments were conducted to ascertain the relationship between kaolinite properties and physical-chemical conditions of formation and to evaluate the response of kaolinites to short- or long-term changes in environmental conditions (fluids chemistry, pH, Eh, temperature, etc.). Effect of pH on kaolinite defect density Among all investigated parameters, pH is the predominant factor affecting nucle12 ation, crystal growth, crystal chemistry, and morphology of purely aluminous kaolinites. In particular, the pH of kaolinite formation (pHF) from an amorphous or partly crystallized alumino-silicate material controls the kaolinite defect density. The R2 index of kaolinite defect density (Liétard 1977), which is determined from the inten– sities of the (131) and (131) X-ray diffraction peaks, clearly decreases with increase in pHF (Figure 1; Fialips et al. 2000). R2 is sensitive to all kaolinite defects except those of rotation (±/3) or translation (±b/3) (Liétard 1977, Cases et al. 1982). An R2 decrease indicates an increase of the monoclinic character of kaolinite due to an increase of octahedral vacancy in C-sites among kaolinite layers along with octahedral vacancy in the B-sites (Bailey 1980). °2 Cu k Figure 1: X-ray powder diffraction patterns of four kaolinites synthesized from the same starting gel material at 220°C, under saturation water-vapor pressure (23.2 bar), for 21 days, at various pHs of formation (pHF). Diffraction data are shown only for the range of determination of the R2 index of defect density (Liétard 1977). Effect of run time on kaolinite defect density Regardless of pHF, an increase of synthesis duration was found to improve kaolinite crystallinity, defect density, and coherent thickness along the c*-axis. However, the kaolinite defect density “stabilizes” progressively to a degree of order directly dependent on pHF (Figure 2; Fialips et al. 1999). R2 Figure 2: Evolution of the R2 index of defect density with the increase of run time for kaolinites synthesized from a mediumcrystallinity kaolinite (composed of 50% kaolinite + amorphous alumino-silicate gel) at 220°C and 23.2 bar at pH = 1 and pH = 5. Effect of pH on kaolinite morphology and crystal growth Morphological observations of synthetic kaolinites by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have also demonstrated that pHF affects the particle size and morphology of kaolinite (Fialips et al. 2000). Kaolinites synthesized from the same starting material, under the same temperature and water-vapor pressure but under different pH, present not only different defect densities but also considerably different morphologies (Figure 3). For very acidic pH (pHF ~ 1), low-defect kaolinites formed as hexagonal or nearly hexagonal particles up to 1.5 m in diameter. For pHF ~ 5–6, the defect density is higher and the kaolinite particles are generally smaller (0.2 to 0.7 m in diameter) and mostly anisotropic in shape. For pHF ~ 7, kaolinites form with high defect density and consist of elongated particles emanating from rose-shaped aggregates. For higher pH (pHF ~ 8–9), individual lath-shaped particles are formed up to 2.5 0.25 mm in size, and the kaolinite defect density is very high. These differences in kaolinite properties appear related to pH-induced differences in surface speciation during crystal growth (Fialips et al. 2000). Under acidic conditions, the dominant surface species of kaolinite are Si-OH and [Al(OH)2]+. The proportions of these two surface species decrease with increasing pH at the expense of [Si-O]- and Al-OH species (Devidal et al. 1992, Xie and Walther 1992). Therefore, NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 F E A T U R E size and shape (Figure 4). The transformation occurs by dissolution (at least partial) and recrystallization and is rapid under hydrothermal conditions. For instance, the time necessary for 50% conversion () of synthetic medium-crystallinity and medium-defect kaolinites is 9 to 11 days at 200°C and 7 to 9 days at 240°C (data not shown). The value at 25°C for similar kaolinites estimated using the relation log = a (1/T) + b, Figure 3: Transmission electron micrographs of the starting material (a mediumcrystallinity kaolinite) and kaolinites synthesized at 240°C for various pHF values. The scale bars represent 0.4 m. during kaolinite formation, increasing pHF increases the amount of cations (e.g. Na+) adsorbed on the lateral surfaces of the growing particles. This is confirmed by the linear increase of the cation exchange capacity of synthetic kaolinites with increase in pHF (Fialips et al. 2000). The adsorption of cations from the fluids on specific faces during crystal growth of kaolinite favors anisotropic growth and also generates random defects. example, a synthetic kaolinite of medium crystallinity (composed of 50% kaolinite + amorphous alumino-silicate gel) and medium defect density (Hinckley index HI = 0.9; Hinckley 1963, Plançon et al. 1988) formed of small pseudo-hexagonal plates can be transformed to more than 70% of very high defect density kaolinite (HI < 0.6) with totally different particle Crystal-chemical signature and variability of kaolinite properties The observations of a close relationship between pHF, defect density, and morphology of kaolinite suggest that, within some natural systems, morphology and defect density in kaolinites may be used as signatures of pH conditions during formation. However, another very important experimental result indicates that kaolinite properties are never totally fixed (Fialips 1999). An initial kaolinite can be transformed to a different kaolinite, having a lower or higher defect density, when the pH of the fluids it is in contact with changes for a sufficiently long time. Once again, decreasing pH favors the formation of lower-defect kaolinite while higher pH generates the formation of higher-defect kaolinite. For °2 Cu k Figure 4: X-ray diffraction patterns for the initial kaolinite sample and for a kaolinite sample synthesized at 220°C, at pHF = 9, in 21 days. Diffraction data are shown for the range required to determine the HI index of defect density (Hinckley 1963). ranges from 800 to 350,000 years (with a and b in the ranges 55 to 130 and 0.3 to 0.7, respectively). However, within natural systems is expected to depend not only on the crystallinity and texture of the starting material but also on other physical, chemical, and environmental parameters, such as porosity, solid/fluid ratio, pH, etc., and could thus be much larger than currently estimated. Nevertheless, this does not eliminate the possibility that, within some open natural systems, the crystal-chemistry and texture of kaolinite could have been inherited from the last stationary regime and percolating fluids. Applications We have established a close relationship between kaolinite crystal-chemical and morphological properties and the physicalchemical conditions of the clay’s formation or last transformation. Therefore, studying the crystal-chemical and morphological properties of natural kaolinites will allow, in some cases, an evaluation of the paleoconditions of clay formation. Other authors have already concluded that defect centers and paramagnetic impurities of iron-bearing kaolinites are signatures of kaolin origin (e.g. Muller et al. 1995). However, we have also demonstrated that kaolinite can re-equilibrate relatively rapidly when subjected to changes in physicalchemical conditions (especially changes in pH) for a sufficiently long time. Consequently, within some open systems, the crystal-chemical and morphological properties of kaolinites may inform us of the last stationary physical-chemical conditions, or the