• Proceedings of the KSEEG Conference
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• 2005.04a
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• pp.98-100
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• 2005

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.126-138
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• 1997

Serpentinite of the Yesan-Gongju-Cheongyang area has been formed by serpentinization of ultramafic rocks. The ultramafic rock might be composed mainly of oilvine with minor pyroxene and amphibole. Olivine has a considerably restricted chemical compositional ranging from Fo90 to Fo93. Fresh serpentinite containing large amount of oilvine is usually massive in occurrence and dark green to black in color. Serpentine minerals occur not only as major mineral of serpentinite, but also as remnants in the talc ore which was formed from serpentinite. XRD study indicates that antigorie is the most abundant serpentine mineral of the serpentinite. Serpentinite consisting of antigorite usually shows non-pseudomorphic texture, whereas that consisting of lizardite shows pseudomorphic texture. Antigorite is found along the margins or fractures of olivine grains resulting in the formation of network of magnetite which was formed at the time of serpentinization. Lizardite, subordinate constituent mineral of serpentinite, frequently shows pseudomorphic mesh-texture after olivine. The chemical differences between antigorite and lizardite/chrysotile are small, so both minerals are not easily discernible with the electron microprobe. Antigorite occuers as elongate blades, flakes, or plates forming interpenetrating texture to obliterate previous textures. SEM study also shows that most serpentine minerals occur in platy or tabular form rather than in asbestiform. Fractures formed after main serpentinization are observed within the pseudomorphic central olivine grain. Careful observation of the serpentine pseudomorphs gives a great deal of data on the pre-serpentinization nature of the serpentine pseudomorphs gives a great deal of data on the pre-serpentinization nature of the ultramafic rocks. It is inferred that the serpentinization took place after the emplacement of ultramafic body into the relatively wet environment ceased and the cooling intrusive body crossed into the stability field of serpentine. It is inferred that the final pervasive serpentinization took place over a long time, by hydrothermal water supplied through the fracture system produced during emplacement of ultramafic rock.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.261-270
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• 2019

Because the estimation of the tensile strength is very important in any geotechnical project, many attempts have been made to determine. But the immediate determination of the tensile strength is usually difficult owing to well-shaped specimens, time-consuming, expensive and sometimes unreliable. In this study, engineering properties of several ultramafic rock samples were measured to assess the correlations between the Brazilian Tensile Strength (BTS) and degree of serpentinization, physical, dynamic and mechanical characteristics. For this purpose, a comprehensive laboratory testing program was conducted after collecting thirty-two peridotite and fifty-one serpentinite rock samples, taken from central Greece, in accordance with ASTM and ISRM standards. In addition, a representative number of them were subjected to petrographic studies and the obtained results were statistically described and analysed. Simple and multiple regression analyses were used to investigate the relationships between the Brazilian Tensile Strength and the other measured properties. Thus, empirical equations were developed and they showed that all of the properties are well correlated with Brazilian Tensile Strength. The curves with the $45^{\circ}$ line (y = x) were extracted for evaluating the validity degree of concluded empirical equations which approved approximately close relationships between Brazilian Tensile Strength and the measured properties.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.29-40
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• 1993

Several vermiculite deposits occur as the alteration product from phlogopite in ultramafic rock, in the Hongseong and Cheongyang area, South Korea. Some quarries show well-defined weathering profile. Samples collected from those quarries were examined by XRD and chemistry to define a vertical variations in mineralogy and chemistry of the weathering profile developed on ultramafic rocks. The analysis by X-ray diffractometry showed that mineral compositions changed continuously as depth of profile increasing, the vermiculite-the phlogopite/vermiculite interstratified-the phlogopite. Chemical analysis of bulk samples in altered zone revealed that regardless of composition and kinds of mineral in the rock, there are significant increase of MgO, CaO and $H_2O$, and decrease of K as depth of profile decrease reflecting the characteristics in vermiculitization. Also, there was a tendency that weathering indicies of each sample horizon change gradually with increasing depth. This tendency can be explained as variations of degree of vermiculitization. The regular changes of mineralogical and chemical composition in vertical profile suggest that weathering is the most important process in vermiculitization in this area.

