Trace Minerals in West Virginia Coals

Rutile contains no trace elements, but is a common trace mineral in coal of detrital origin and is generally closely associated with other detrital minerals, as in the SEM photomicrograph shown here (dots at the bottom of the photograph are each 10 µm apart).  Submicron rutile grains mainly occur within clay mineral partings, but may also be present in minor amounts throughout generally low mineral matter coals where they are likely windblown in origin.  Here 1-2 µm rutile grains are shown within clay minerals, mainly illite, containing a chalcopyrite crystal and small fragmented organic coal particles.
 

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Page last revised: March 1, 2002

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            West Virginia Geological & Economic Survey
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