kaolinite could still be evolving. In any case, a thorough investigation of the crystal-chemical and morphological 13 NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 F E A T U R E properties of natural kaolinites (nature of defects, defect density, octahedral substitutions, etc.) could help reconstitute the geologic history of kaolinite occurrences or be used to predict the behavior of geologic media and/or kaolinites. Lateritic profiles. A relationship is classically observed within lateritic weathering profiles between the defect density of kaolinite and its iron content (e.g. Mestdagh et al. 1980). The defect density and iron content both increase from the bottom to the top of the profiles (e.g. Muller 1987). If pH conditions change during the progression of the alteration front within a laterite, the structural and textural characteristics of the kaolinites formed during this progression (from a parent material or from an initial kaolinite) can also vary. The relationship between defect and iron content could be due to pH variations, which would not only generate the structural defects but also bring about the incorporation of iron in the kaolinite structure. Further experimental work is required to corroborate this hypothesis. The textural and structural variations of kaolinites classically observed within lateritic profiles (e.g. Ambrosi 1984, Cantinolle et al. 1984, Muller 1987) were also attributed by some authors (e.g. Cantinolle et al. 1984) to successive dissolution/recrystallization cycles affecting an initial kaolinite. Our estimate of , for conversion of an initial kaolinite into another (800 to 350,000 years), is significantly less than the estimated time necessary for the differentiation of a 20meter-deep lateritic profile (500 to 5,000 kyears, e.g. Boulangé et al. 1997). Therefore, within such lateritic profiles, the hypothesis of a succession of dissolution/ recrystallization cycles from an initial kaolinite is reasonable. Mining and industry. Any kaolin mining company or producer wants to know, at the earliest possible stage of prospecting, mining, or processing, where the best raw material can be obtained and what is the optimal processing for the properties of the final product. The ability to predict the technological properties of kaolinites from the description of their crystal chemistry is a basic tool. We have now established a connection between conditions of kaolinite genesis and its degree of order, which is equivalent to establishing a connection between conditions of genesis and potential use of the kaolin. This provides a new tool for early prediction of the value and potential uses of industrial kaolins. References AMBROSI, J.P. (1984): Pétrologie et géochimie d’une séquence de profils latéritiques cuirassés ferrugineux de la région de Diouga, Burkina Faso. Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. Poitiers, Poitiers, France, 223 p. BAILEY, S.M. (1980): Structure of layer silicates. In Crystal structure of clay minerals and their identification (G.W. Brindley & G. Brown, ed.), The Mineralogical Society, London, 28-39. BOULANGÉ, B., AMBROSI, J.P. & NAHON, D. (1997) : Laterites and bauxites. In Soils and sediments. Mineralogy and geochemistry (H. Paquet & N. Clauer, ed.), Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 49-65. CANTINOLLE, P., DIDIER, P., MEUNIER, J.D., PARRON, C., GUENDON, J.L., BOCQUIER, G. & NAHON, D. (1984): Ferriferous kaolinites and iron and aluminum oxyhydroxides in the bauxites of Canonnettes (Southeastern France). Clay Minerals, 19, 125-135. CASES, J.M., LIÉTARD, O., YVON, J. & DELON, J.F. (1982): Crystallochemical, morphological, and interfacial properties of disor- 14 dered kaolinites. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 105, 439-457. DEVIDAL, J.L., DANDURAND, J.L. & SCHOTT, J. (1992): Dissolution and precipitation kinetics of kaolinite as a function of chemical affinity (T = 150°C, pH = 2 and 7.8). In Water-rock interaction (Y.K. Kharaka & A.S. Maest, ed.), Balkema, Rotterdam, 93-94. FIALIPS, C.I., PETIT, S. & DECARREAU, A. (1999): Influence of pH, starting material and synthesis duration on kaolinite crystallinity. Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences, 328, 515-520. FIALIPS, C.I., PETIT, S., DECARREAU, A. & BEAUFORT, D. (2000): Influence of synthesis pH on kaolinite “crystallinity” and surface properties. Clays and Clay Minerals, 48, 173-184. FIALIPS-GUÉDON, C.I. (1999): Etude expérimentale de la cristallinité et des conditions de formation de la kaolinite. Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. Poitiers, Poitiers, France 254 p. HINCKLEY, D.N. (1963): Variability in crystallinity values among the kaolin of the coastal plain of Georgia and South Carolina. Clays and Clay Minerals, 11, 229-235. LIÉTARD, O. (1977): Contribution à l’étude des propriétés physicochimiques cristallographiques et morphologiques des kaolins. Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. Nancy, Nancy, France, 345 p. MESTDAGH, M.M., VIELVOYÉ, L.A. & HERBILLON, A.J. (1980): Iron in kaolinite: II. The relationship between kaolinite crystallinity and iron content. Clay Minerals, 15, 1-13. MULLER, J.P. (1987): Analyse pétrologique d’une formation latéritique meuble du Cameroun. Ph.D. Thesis, Univ. Paris VII, Paris, France, 188 p. MULLER, J.P., MANCEAU, A., CALAS, G., ALLARD, T., ILDEFONSE, P. & HAZEMANN, J.L. (1995): Crystal chemistry of kaolinite and Fe-Mn oxides: relation with formation constraints of low temperature systems. American Journal of Science, 295, 11151155. PLANÇON, A., GIESE, R.F. & SNYDER, R. (1988): The Hinckley index for kaolinites. Clay Minerals, 23, 249-260. XIE, Z. & WALTHER, J.V. (1992): Incongruent dissolution and surface area of kaolinite. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 56, 3357-3363. NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 M E M B E R S WILLET T. MILLER MEDAL TO ROGER MITCHELL The Willet T. Miller Medal is awarded every two years by the Royal Society of Canada for outstanding research in any branch of the Earth sciences. In 1941, twelve friends of Willet T. Miller, FRSC (1867-1925), a distinguished geologist and a guiding force in the development of the Ontario mining industry, subscribed funds to create this medal. The first recipient of the medal was Norman L. Bowen in 1943. Among distinguished Canadian mineralogists who have received it are J.E. Hawley (1951), L.G. Berry (1963), R.W. Boyle (1971), D.M. Shaw (1981), and F. Hawthorne (1993). This year, the medal was awarded to Roger H. Mitchell. The following are excerpts from the citation. Roger Mitchell, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Geology at Lakehead University, is the world’s leading authority on alkaline rocks. His work over the past 25 years has been directed towards a detailed understanding of their origin and evolution. His work on kimberlites has led to numerous publications on the mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry of I N these rocks. In particular, he has made a great many studies involving the detailed variation of mineral compositions as a function of rock type. These studies have led to considerable insight into the evolving petrologic processes operative during the genesis of alkaline melts and the progress of their emplacement and crystallization. He has also developed a rational classification for kimberlites; this is of great practical importance, as it gives uniformity to the reporting of field results and greatly helps in understanding aspects of the global distribution of these rocks and their relation to plate-tectonic/mantle structure. This work culminated in the