• Korean Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.323-336
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• 2023

We investigated the nickel potential and genesis of ultramafic rocks in the Yugu area to secure nickel resources in South Korea. The Yugu ultramafic rocks, located in the southwest of the Gyeonggi Massif, are characterized by spinel peridotite and exhibit strong serpentinization along their boundaries. The serpentinization is observed as olivine transformed to antigorite and chrysotile, while pentlandite, the nickel sulfide mineral, altered into millerite and awaruite. Serpentine displays distinct foliation, aligning subparallel to the ultramafic rock boundaries and foliation of Yugu gneiss. This suggests that the uplift of ultramafic rocks resulted in hydrothermal infiltration likely sourced from the Yugu gneiss metamorphism. The Yugu ultramafic rocks are residues after 5~18% partial melting of abyssal peridotite. Enriched light rare earth elements and Eu imply secondary metasomatism. Geochemistry suggests a link between the formation of Yugu ultramafic rock and the Triassic collision of the North and South China continents. The nickel content is around 0.17~0.21%, mainly contained in olivine and serpentine. Hence, in addition to the mineral processing study on the sulfide minerals, focused studies on oxide minerals for enhanced nickel recovery within the Yugu ultramafic rock are strongly suggested.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.363-378
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• 1991

Field and microscopic evidence, XRD,EPMA and chemical data suggest that parent rock of talc ore deposits of Yesan district was originated from ultramafic igneous rock. Parent rock can be divided into serpentinized dunite, serpentinized peridotite, metagabbro, amphibolite and hornblende schist. The ore deposits are highly sheared, and show many evidences of hydrothermal alteration and metamorphism at the greenschist and albite-epidote amphibolite facies. The process of steatitization is variable depending upon the composition, and the degree of alteration and metamorphism of the parent rocks. Steatitization can be divided into two processes with or without serpentinization. The parent rocks with serpentinization are serpentinized dunite, serpentinized peridotite and metagabbro, showing the following alteration process; olivine ${\rightarrow}$ serpentine${\rightarrow}$ talc. The rocks without serpentinization are amphibolite and hornblende schist showing the following sequence; hornblende${\rightarrow}$ chlorite${\rightarrow}$ talc. Formation of talc deposits is summarized as following six stages; I) Intrusion of ultramafic rocks, 2) autometamorphism, 3) metamorphism at greenschist and albite-epidote-amphibolite facies, 4) brittle deformation, 5) hydrothermal alteration, 6) purification of low-grade talc by late dyke intrusion.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.131-144
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• 2019

The Seosan Geomenyeo(black submerged rocks), once located at the Cheonsuman bay of Buseokmyeon in Seosan, Korea, is a reef rock now exposed on the land surface. The Geomenyeo can also be found in the ancient geographic maps around the area. The local geographic names, like Buseok and Buseoksa temple are derived from the Geomenyeo. It is composed of ultramafic rocks complex and intrusive felsic igneous rocks. These rocks show diverse facies with various petrographic characteristics caused by geological processes such as intrusion and alteration. Ultramafic rocks complex can be roughly categorized as coarse grained ultramafic rocks and medium grained mafic rocks. Both cases are composed of pyroxene and amphibole, showing the general rock facies of pyroxenite, diabase and lamprophyre. Felsic igneous rocks includes pinkish medium grained granite, porphyritic amphibole granite and aplite with varied mineral compositions. The Geomenyeo is the only ultramafic rocks complex in the Cheonsuman Bay; moreover, it has a distinctive geological and scenic value, as well as a symbolic property. In order to preserve the Geomenyeo, it is necessary to investigate and promote it as a designated heritage site through academic studies, and compensate for the convenience and protection facilities. Additionally, the Geomenyeo should be evaluated as a maritime heritage site, due to the unique local culture as it succeeds the recognition of forefathers which regarded it as a local scenic site with significance.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.323-336
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• 2000

Ultramafic rocks in Choongnam area are mainly serpenitinites which are parent rock of talc and asbestos ore deposits. About 10 $^{\circ}$ NNE-trending parallel serpentinites masses occur as discontineous isolated lenticular intrusive bodies in Precambrian gneiss complex between Hongseong-Kwangcheon line and Onyang-Cheongyang line. The sizes of serpentinites vary from several centimeters to 1 kilometer in width and from several meters to 5 kilometers in length. The serpentinites show high SiO$_2$(39.99wt.% in average), MgO(38.46wt % in average), Cr(>1011ppm), Ni(>1660ppm), and Co(>80ppm). Most serpentinites contain serpentine more than 50%. Some serpentines contain original minerals such as olivine, pyroxene and chromite. Also, serpentinites body may contain a little serpentinized peridotite, and some talc and asbestos ore deposits. The original rocks of the serpentinites interpreted as Alpine type ultramafic rocks, and dunite and/or harzburgite which were originated from slightly depleted upper mantle(30${\sim}$40km deep), and emplaced in the crust through the large fault zones. It seems that main serpentinization from the original rocks was occurred during greenschist and/or amphibolite facies regional metamorphism in Choongnam area.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.477-497
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• 2004

