The thorium, uranium and zirconium concentrations in bauxites and their relationship to bauxite genesis

Abstract

For some time it has been known that certain bauxites contain greater amounts of thorium and uranium than the average crustal rocks. The primary purpose of this study was to make a general survey of bauxites to investigate the distribution of radioactive elements, and determine the significance of this distribution. In addition to contributing to the geochemical know ledge of thorium and uranium, the results of this study may have some economic value. The possibility of byproduct recovery of thorium is suggested, also the possible use of radiometry in prospecting for aluminum ore.