publication of a monograph in 1986, considered as the definitive work on kimberlites. More recently, Roger Mitchell has concentrated on the petrology and genesis of lamproites (ultrapotassic rocks). These have recently sprung to prominence with the discovery of major diamond deposits in such rocks in Australia. Roger’s work has followed a similar track here: detailed field work, extensive analytical mineralogy and geochemistry, followed by synthesis and appraisal of all the pertinent information. This work culminated in the publication of his monographs on lamproites, kimberlites and orangeites, which have made a major impact, not the least because Roger developed a new theory for the origin of lamproites. Roger Mitchell has worked on carbonatites and other more unusual alkaline-rock groups. These are of wide interest because of their implications concerning deep-seated physi- NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 T H E N E W S cal and chemical processes. His work in this field has been nowhere near as extensive as that on kimberlites and lamproites, but it is very highly regarded because of its quality and originality. In the last couple of years, his work has taken a different direction. He has begun to work in experimental (phaseequilibrium) petrology as applied to alkaline rocks. The extensive appraisal of data on natural kimberlites and lamproites, together with the consolidation of established models and the introduction of new genetic models, has led to a much better idea of what should be done to experimen❖ tally verify these models. PETER RUSSELL AWARDED THE E.R.W. NEALE MEDAL Peter Russell, curator at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, has been chosen as the 2004 recipient of the E.R.W. Neale Medal. The E.R.W. Neale Medal is awarded by the Geological Association of Canada to an individual for sustained outstanding efforts in sharing Earth science with Canadians. The medal has been awarded annually since 1995. 15 Peter has been one of the most active promoters of Earth science education in Canada by working at the grass-roots level with several hundred thousand children and thousands of teachers and members of the public over more than three decades. His energy has been phenomenal. He has judged at the Waterloo-Wellington Science and Engineering Fairs since 1971. From the late 1970s, he organized and distributed the “Geoscience Slide Library” kits and notes and boxes of minerals, fossils and rocks, to assist teachers in the curriculum for Grades 4 to 6 throughout the Waterloo Region. The Waterloo “Junior Naturalists’ Programme” was set up and guided by him from 1979 to 1990 and expanded into the “Science and Engineering Quest”. Innumerable public and student field trips and EdGEO teacher-training workshops have been run for over three decades. In the late 1980s, he helped initiate and co-edited Wat on Earth. He has designed an interpretive logo for every issue of GAC’s flagship journal, Geoscience Canada, since its launch. He has illustrated the Mineralogical Association of Canada’s Encyclopedia of Mineral Names. Traveling exhibits designed by Peter have appeared at gem shows throughout Ontario and the United States. Teaching exhibits on groundwater have gone to Groundwater Festivals and Clean Water Fairs in six Ontario counties and have been distributed as far away as Quebec. The “Wally and Deanna” cartoon booklet series has been greatly successful with children, and more than 28,000 copies have been produced in three languages. NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 M E M B E R S ... O B I T U A R Y After his “retirement” in 1996, the University of Waterloo formally named the “Peter Russell Rock Garden” in recognition of his service. Subsequently, under his imaginative guidance, the Centre for Environment Innovation and Technology is being transformed. Peter persuaded the architects to build the fivestorey building around a huge (9-m tall) monolithic block of stone, which is now ensconced through three floors in the central hallway. Peter Russell has excelled for over three decades in interactions with the general public, with teachers, and particularly with children. It is estimated that he has talked to a minimum of 250,000 children and teachers over 30 years, the equivalent of several “Skydomes” packed to capacity. ❖ LOUISE FRANCIS STEVENSON (1912-2003) Louise Stevenson passed away on October 23, 2003. Born to parents in academia (her father was a Professor of Education), it was natural for Louise to be strongly encouraged to pursue her dreams, even though they involved the Earth sciences, an unorthodox choice in those days. In fact, Louise was among the first females to graduate in geology at the University of Washington in Seattle. Unimpressed with admonitions to switch to a more sedate field of endeavor, Louise ventured east to enroll in a graduate program at Radcliffe College, where she obtained a Master’s degree. A lab-oriented course in her academic program was given across town at M.I.T. It was in that class that Louise Stevens met John Sinclair Stevenson, a Canadian from out west enrolled in the Ph.D. program. The two classmates evidently hit it off, and they later became mates for life. Soon after graduation, Louise and John moved west, where John was appointed to the British Columbia Department of Mines. They had two children, John and Robert. As Louise longed to get back into geology, she began co-authoring papers with John and attending conferences. Louise and John also yearned to return to an academic setting. Their wish became a reality when John was offered a teaching position in mineralogy and economic geology at McGill University. At that point, Louise began a long-term involvement as curator of the mineralogy collection at McGill’s Redpath Museum. She was often involved in outreach activities, especially with school children. Louise and John were very much involved in Sigma Xi, serving many years as a secretary-treasurer team. Louise was very supportive of many other activities that had an educational orientation. I remember her involvement in the speakers program of the Montreal Gem and Mineral Club and her keen interest in the affairs of the Mineralogical Association of Canada. She and John held the MAC in high esteem and were in fact founding members of the Association. Louise lived a full life, dedicated to service to the community in all spheres of activity. Her intelligence, grace, and generosity will not soon be forgotten. BY ROBERT F. MARTIN ❖ New Publications from the Mineralogical Society of America and the Geochemical Society There are two new publications in the Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry (RiMG) series. Volume 53: Zircon. 2003, John M. Hanchar & Paul W.O. Hoskin, eds. 500 pp. Since "Orthosilicates" (Vol. 5), much has been learned about the internal textures, trace-element and isotope geochemistry (both radiogenic and stable), and chemical and mechanical stability of zircon. The sixteen chapters in this volume include reviews of the structure of zircon and other mineral (and synthetic) phases with the zircon structure, minor and trace element compositions relating to processes that generate igneous and metamorphic rocks, melt inclusions, zircon saturation and the use of zircon saturation thermometry, cation and oxygen isotope diffusion, U-Th-Pb, O, Nd–Sm and Lu–Hf isotope systems, zircon geochronology, and radiation damage. The final chapter is an atlas of internal textures of zircon along with brief interpretations of their significance. ISBN 0939950-65-0. Members US$27; nonmembers US$36. Volume 52: Biomineralization. 