In the Hongseong and Kwangcheon areas, two ultramafic rocks are exposed as isolated bodies in the Precambrian Kyeonggi gneiss complex. The ultramafic rocks extend for several hundred meters to NNE direction and are contact with adjacent metasediments by steeply dipping faults. The rocks are dunite or harzburgite showing dominantly equigranular-mosaic and protogranular textures with a minor amount of porphyroclastic textures. They contain varying amounts of fosteritic olivine (F$o_{0.91-0.93}$), magnesian pyroxene (E$n_{0.89-0.93}$) and tremolitic to magnesian hornblende with minor amounts of spinel, serpentine, chlorite, magnetite, phlogopite and talc. The rocks are in contrast with adjacent gneiss complex or metabasite (amphibole, biotite, plagioclase, alkali-feldspar and quartz). Geochemically, these ultramafic rocks are characterized by high magnesium number (M$g_#$> 0.88) and transitional element (mainly, Ni>1716 ppm, Cr>1789 ppm), low alkali element (e.g. $K_2$O<0.09 wt.%, Na$_2$O<0.19 wt.%) and depletion of incompatible elements. The calculated correlation coefficients showed good positive correlations among the ferrous (e.g. Sc, V, Zn) elements, incompatible elements (e.g. REE), and among SiO$_2$ or $Al_2$O$_3$ with ferrous elements, whereas negative correlations are appeared between Ni and major elements. These results involve increasing of the ferrous- and $Al_2$O$_3$-bearing minerals(e.g. amphibole and mica) with decreasing of Mg-bearing minerals (e.g. olivine) depending on the degree of alteration. Calculated geothermometries and mineral assemblages suggest that the ultramafic rocks have been metamorphosed through the condition from the greenschist to amphibolite facies. Compared with ultramafic rocks elsewhere, it is thought that those of the Hongseong and Kwangcheon areas are derivatives of the depleted sources since they are depleted in incompatible elements including REE abundances. Moreover overall characteristics of the ultramafic rocks are similar to the those of orogenic related Alpine type ultramafic rocks, especially, shallow mantle slab varieties.

• Proceedings of the Mineralogical Society of Korea Conference
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• 2003.05a
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• pp.67-67
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• 2003

The chemical compositions and textural relationships of the Nb-Zr oxide minerals including pyrochlore [ideally (Ca,Na)$_2$Nb$_2$O$\sub$6/(OH,F), with up to 24% UO$_2$ and 16% Ta$_2$O$\sub$5/] and baddeleyite [ideally ZrO$_2$, with up to 6% Nb$_2$O$\sub$5/] in the Sokli carbonatite complex, Kola Peninsula, Arctic are described. These two minerals in carbonatites are the major hosts for the HFSEs such as U, Th, Ta, Nb, Zr and Hf and thus are interest both economically and petrologically. The Sokli carbonatite complex (360-370 Ma) in Northern Finland, which forms a part of the Paleozoic Kola Alkaline Province (KAP), is mainly composed of multi-stages of carbonatite and phoscorite associations (P1-C1 P2-C2, P3-C3, D4 and D5) surrounded by altered ultramafic rocks (olivinite and pyroxenite) and cut by numerous small dikes of ultramafic lamprophyre. The Sokli complex contains the highest concentration in niobium and probably in tantalum, which are economically very important to modern steel technology, among the ultramafic-alkaline complexes of the KAP. Pyrochlore and baddeleyite mostly concentrate in the phoscorites. Pyrochlores in the Sokli complex are generally rounded octahedra and cubes in shape, red brown to grey yellow in color, and 0.2 to 5 mm in size. They are found in all calcite carbonatites, phoscorites and dolomite carbonatites, except P1-C1 rocks. These pyrochlores display remarkable zonations which depend on host rock compositions, and have significant compositional variations with evolution of the Sokli complex. The common variation scheme is that (1) early pyrochlore is highly enriched in U and Ta; (2) these elements decrease abruptly in the intermediate stage, while Th and Ce increase, and (3) late stage pyrochlore is low in U, Ta, Th, and Ce, and correspondingly high in Nb. Baddeleyites in the Sokli complex occur in the early P1-C1 and P2-C2 rocks and rarely in P3. They crystallized earlier than pyrochlores, and occasionally show post-magmatic corrosion and replacement. The FeO and TiO$_2$ contents of baddeleyites are much lower than those of the other terrestrial and lunar baddeleyites, whereas Nb$_2$O$\sub$5/ and Ta$_2$O$\sub$5/ contents are the highest among the reported compositions. Ta/Nb and Zr/Nb ratios of pyrochlores and baddeleyites decrease towards later stage facies, which is in accordance with the whole rock compositions. The variation of Ta/Nb and Zr/Nb ratios of pyrochlores and baddeleyites is considered to be a good indicator to trace an evolution of the carbonatite complexes.