2003 Patricia M. Dove, James J. De Yoreo & Steve Weiner, eds. 381 pp. Since the dawn of life on earth, organisms have played roles in mineral formation in processes broadly known as biomineralization. This biologically-mediated organization of aqueous ions into amorphous and crystalline materials results in materials that are as simple as adventitious precipitates or as complex as exquisitely fabricated 16 structures that meet specialized functionalities. The purpose of this volume is to provide students and professionals in the earth sciences with a review that focuses upon the processes by which organisms direct the formation of minerals. Our framework of examining biominerals from the viewpoints of major mineralization strategies distinguishes this volume from most previous reviews. The review begins by introducing the reader to over-arching principles that are needed to investigate biomineralization phenomena and shows the current state of knowledge regarding the major approaches to mineralization that organisms have developed over the course of Earth history. By exploring the complexities that underlie the “synthesis” of biogenic materials, and therefore the basis for how compositions and structures of biominerals are mediated (or not), this volume will be instrumental in propelling studies of biomineralization to a new level of research questions that are grounded in an understanding of the underlying biological phenomena. ISBN 093995066-9. members US$27; nonmembers US$36. More information about these publications is available on the MSA website at www.minsocam.org or from MSA Business Office, 1015 Eighteenth Street NW Ste 601, Washington, DC 20036-5212, USA. PH: 202-775-4344 FAX: 202-775-0018 e-mail: business@minsocam.org. You may also order these publications online. NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 CONFERENCE 8th WORLD INTERNATIONAL KIMBERLITE CONFERENCE – VICTORIA, BC BY BRUCE JAGO ne of the most exciting conferences for academic and industry professionals engaged in diamond exploration and study of the mantle and diamond-bearing rocks took place from June 22 to 27, 2003, in Victoria, British Columbia. The 8th World Kimberlite Conference attracted nearly 600 academic and industry delegates, the largest attendance since the First International Kimberlite Conference held 30 years ago in Cape Town. It was the first time the conference has been held in Canada. O Canada was a natural choice this time around for the conference due to the rapid pace of kimberlite discoveries in Canada in the last two decades and to Canada’s entrance onto the stage of primary diamond producers, with the opening of BHP Billiton Diamonds’ Ekati Mine in 1998, and DIAVIK Diamond Mines’ DIAVIK Mine in 2002. Conference highlights included pre- and post-conference field trips to kimberlite, lamproite, alkalic rock, and mantle xenolith locations throughout Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Ontario) and the United States (Colorado, Wyoming, Montana); a firstever “core shack”; an impressive five-day schedule of oral (88) and poster (192) presentations; and a social events calendar like no other. The technical program included oral and poster presentations related to kimberlite geology and economics, eclogites and diamonds, diamonds, mantle geochemistry, target area selection, mantle petrology, kimberlite petrogenesis, diamond exploration, and craton studies. The most controversial topics, still, are the mechanics of kimberlite intrusion and emplacement into the upper crust and the final form of the kimberlite volcano prior to erosion. A consensus, of sorts, emerged that the host rock is all-important and that the South African model, although still valid, need NEWS DIAMOND CRYSTALS A major holding of locality-specific diamond crystals has become available, consisting of several thousand specimens that range from tiny micro’s to large, multi-carat specimens. Rarely have rough diamonds been available from so many, specifically identified localities, and if your research work calls for comparative work on natural diamonds from many different sources, we have an inventory on hand to meet these needs! With crystals on hand from seventeen (17) different countries, and many from multiple localities within those countries, we can offer a diversified and interesting assortment of habits and colors to meet your expectations. Collections of twelve different specimens from twelve different countries are available for only US$99.00 plus shipping, with total weight in excess of two carats! Individual crystals up to several thousand dollars are in stock. A range of specimens may be viewed on our special diamond crystal website: www.diamondcrystals.net Or for specific inquires, contact us by e-Mail, telephone or fax to discuss your requirements. Excalibur Mineral Corporation Dr. Fanus Viljoen of the De Beers GeoScience Centre (GSC) manning the DeBeers booth at 8IKC 1000 North Division Street Peekskill, NY 10566-1830 Tel: (914) 739-1134 Fax: (914) 739-1257 www.excaliburmineral.com E-Mail – info@excaliburmineral.com 17 NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 CONFERENCE not apply in all situations. Excellent presentations by newcomers and veterans demonstrated that the key to understanding kimberlite volcanology lies in integrating detailed volcanological, petrologic, and structural studies of kimberlite intrusions. Key papers in other sessions highlighted the importance of pushing analytical frontiers, particularly in isotope science, and the complex growth history of the diamond as demonstrated by cathodoluminescence studies. Young scientists excelled at both oral and poster presentations. The awards for best talk were presented to Kimberley Webb and Sebastian Tappe and for the best poster to Clair Appleyard. The conference organizers are to be commended for making available all conference materials in digital format. Copies of the CD-ROM containing the extended abstracts volume can be obtained through the Mineralogical Society of America website at www.minsocam.org. Copies of the conference field trip guidebooks can be obtained in CD-ROM format from Natural Resources Canada. Orders can be made at GSCbookstore@NRCan.gc.ca or through the web site www.NRCan.gc.ca/gsc Lithos will publish the conference proceedings as a two-volume set of selected, refereed papers in 2004 or 2005. Orders for this set can be made to: 8th International Kimberlite Conference, c/o Venue West Conference Services Ltd., #645 – 375 Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5C6 (Tel: 1-604-681-5226; Fax: 1-604-681-2503; Email: 8IKC@venuewest.com). The conference website is still active and can be accessed at www.8ikc.ca. NEWS The 9th International Kimberlite Conference will be held in Hyderabad, India in October 2006. The 9IKC website will be announced shortly. For further information, please contact Dr. Saurabh Verma, National Geophysical Research Institute, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, A.P., 500 007 India (e-mail: skvngri@hotmail.com). ATLANTIC GEOSCIENTISTS GATHER FOR MAC-SPONSORED ION MICROPROBE WORKSHOP BY ALAN ANDERSON A MAC-sponsored workshop on the ion microprobe was held January 30, 2004, at the Hotel Delta Beauséjour, Moncton, NB, immediately before the annual Atlantic Geoscience Society meeting. The workshop, which was convened by Alan Anderson, St. Francis Xavier University, attracted sixty participants from six Atlantic universities, three provincial surveys, the Geological Survey of Canada, and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). A generous financial contribution from the Mineralogical Association of Canada made it possible to bring in three leading ion microprobe experts to provide the participants with the latest on instrumentation and geosciences applications. Stephen Clement of Ion Optical Consulting kicked off the event with a personal view of secondary ion mass spectrometry and the development of the sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP). This excellent overview was followed by a lecture emphasizing the geochronological applications of the SHRIMP by Mike Hamilton of the Jack Satterly Geochronology Laboratory, University of Toronto. After an extended coffee break, Graham Layne of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute described the essentials of the Cameca IMS 1270 ion microprobe, its strengths and limitations relative to other micro- analytical methods, and some interesting examples of geosciences applications using light isotopic and trace-element measurements obtained at the Northeast National Ion Microprobe Facility. The workshop concluded with an open discussion on the relative merits of the different types of ion probe instruments, the technical and institutional support needed to operate an ion microprobe facility, and how researchers in Atlantic Canada might best get access to ion microprobes to obtain the data they need. In addition to stimulating interest in ion microprobe analysis and educating students and professionals, the workshop brought together many scientists from the Atlantic region who share an interest in geochemistry, petrology, and mineralogy. The council of the Atlantic Geoscience Society is acknowledged for agreeing to host this event at its annual meeting. SHORT COURSE ON INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY IN GEOCHEMISTRY, ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY, AND REMOTE SENSING BY JEFFREY M. BYRNES The MAC short course entitled Infrared Spectroscopy in Geochemistry, Exploration Geochemistry, and Remote Sensing was organized by Drs. Penny King (University of Western Ontario), Mike Ramsey (University of Pittsburgh, USA), and Gregg Swayze (U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, USA) and held at the University of Western Ontario (London, ON) on May 10 and 11, 2004. The course was designed to cover a wide range of infrared (IR) spectroscopy applications, from the scale of rocks and minerals to terrestrial landscapes to the surfaces of other planetary bodies. Participants represented research groups from North America and the United Kingdom, including students, junior researchers, and more experienced investigators (photos of the group on page 20). The short course consisted of eleven oral presentations and five hands-on practical sessions. Talks included background information on IR spectroscopy as well as ION MICROPROBE WORKSHOP 18 Continued on page 22 NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 S T U D E N T S ’ P A G E S that facilitated introductions and discussions. Indeed, it was a pleasure to meet the presenters during breaks and meals. For our lunchtime viewing pleasure, Fredrick Breaks, Julie Selway, and Andrew Tindle awed us with some fantastic fertile granite and pegmatite samples from throughout Ontario. TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS AT ST. CATHARINES 2004 AC awarded its first travel scholarships this spring. M Cara Donnelly, Matthieu Lapointe, Eric Potter, and Julie Roberge received funding towards the cost of attending the GAC-MAC conference and associated short courses while Andrea Cade and Heather Neufeld will attend the International Geological Congress in Florence in August. Deadline to apply for a 2005 scholarship is January 15, 2005. Cara Donnelly graduated this spring with a B.Sc. from the University of Windsor. She plans to continue her studies at the University of Alberta. Matthieu Lapointe will start a M.Sc. under the supervision of Alan Anderson at St. Francis Xavier University. Eric Potter has just completed his Master’s degree at Lakehead University under the supervision of Roger Mitchell and will start a Ph.D. in the fall. Julie Roberge is doing a Ph.D. in volcanology at the University of Oregon. They have all reported on a special session or a short course they attended at St. Catharines. So here is the GAC-MAC meeting through their eyes. Unconventional Styles of PGE Mineralization Special Session BY CARA DONNELLY Thanks, in part, to a travel scholarship from the Mineralogical Association of Canada, I was able to attend the 2004 GAC-MAC Joint Annual Meeting. While at GAC-MAC, I presented a poster on my undergraduate thesis topic in the special session on Unconventional Styles of Platinum-Group-Element From left to right, Heather Neufeld, Andrea Cade, MAC President Dan Kontak, Julie Roberge, Matthieu Lapointe, Eric Potter and Cara Donnelly. Mineralization. I was also able to attend the technical program of this special session. Rare-Element Geochemistry and Ore Deposits Short Course An industry representative from North American Palladium Ltd gave a particularly interesting talk. on the metal zonation at the Lac des Iles palladium deposit. The methodology and results presented for this study were similar to those obtained during my thesis work, in particular, the use of petrography and SEM with EDS to establish the distribution of the platinum-group minerals with respect to the silicate and sulfide minerals, and the determination of the dominant PGM alloy-forming elements. In addition to these data, my undergraduate thesis work also included LA-ICP-MS analysis to characterize the PGE and trace-element contents of the PGM, sulfides, and oxides of the Marathon Cu-PGE deposit. I found this application of research and its discussion from an industry point of view to be most encouraging from a student’s perspective. BY ERIC POTTER This was the first conference that I have attended and the experience gained will no doubt be useful next year when I attend GAC-MAC-CSPG-CSSS in Halifax as a graduate student. Through the generous support of the Mineralogical Association of Canada, I was able to attend a truly exceptional short course that preceded the 2004 GACMAC conference. The course Rare-Element Geochemistry and Ore Deposits included talks by the following researchers: Peter Hollings and Derek Wyman; David London; Robert Linnen and Michel Cuney; Ilya Veksler; Fredrick Breaks, Julie Selway, and Andrew Tindle; Petr Černý; Carey Galeschuk and Peter Vanstone; Scott Ercit; Roger Mitchell; Scott Wood; Iain Samson and Scott Wood; Andrew Rankin; Stefano Salvi and Anthony Williams-Jones. A quick examination of the list of presenters reveals some of the most talented and original researchers within the broad field of rare-element geochemistry and ore deposits. In fact, when I first saw the list of presenters, my first concern was whether or not there would be any places still available. Fortunately for those of us present, the moderate attendance created an intimate environment 19 I was most interested in the talk given by Dr. Wood. Having read (and referred to) several of his publications during my thesis work, I was looking forward to meeting him in person and listening to his talk on the aqueous geochemistry of zirconium, hafnium, niobium, and tantalum. More specifically, I was hoping that he would not present any evidence in contradiction to the data that I was presenting later in the week! My work involved investigation of the solubility of zircon and the mobility of zirconium within alkaline fluids. Fortunately, my observations were in general agreement with the data presented by Dr. Wood and I could not agree more with some of his concluding remarks: that more work is required in this field, even at ‘standard’ conditions. Dr. Wood expanded on these observations, noting that although there is enough data to permit some qualitative conclusions, there is not enough quantitative data available to perform calculations of the degree of mass transfer of these elements in hydrothermal solutions. Once again, I’d like to thank the Mineralogical Association of Canada and its members for their support by means of the travel scholarship. The knowledge I gained from this experience will undoubtedly help in my research and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the course. NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 S T U D E N T S ’ Rare-Element Geochemistry Special Session BY MATTHIEU LAPOINTE The special session Rare-Element Geochemistry and Ore Deposits covered a wide array of interesting topics. Here is a brief review of some of the presentations. Mike Taylor discussed the intriguing possibility of pegmatite formation via a hydrogel/hydrosol type process. His talk highlighted the fact that the origin of pegmatites remains poorly understood and that perhaps examining different ideas might lead to a better comprehension of rare-element pegmatite genesis. Heather Neufeld and Lee Groat presented results of their work on the recent emerald and aquamarine finds in the Yukon. It is exciting to know that the Yukon hosts such rare and economically important deposits. Hopefully, this work will lead to more emerald and aquamarine discoveries in the Yukon and other parts of Canada. Scott Wood gave an outstanding overview of essentially all that is known about the hydrothermal geochemistry of rare-earth elements. His presentation revealed the lack of published quality experimental data on the rare-earth elements. He also underlined the importance of such data to the understanding of the behavior of the rare-earth elements in geological processes. Alan Anderson discussed the profound role fluids have played in the remobilization of lanthanides and actinides in metamict zircons from the Georgeville granite, Nova Scotia. His detailed study shows that examining such minerals at a micro scale can give insight into the history of the zircon and the processes that have affected it through geological time. Mike Wise presented his work on gallium in K-feldspar from various pegmatites. He provided many convincing examples showing how this element is potentially a useful tool for discriminating pegmatites of LCT (Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum) versus NYF (Niobium-Yttrium-Fluorine) affinity. The results of his work will be beneficial in the classification of pegmatites and consequently further enhance our knowledge of these complex systems. 20 P A G E S Both the short course and the special session were extremely informative and well planned. I would like to thank and congratulate Bob Linnen and Iain Samson for their efforts in organizing and executing such a great event. Infrared Spectroscopy Short Course BY JULIE ROBERGE The Molecules to Planets: Infrared Spectroscopy in Geochemistry, Environmental Geochemistry and Remote Sensing short course highlighted current theory and practice in infrared spectroscopy, with particular emphasis on ore deposit exploration and hazard assessment near volcanoes and in urban areas. It was also a great opportunity to meet other researchers that use different infrared spectroscopy techniques. All my Ph.D. research projects involve Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. However, my experience is limited to the measurement of H2O and CO2 contents of 1) quenched glassy pillow rims of submarine-erupted lavas and 2) melt (glass) inclusions trapped in crystals in subaerial volcanic rocks. After my Ph.D., I intend to do postdoctoral work involving various real-time gas monitoring techniques, including infrared spectroscopy, and my ultimate goal is to become a professor and set-up a FTIR lab. To successfully achieve this goal, I need a broader knowledge of the various applications of this technique so the facility can be shared with other disciplines. This MAC short course strengthened my knowledge of the theory and mechanics of FTIR, and also Class photograph of the short course participants. Top photograph is a normal photo. The middle one is in the thermal IR (mid IR) where white represents ~ 46 º C and dark blue is ~18 º C. The bottom one is in the near IR. allowed me to learn more about other uses of infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, it gave me the opportunity to meet and discuss with people that share my interests and with whom I may work in the future. SEEKING PROPOSALS FOR BERRY SUMMER SCHOOLS You would like to invite a world-leading specialist to run an in-depth workshop on a topic in mineralogy, geochemistry, crystallography, ore deposits geology, or petrology? MAC can provide up to $3000 to help make it happen. Berry Summer Schools are typically run in a university setting, with one or two invited instructors. ● They can last from two to five days. ● They provide a hands-on component, either in the lab or in the field. ● They can be run anywhere in the world. ● The number of attendees is small (30 to 60). ● They are stand-alone events, decoupled from scientific meetings. ● They are geared to meeting the needs of students, but also attract industry representatives and academics. You can read reports on the first two Berry Schools in Newsletters 68 (p.9) and 71 (p. 8). Interested? For more information, contact Pierrette Tremblay at pierrette_tremblay@inrs-ete.uquebec.ca NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 S T U D E N T S ’ CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS WINNERS 2003-2004 Nancy Ballantine, University of Manitoba Heather Campbell, University of New Brunswick Jennifer Cardamone, Laurentian University Steve Caron, Simon Fraser University Stephen L. Hinchey, Memorial University Laura I. Karrei, Carleton University Janice P.L. Kenney, University of Windsor Christopher Lane, Lakehead University Richard LeBreton, Ecole polytechnique Debbie M. Legaspi, Mount Royal College Peter M. McChesney, St. Francis Xavier University Caroline Mealin, University of Waterloo Ben J.A. Moulton, St. Mary’s University Vanessa Peters, McGill University Hannibal J. Preto, University of Victoria Geoff G. Spears, Brandon University Sarah Rose Wallace, University of Western Ontario Heather E. Wolczanski, Acadia University P A G E S The MAC Undergraduate Awards are given annually to undergraduate students for excellence in one of the fields covered by MAC (mineralogy, crystallography, petrology, geochemistry, and economic geology). The award consists of one free MAC publication and a one-year subscription to The Canadian Mineralogist. For more information on this program, contact Jeanne Percival at jperciva@nrc.gc.ca Mineralogical Association of Canada Student Travel/Research Grants The Mineralogical Association of Canada will award travel and research grants to assist honours undergraduate and graduate students in the mineral sciences to • Present their research at a conference • Attend a short course or a field trip relevant to their field of study • Visit a facility, laboratory or field area to gather data for their research • Pay for analyses or equipment for their research The maximum grant value is CAN$1200 per student. Grants will fund up to 50% of costs incurred for registration, travel and subsistence, and up to 100% of other research costs (e.g., equipment, analyses). Quotations and receipts may be requested for any equipment purchased. ELIGIBILITY • Graduate students and honours students at the undergraduate levels in one of the fields covered in The Canadian Mineralogist (mineralogy, crystallography, petrology, economic geology and geochemistry) • Following the event, grant recipients must submit a report of their travel or research for possible publication by MAC. TO APPLY •Submit the application form and a CV along with a signed letter of support from your supervisor. Write brief but thorough statements and be clear as to how the proposed activities will benefit your education or research. If the space provided for the budget is insufficient, then attach your budget on a separate sheet. • If presenting a talk or poster at a meeting, include an abstract of the research that will be presented. • If you are requesting a research grant, include a one page research proposal. This should explain what you propose to study, why the research is important or interesting, as well as a detailed description of how you will do this research (including when you will do it). • A subcommittee of the MAC Council will review all proposals received by January 15 to be awarded by March 15. The MAC Council reserves the right to make no awards. Deadline for application: January 15, 2005 21 NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 L E T T E R S our usual superb job on the latest Newsletter; however, I am most disappointed in the announcement of its imminent demise! The new magazine certainly sounds interesting but also spells the end of such things as MAC conference news (read eagerly by those of us who did not make the conference) and of profiles (e.g. Bob Martin’s on Gilles Laflamme), etc. The good news is that you will be managing editor and can, hopefully, keep the damage to a minimum. Y Turning to another “problem area”, I hope that MAC holds off on an electronic only Canadian Mineralogist for as long as possible. In part this is a purely selfish reaction since it would make indexing the journal a lot more difficult for me… My other objection is more practical; I find the new electronic Mineralogical Abstracts almost totally useless for anything but specific searches. The whole point of Mineralogical Abstracts, at least for me, was the joy of flipping through it and finding interesting things that I had never expected. That is now impossible, and much of the value of the journal has been lost (I do T O not plan to renew it next year). I have a fear that an electronic journal would be “cherry picked” by readers and I offer my own experience of American Mineralogist on line. When I get Alex’s e-mail notification that the next issue is on line, I read the titles and download anything that looks interesting (recently, fewer than three articles per issue). The rest of the issue becomes cyberjunk. Then, I receive the paper copy and find at least three more articles that deserve reading. What happens to a journal whose readers come up with zero articles per issue for a few months? If we do go in this direction, it might be better to present the title AND the abstract together in the e-mail notification. If the title alone does not appear relevant, I am most unlikely to click on the “abstract” button. However, if the abstract was there in view, I might easily download the article. Just a thought. J. DOUGLAS SCOTT have only just had occasion to IAtlantic read your review of the Geoscience Society (AGS) publication, The Last Billion Years – A Geological His- CONFERENCE NEWS (Cont’d from p. 18) applications to rocks, minerals, and silicate glasses; economic and environmental geology; and remote sensing of urban settings and planetary surfaces. The practical sessions provided insights into techniques using cutting- edge techniques and technology, including FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) and micro-FTIR transmission and reflection spectroscopy, a FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared Radiometer) camera, an ASD spectrometer, and data from the ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) instrument. The atmosphere throughout the talks and 22 NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 T H E E D I T O R tory of the Maritime Provinces of Canada (MAC Newsletter, Number 71, December 2003). As a contributor to the book, I would like to thank you for your kind words of praise, and for your suggestions for improvements, which I am certain will be taken into account when a second edition is undertaken. However, I must point out that the AGS is not an exclusively Nova Scotian organization, and the book, as indicated by its title, deals with the geological history of New Brunswick as well as Nova Scotia, a fact that is clear during even a casual perusal of the text, maps, and illustrations. For example, the locations of all photographs are indicated in the captions, although, as the reviewer suggests, perhaps a location map could have been included as well. Furthermore, it will be obvious to the reader that Chapter 8 discusses the mineral wealth of both provinces, not just Nova Scotia. I was particularly dismayed to note that no acknowledgement is made of the contributions from New Brunswick geoscientists, a number of whom were also involved in practical sessions was that of an open discussion rather than a formal lecture, which fostered discussion of current uses and limitations of IR spectroscopy as well as future directions for IR spectroscopy technique and instrument development. The course also resulted in the publication of the MAC short-course volume 33, edited by King, Ramsey, and Swayze. The short course was followed on May 12 by a special session at the joint annual meeting of the Geological Association of Canada and the Mineralogical Association of Canada. This session consisted of 13 oral presentations relating laboratory, field, airborne, and spaceborne remote writing, editing, illustrations, etc. To be sure, the production team was composed of a majority of Nova Scotian scientists, including project leaders Graham Williams and Rob Fensome of GSC Atlantic. Nevertheless, the reviewer, although a resident of New Brunswick’s neighbour to the north, has given disappointingly short shrift to the existence of this province, and to its geoscientists. The AGS is understandably thrilled with the success of The Last Billion Years, and I thank you for bringing it to your readers’ attention. In closing, I will observe that the Society benefits from its regional, as opposed to merely provincial, flavour, as I’m sure your current President Dan Kontak, a former President of AGS, will agree. Sincerely, REG WILSON Past-President, AGS c/o New Brunswick Geological Surveys Branch Bathurst, New Brunswick Note from the editor: Apologies to New Brunswich geoscientists for this oversight. sensing IR analyses to applications in volcanology; the identification of rocks, minerals, mineraloids, and weathering; economic geology; biology; image analysis; and environmental geology. Together, the GAC-MAC special session and the short course talks, practical sessions, and volume provide a range of techniques that are being used to apply infrared spectroscopy to a broad range of significant scientific questions. Overall, the IR topical program was well received; one indication of success was the interest of participants to informally continue the dialogue on IR spectroscopy that was begun during the short course and special session. NEWSLETTER OF THE MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA NUMBER 72, JUNE 2004 C A L E N D A R August 2–6, 2004 53rd Annual Denver X-ray Conference, Sheraton Steamboat Resort, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, U.S.A. Plenary Session on “Red Hot X-rays” will explore different uses of X-ray analysis in the study of volcanology. For information, www.dxcicdd.com or dxc@icdd.com August 20–28, 2004 Italia 2004 – From the Mediterranean Area toward a Global Geological Renaissance, Florence, Italy. 32nd International Geological Congress. For more information, www.32igc.org/default1.htm or secretariat@32igc.org the annual meeting of the Mineralogical Association of Canada, the Geological Association of Canada, the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists, and the Canadian Society of Soil Science. Contact information rob.raeside@acadiau.ca or www.halifax2005.ca May 20–24, 2005 15th V. M. Goldschmidt Conference, Moscow, Idaho. More information can be obtained at www.gold2005.uidaho.edu or gold2005@uidaho.edu September 19–22, 2004 ICAM 2004, 8th International Congress on Applied Mineralogy, Águas de Lindóia, Sao Paulo, Brazil. For more information, dpaktunc@NRCan.gc.ca or visit www.icam2004.org August 7–11, 2005 Platinum-Group Elements – From Genesis to Beneficiation and Environmental Impact, the 10th International Platinum Symposium, Oulu, Finland. Deadline for abstract submission: February 28, 2005. For more information, http://platinumsymposium.oulu.fi or congressoul@uoulu.fi September 13–15, 2004 CMA2004, Sudbury, Ontario. The 36th Annual Conference of the Canadian Mineral Analysts will be hosted by Geoscience Laboratories in Sudbury, Ontario. For more information, www.2004cma.com and ed.debicki@ndm.gov.on.ca August 18–21, 2005 Mineral Deposit Research: Meeting the Global Challenge, 8th Internationals SGA Biennial Meeting, Beijing, China. For information, contact Dr. Jingwen Mao at mail@sga2005.com December 6–7, 2004 Micro- and Mesoporous Mineral Phases, Rome, Italy. www.lcm3b.uhp-nancy.fr/cims/ micromesoporous.htm September 20–23, 2005 XVI Congreso Geologico Argentino, La Plata, Argentina. www.congresogeologico.org.ar/ April 24–27, 2005 Canadian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Annual Meeting, Toronto 2005. www.cim.org/mce/toronto2005/ May 15–18, 2005 Halifax 2005: Building Bridges – across Science, through Time, around the World, July 23–28, 2006 19th General Meeting of the International Mineralogical Association, Kobe, Japan. www.congre.co.jp/ima2006/ For an exhaustive listing of meetings of mineralogical interest, consult Dr. Andrea Koziol’s web page at http://homepages.udayton.edu/~koziol/meetings.html NOUVELLES DE L’ASSOCIATION MINÉRALOGIQUE DU CANADA NUMÉRO 72, JUIN 2004 O U T S I D E N E W S CALL FOR PROPOSALS FOR SYMPOSIA GOLDSCHMIDT 2005 Proposals for symposia/special sessions for the 2005 Goldschmidt Meeting in Moscow, Idaho, U.S.A. are now being solicited. Several broad themes have been identified for the meeting and an International Program Committee (IPC) has been appointed (see the website www.uidaho.edu/ gold2005 for details). The IPC consists of a chairperson (Peter Larson; plarson@wsu.edu) and at least two international representatives for each theme. The IPC will evaluate each proposed symposium to minimize overlap and ensure broad coverage of the themes. To propose a symposium, please contact either the IPC Chair or one of the appropriate thematic representatives (again, see the conference website for contact information). The proposal can be as simple as an e-mail giving the title of the proposed symposium, a brief statement of the relevance and expected interest level, and the names of potential organizers/session chairs of the symposium (who will solicit papers from appropriate contributors). We will entertain proposals even if they do not appear to fit under any of the highlighted themes. Proposals for symposia/special sessions will be accepted for consideration up until September 1, 2004. However, we recommend submission of proposals as soon as possible. IMA NEWS The Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names (CNMMN) of the International Mineralogical Association has set up a subcommittee to review the alunite supergroup (sulfate, phosphate, and arsenate), with Dr. Peter Bayliss as chairman. The current situation is that the classification scheme of Keith Scott published in 1987 (Am. Mineral. 72, 178-187) was approved by CNMMN. The unapproved classification of John Jambor published in 1999 (Can. Mineral. 37, 1323-1341) is in closer conformity with the recommendations of CNMMN, which advocates strict adherence to the 50% rule. Keith Scott and John Jambor have discussed this further (Can. Mineral. 38, 1295-1297 and 298-1303). Peter Bayliss 23 NEW PUBLICATIONS 2004 MINERALOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA Platinum-Group Elements: Petrology, Geochemistry, Mineralogy Eds.: James E. Mungall, William P. Meurer, and Robert F. Martin Interest in the geology of platinum-group element (PGE) deposits has never been higher than at present, because of a combination of burgeoning industrial applications such as catalytic converters or fuel cells in automobile, relatively stable high prices, and diminishing reserves in some of the world’s largest PGE mining camps. This issue of The Canadian Mineralogist presents 29 original research papers on the petrology, geochemistry, and mineralogy of PGE deposits. Most of these articles were presented at the 9th International Platinum Symposium held in Montana, in July 2002. TI 42-2, 456 PAGES, 2004 US$40 (outside Canada), CAN$40(in Canada) (member price US$32/CAN$32) Contents 1. An Introduction to Infrared Spectroscopy for Geochemistry and Remote Sensing – C. Hirschmugl 2. Spectroscopy of Rocks and Minerals, and Principles of Spectroscopy – R.N. Clark 3. Laboratory Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Methods for Geologic Samples – P.L. King, M.S. Ramsey, P.F. McMillan, and G. Swayze 4. Infrared Spectroscopy of Silicate Glasses with Application to Natural Systems – P.L. King, P.F. McMillan, and G.M. Moore 5. Thermal Conductivity and Thermodynamic Properties from Infrared Spectra – A.M. Hofmeiser 6. Imaging Spectrometry of Urban Materials – D.A. Roberts and M. Herold 7. Using Reflectance Spectroscopy to Evaluate Minerals of Environmental Concern – G.A. Swayze 8. Quantitative Geological Surface Processes Extracted from Infrared Spectroscopy and Remote Sensing - M.S. Ramsey 9. Hydrothermal Mineral Zoning within an Eroded Stratocone: Remote Sensing Spectral Analysis of Brokeoff Volcano, California – J.K. Crowley, J.C. Mars, D.A. John, L.J.P. Muffler, and M.A. Clynne 10. Spaceborne and Airborne Remote Sensing Systems for Mineral Exploration – Case Studies Using Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy – S.L. Perry Infrared Spectroscopy in Geochemistry, Exploration Geochemistry, and Remote Sensing Eds.: P.L. King, M.S. Ramsey, and G.A. Swayze Infrared spectroscopy has been widely used in organic chemistry; however, the technique can be applied successfully to a range of applications. Short-course volume 33 highlights applications in analytical geochemistry, environmental geochemistry, and remote sensing, with particular emphasis on ore deposit exploration and hazard assessment at volcanoes, urban areas, and deserts. SC33, 284 PAGES PLUS 16-PAGE COLOR INSERT, 2004 ISBN 0-921294-33-6 US$40 (outside Canada), CAN$40 (in Canada) (member price US$32/CAN$32) Prices include shipping by surface mail P.O. Box 78087, Meriline Postal Outlet 1460 Merivale Road, Ottawa ON Canada K2E 1B1 Tel. & fax: (613) 226-4651 You can fax your credit card order to 613-226-4651 or O R D E R O N L I N E www.mineralogicalassociation.ca 11. Estimating Chalcopyrite and Pyrrhotite/Pentlandite in Ores of the Sudbury Mines Using Visible and Infrared Spectroscopy – B. Rivard, E.A. Gallie, and J. Feng 12. Surfaces of the Terrestrial Planets Revealed by Infrared Spectroscopy – J.R. Johnson